veria

Veria, historically known as Beroea, is a city in Central Macedonia, Greece. It serves as the capital of the Imathia regional unit and as the seat of the municipality of Veria. The city lies in the northern Greek plain near the Vermio mountain range, about 70 kilometers northwest of Thessaloniki, and is connected to major centers by road and rail.

In antiquity, Veria was Beroea, a notable city of the kingdom of Macedon and a center of Hellenistic culture. The Acts of the Apostles record the visit of the Apostle Paul to Beroea, noting that the Bereans were diligent in examining the scriptures. Over the centuries the city remained inhabited through the Roman and Byzantine periods, later fell under Ottoman rule, and became part of the modern Greek state after the Balkan Wars of the early 20th century.

Today Veria has a historic core with traditional stone houses and narrow streets that reflect its long history. The local economy blends agriculture in the surrounding region with light industry and services, supported by fertile farmland and active markets.

The city preserves Byzantine and Ottoman-era architecture, churches, and fortifications, contributing to its cultural landscape. The Veria Archaeological Museum displays artifacts from the wider Imathia region, and the old town remains a focal point for visitors exploring central Macedonia. Veria also serves as a regional hub for nearby historical and natural sites, making it a reference point in northern Greece.