Kateríni can be explored through three distinct themes: the central city park, memorial sites in the squares in the city center, and Pontian culture at the Folklore Museum of the Pontianian Union of Pieria. These offer different ways to shape your travel plans: Would you like to discover a green space, put the city’s recent history into context, or learn about the history and experience of displacement of the Pontian community? Your answer can give your stay a particular focus.

The city park as a green focal point

The city park is the largest green space in the city and is located in the center. It covers 52 acres and features lush vegetation, ponds, paths, fountains and places to rest. Vegetation and water shape the park; paths and places to rest complete the picture. Its central location is a helpful reference point for finding your way around Kateríni. At the same time, the park’s green and waterside areas make it a focal point in its own right. If you would like to make a point of including a green space in your city stay, you can add the city park to your plans.

From training ground to city park

Military exercises by the Ottomans took place on the city park grounds in the late 19th century. After Kateríni was liberated, the area began to be transformed into a city park. The site’s history can thus be divided into two periods: its earlier military use and its later development as an urban green space. This change over time offers a distinct way to explore the park and adds the history of the site to the picture of its design.

Memorial sites in the city center

The squares in central Kateríni feature statues, monuments and traditional buildings that commemorate the residents’ painful recent past. In contrast to the city park, the focus here is not on a green space but on the city’s culture of remembrance. These places complement the park’s history with another perspective on Kateríni: history is reflected both in the changing use of a site and in the memorials in central squares. For travelers interested in the recent past, they offer a distinct thematic focus.

Pontian culture at the museum

The Folklore Museum of the Pontianian Union of Pieria, located in Kateríni, offers another perspective. It displays photographs and documents about the history and experience of displacement of the Pontian community. The museum also regularly hosts traditional dances, music performances and themed exhibitions. The collection and events offer different points of focus: the photographs and documents draw attention to history and displacement, while the dances, music and exhibitions offer various forms of cultural engagement. If you are interested in a particular event, check the latest dates before planning your trip.

Focal points for your hotel search

When looking for a hotel in Kateríni, it helps to decide on your main focus first: Would you like the city park, the city’s recent history or Pontian culture to shape your choice? Then compare the accommodation details with the places you would like to visit. If a museum event is important to you, check the dates in advance and take them into account when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Nei Pori, Litochoro, Dion, Skotina Anatolikos Olympos, Paralia, Makrygialos, Platamonas, Koukos.

For the broader travel overview: Pieria.