A flooded city and the screaming waterfalls in the shadow of Olympus are a unique travel experience you must discover.
Mount Olympus is the mountain of Gods and legends, the tallest Greek mountain and a beloved destination for climbers and hikers. But Olympus has much more to offer and hides many surprises. One easy and at the same time unique excursion you could do is to visit the north foothills of the mountain and especially the ancient city of Dion and the breathtaking waterfalls of Orlia. The two places are both related to the mythical Vaphyras river.
The flooded city of Dion
The ancient city of Dion is one of the most important archaeological sites in Northern Greece. It is located just 15 km from the city of Katerini, near the village of the same name. Dion was the sacred city of the Macedonians. According to tradition, it was built on the site where Macedonas, the son of Zeus, was born. The city was founded in the 5th century BC. It became closely linked to the worship of Zeus. During the reign of King Archelaos, Dion grew into an important religious and cultural centre. It even rivalled the famous Oracle of Delphi in Central Greece. Before beginning his legendary campaign to the East, Alexander the Great visited Dion. There, he sought the support and guidance of the gods.
Dion was a relatively small town. Its walls were only 2,550 metres long, and its total area was just 460,000 square metres. The city never expanded significantly. This was true both during the time of Thucydides, who mentioned Dion in his writings, and later during the early years of the Roman Empire. Despite its size, Dion was an important Roman colony. It was the first Roman colony established in Northern Greece, probably after the Battle of Actium in 31 BC. Although Latin was the official language, most of the surviving inscriptions are in Greek. This reflects the strong influence of the local population. It also shows the gradual Hellenisation of the Roman settlers.
Dion and Vaphyras River
The city was finally abandoned during the 5th century AD, after a series of earthquakes and due to the constant floods of the river Vaphyras. The river still runs through the city and floods the biggest part of the archaeological site. The water gives the place its unique character and creates a wonderful landscape. The beauty of the buildings and the statues is amplified by the dominant presence of nature, while the voices of the current inhabitants of the buildings, the frogs, follow you along the walking route of the site.
The archaeological park of Dion
Today, visitors can explore the well-organised archaeological park of Dion. Among its highlights are the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Demeter, and the Temple of Asclepius. One of the most impressive monuments is the flooded Temple of Isis. Although it was damaged by an earthquake, its statues still stand in their original positions. Visitors can also see both an ancient Greek theatre and a Roman theatre. Other notable remains include the Roman baths and the city’s impressive cobbled main avenue, where the Shield Monument stands. Another major attraction is the Villa of Dionysos. This remarkable Roman residence takes its name from a magnificent floor mosaic. The mosaic depicts a scene from the life of Dionysos, the god of wine, and decorates the villa’s main room.
The museum of Dion
The mosaic has been transferred to the nearby museum, in the centre of the modern village of Dion, along with all the other findings of the area. The museum is certainly worth a visit because it gives you a better understanding of life in ancient Dion and its importance as a religious centre. The exhibition is also very well organised, and apart from the mosaic, the most spectacular exhibit in the museum is the ancient pipe organ, which operated with the use of water.
For more information about the ancient city and the museum, visit the official site.
The screaming waterfalls of Olympus
But, as we have already mentioned, this is not the only unique place you could visit on this side of Olympus. Just 7 km from the archaeological site, the mythical waterfalls of Orlia, or Ourlia, are located. The waterfalls are created by the stream of the river Vaphyras, which at this part of the mountain is called Orlias or Ourlias due to the loud noise made by its waters (the word “ourlias” derives from the Greek word “ourliachto”, which means “screaming”).
According to the legend, Menades, the menacing wives of Zeus, after murdering Orpheus, came here to wash away his blood. But the river was ashamed and unwilling to help them, and so it disappeared underground and reached again the surface near the town of Dion.
Two waterfalls of this spectacular water complex with crystal clear waters could be very easily reached. From the centre of Dion village you follow the signs for “Katafygio Koromilia” – “Καταφύγιο Κορομηλιά”. After 4 km you see at the side of the road the small church of Konstantinos and Eleni and a few meters after you leave your car at the side of the road.
From this point follow the small signs that guide you to the waterfalls. Watch out for the red heart painted on the rock on the right side of the path, which indicates the path to the second, more spectacular waterfall. Both waterfalls have small pools in front of them, and during summer many people come here for swimming and a picnic.
No words capture their beauty
When you begin writing about places as unusual and wonderful as these, you understand how difficult it is to capture the awe you had when you first visited them. No words will ever capture their ambiance and beauty. Trust us and visit these spots; you will leave with memories that will last a lifetime.
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