- Katerini
Infobox Greek Dimos
name = Katerini
name_local = Κατερίνη
periph =Central Macedonia
prefec =Pieria
population = 56434
population_as_of = 2001
area = 93.659
elevation = 14
lat_deg = 40
lat_min = 16
lon_deg = 22
lon_min = 30
postal_code = 601 00
area_code = 23510
licence = KN
mayor = Savvas Chionidis
website = [http://www.katerini.gr www.katerini.gr]
caption_skyline = The Municipal Park in Katerini
city_
city_
districts =
party =
since =
elevation_min =
elevation_max =Katerini ( _el. Κατερίνη, Old name: Ekaterini, Old name in Greek: Αικατερίνη;) is a town in Central Macedonia, Greece, the capital of
Pieria prefecture. It lies on the Pierian plain, between Mt. Olympus and the Thermaikos Gulf, at an altitude of 14 m. The town, which is one of the newest in Greece, has a population of 56,576 (according to the 2001census ). It is near the city ofThessaloniki , Greece's second largest city, which has been beneficial for Katerini's development over recent years. Katerini is accessible from the main Thessaloniki–Athens highway GR-1/E75 (with two interchanges near the town) and the Egnatia Odos to the north. It is served by both Intercity and local trains on the main railway line from Athens to Thessaloniki and there is a comprehensive regional and national bus service with its hub in the town.A popular tourist destination, Katerini is close to the sea (6 km) and to several archaeological sites of great interest such as the ancient city of Dion (5th century BC, 17 km away) and the Venetian Castle of Platamon. The beaches of
Korinos , Paralia and Olympiaki Akti (or "Katerinoskala") are visited by both Greek and international tourists during the summer. The roots of Mount Olympus and the town ofLitochoro , are in a distance of around 20 kilometres away from the centre of Katerini.Name
The town's name stems from
Catherine of Alexandria ("Agia Aikaterini"), a Greek Orthodox Martyr who lived in 4th century AD. It was liberated from theOttomans on16 October ,1912 . During the Nazi régime it was captured by the German army on14 April ,1941 and was liberated three years later. Katerini is referenced in theMikis Theodorakis ' song "To treno feugei stis okto" (The Train Leaves At 8 ) with lyrics by the poet Manos Eleftheriou. This song still remains popular today.Football
Katerini is home to two football teams;
Pierikos , a football team currently playing in the Second Division. The other isEthnikos Katerini .Historical population
ister cities
*flagicon|Serbia
Čačak ,Serbia
*flagicon|AustriaMoosburg ,Austria
*flagicon|GermanyMaintal ,Germany ee also
*
Communities of Pieria References
External links
* [http://www.musesnet.gr/etimes/ The English Times of Katerini]
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