Built on a lush plateau, the border town of Florina is split in two
by the picturesque Sakoulevas river. It has been inhabited continuously since
prehistoric times, as archaeological finds show, though its present name is perhaps
related to the Byzantine settlement, Chloro.
Throughout the Ottoman occupation a large number of Muslims lived
in the town, but by the early 18th century the Greek element had begun to increase
and develop, thanks to trade and crafts, principally that of the silversmith.
The linking of Florina by rail with Thessaloniki
and Monastir in 1894 gave a new boost to the town's economy; Florina evolved into
an urban center with an active cultural and educational life, helped by the remittances
of prosperous emigrants.
From 1878
the activity of its guerrilla bands was on the increase, while its strategic location
made it a key center in the Macedonian
Struggle and a base for Greek operations in the Balkan Wars (1912-1913).
A major factor in the development of the contemporary town was the
settlement of many residents from Monastir (now Bitola) after 1912, who made a
great contribution to the intellectual and cultural renewal of the district.
By kind permission of:Ekdotike Athenon
This text is cited Nov 2003 from the Macedonian Heritage URL below, which contains image.
Tel: +30 23850 26810
In Florina one finds houses (many of which are listed) that represent
a variety of periods and architectural styles. The neighborhoods on the banks
of the Sakoulevas are typical of the folk architecture of the late 19th-early
20th century.
The houses have one storey and massive double doorways that open into
a courtyard from which an inner staircase leads to the upper floor. Often the
center of the facade meets in a pediment, while the interior decoration usually
consists of elaborately carved
wooden ceilings and cupboards.
The town houses in the city center exhibit the eclectic elements (ranging
from neo-Byzantine to art deco) popular in the 1930s. Other characteristic features
are the moulding of external surfaces with added ornamental elements and beautifully
carved wooden doors. Inside, the formal reception rooms are embellished with tapestries.
By kind permission of:Ekdotike Athenon
This text is cited Nov 2003 from the Macedonian Heritage URL below, which contains images.
23/12/2001
Low difficulty degree. Duration: 1.30h
Low level difficulty. Duration: 1.30h
Low level difficulty. Duration: 1.45h
Medium level difficulty. Duration: 3.30h
High level difficulty
High level difficulty
High level difficulty
Tel: +30 23850 22800, 23100, 22700
Tel: +30 23850 22222, 22100, 22200
Fax: +30 23850 22201
Tel: +30 23850 23083, 22222
Tel: +30 23850 67351
Tel: +30 23850 92416
Tel: +30 23853 50400
Fax: +30 23853 50401
Tel: +30 23853 51000
Tel: +30 23860 20000-9
Fax: +30 23860 20045
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