Katerini
Katerini
| Katerini Κατερίνη |
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 Street in Katerini |
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| Location | |
 Katerini
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| Coordinates | 40°16′N 22°30′E / 40.267°N 22.5°ECoordinates: 40°16′N 22°30′E / 40.267°N 22.5°E |
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Location within the periphery
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| Government | |
| Country: | Greece |
| Periphery: | Central Macedonia |
| Peripheral unit: | Pieria |
| Mayor: | Savvas Chionidis |
| Population statistics (as of 2001) | |
| Municipality | |
| - Population: | 83,764 |
| - Area: | 682.4 km2 (263 sq mi) |
| - Density: | 123 /km2 (318 /sq mi) |
| Municipal unit | |
| - Population: | 56,434 |
| - Area: | 93.7 km2 (36 sq mi) |
| - Density: | 602 /km2 (1,560 /sq mi) |
| Community | |
| - Population: | 52,709 |
| Other | |
| Time zone: | EET/EEST (UTC+2/3) |
| Elevation (center): | 14 m (46 ft) |
| Postal: | 601 00 |
| Telephone: | 23510 |
| Auto: | KN |
| Website | |
| www.katerini.gr | |
Katerini (Greek: Κατερίνη, former name: Αικατερίνη - Aikaterini; "Catherine") is a town in Central Macedonia, Greece, the capital of Pieria peripheral unit. It lies on the Pierian plain, between Mt. Olympus and the Thermaikos Gulf, at an altitude of 14 m. The town, which is one of the newest in Greece, has a population of 83,764 (according to the 2001 census). It is near the city of Thessaloniki, Greece's second largest city, which has been beneficial for Katerini's development over recent years. Katerini is accessible from the main Thessaloniki–Athens highway GR-1/E75 (with two interchanges near the town) and the Egnatia Odos to the north. It is served by both Intercity and local trains on the main railway line from Athens to Thessaloniki and there is a comprehensive regional and national bus service with its hub in the town.
A popular tourist destination, Katerini is close to the sea (6 km) and to several archaeological sites of great interest such as the ancient city of Dion (5th century BC, 17 km away) and the Venetian Castle of Platamon. The beaches of Korinos, Paralia and Olympiaki Akti (or Katerinoskala) are visited by both Greek and international tourists during the summer. The roots of Mount Olympus and the town of Litochoro, are at a distance of around 20 kilometres away from the centre of Katerini.
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Name
The town's name stems from Catherine of Alexandria (Agia Aikaterini; Αγία Αικατερίνη), a Greek Orthodox Martyr who lived in 4th century AD. It was liberated from the Ottomans on 16 October 1912. During the Nazi régime it was captured by the German army on 14 April 1941 and was liberated three years later. Katerini is referenced in the Mikis Theodorakis' song To treno feugei stis okto (The Train Leaves At 8) with lyrics by the poet Manos Eleftheriou. This song still remains popular today.
Municipality
The municipality Katerini was formed at the 2011 local government reform by the merger of the following 6 former municipalities, that became municipal units:
- Elafina
- Katerini
- Korinos
- Paralia
- Petra
- Pierioi
Football
Katerini is home to two football teams; Pierikos, a football team currently playing in the Second Division. The other is Ethnikos Katerini.
Historical population
| Year | Town population | Municipality population |
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| 1981 | 38,404 | - |
| 1991 | 43,613 | 48,673 |
| 2001 | 50,510 | 56,576 |
| 2008 | 58,654 | 61,865 |
Significant Natives
- Alexandros Tziolis- Footballer
- Kyriakos Papadopoulos- Footballer
- Stelios Malezas- Footballer
International relations
Twin towns — Sister cities
Katerini is twinned with:
See also
- Communities of Pieria
- ^ "Δείτε τη Διοικητική Διαίρεση" (in Greek). Hellenic Interior Ministry. www.ypes.gr. http://www.ypes.gr/UserFiles/f0ff9297-f516-40ff-a70e-eca84e2ec9b9/D_diairesi.xls. Retrieved 09 September 2009.
- ^ Kallikratis law Greece Ministry of Interior (Greek)
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Prefectural Capitals of