By Nicolas Bard

The impressive Enipea gorge It starts from the sources of the river, at the site of Prionia at an altitude of 1,080 meters, and descends to the picturesque Litochoro, at the foot of Olympus, at 350 meters altitude, at Myli. These two areas are linked to a 11 -kilometer -long trail, which is part of the E4 international trail.

The wider area has been declared National parcel As early as 1938, in order to protect the wild flora and fauna of the mythical mountain. The trail is well -maintained, marking all along the route, and you can also detect it online. There you will see all the grandeur of the virgin nature, with lush slopes, running waters and small lakes, as well as a multitude of birds finding refuge in the dense vegetation of the area.

Along the path you will also meet the gorgeous Eipea’s waterfall With the multi -photographed pedestal, which is full of bold visitors every summer, looking for a little cool in the crystal clear waters of the river. Note that the water is frozen, and its temperature varies just above 0 ° C. The turquoise waters of the river, as they descend from the mountain, form natural pools, while the white stones at the seabed reflect the sunlight and give a transparent look to which you can hardly resist.

Continuing the route you will find some uphill steps leading to the deserted now Agios Dionysios Monastery, at an altitude of 900 meters. The monastery was founded in the 16th century by Saint Dionysius, who built cells, chapels and mills, and then was followed by many monks. The monastery suffered major disasters, looting and many fires, as it was a revolutionary base in various historical periods. Following the markings, we return to the main path and, after a kilometer, we reach the chapel that is literally wedged on the rock. In this cave of Olympus, according to tradition, Saint Dionysius practiced and alone.

Walking in the woods you will see oaks, pine trees, firs and beeches. These big trees with their shadow make the route especially enjoyable, even during the warm summer months. Still, along the route you will find many mountain herbs and rare species of flowers, which make up a backdrop of unparalleled natural beauty. Arriving at the last hill, in the doors, you will enjoy the panoramic views of Litochoro, and from there begins the great descent to the settlement. Take two minutes to enjoy the view and the endless quiet of the place.

Litochoro is built on the eastern ends of Olympus, about 23 kilometers from Katerini, and there are 6,664 permanent residents there today. This town is the basis for many hiking, hiking and mountaineering routes on the mythical mountain, and this has made it very popular with mountain lovers. Its name comes either from mythical Leto, or is a paraphrase of the word “lithochoro”, that is, Petrinos, that is, an interpretation that is the dominant one. In old maps of Macedonia, dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, it is often referred to as “Lissas”, which means cliff or smooth stone, while less popular is the view that the name wants to come from the Byzantine word “austere”, which is prayer.

What many do not know is that Litochoro has a great maritime tradition, and when it was in acne, it employed 60% of the male population! Findings of the 4th century BC century in Dion and the River Vafira (also known as Helicon) testifies to the existence of a port dock in the area of ​​Litochoro since the time of the Macedonian state. During the Turkish occupation, there were more than 100 ships. Still, the beach of Agioi Theodoroi was then called a “fleet”, due to the many ships anchored in the area.

Shipping played an important role during the Revolution of Olympus in 1878, as Litochorika ships were transported to Thessaloniki. In the 1912-13 liberation struggles, the Litochorite seafarers Nikolaos Vlachopoulos and Michael Kofos led Admiral Nikolaos Votsis to the Thermaikos Gulf, where he managed to torpedo the flagship of the Turkish fleet. Great exhibits from the great naval history of the area can be admired today at the Litochoro Maritime Museum, which has been operating since 2002.