serres

Serres is a city in northern Greece, and the capital of the Serres regional unit in Central Macedonia. It sits in the plain of the Strymonas River, serving as an administrative and economic center for the surrounding area.

The area has a long history dating back to antiquity, with influences from Classical Greece, the Roman and Byzantine eras, and Ottoman rule. The modern city developed in the Ottoman period and became part of the Greek state in the early 20th century after the Balkan Wars, expanding as an urban center in the postwar era.

The local economy centers on agriculture, especially tobacco, grains, and fruits, along with services and light manufacturing that support the region. Cultural institutions include the Archaeological Museum of Serres and a municipal theatre, while historic churches and other monuments reflect the area’s layered past. The city hosts local festivals and markets that serve residents of the surrounding plains.

Serres is connected by road to Thessaloniki and other major cities and is served by regional bus networks; the nearest international airport is Thessaloniki’s Macedonia International Airport. The city has a population in the tens of thousands, making it the most populous urban center in the Serres regional unit.