Thessaloniki Oreokastro

General information

The settlement of Oreokastro, a suburb located north of Thessaloniki, is a nice choice for an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city center. Though the area has been inhabited since ancient times, the history of Oreokastro begins in 1922, when Greek refugees from the Caucasus and the Pontus region settled here. Today, it has evolved into a bustling contemporary town with its own sports and cultural facilities.

The main reason to visit it is, undoubtedly, Lake Oreokastro, a small yet important artificial lake created to cover the area’s irrigation needs. Surrounded by woodland and hills, the lake is home to various bird and other animal species and has evolved into a significant ecosystem for the local fauna. The setting is truly perfect for anyone seeking peace and relaxation and is ideal for walks, picnics and other recreational outdoor activities.

However, Oreokastro also boasts a small architectural gem: the Church of Saint George. Built in the Russian style by a Greek who remigrated from the former Soviet Union, the church is entirely made of wood specially imported from Russia. The construction was carried out by Russian engineers, who followed age-old traditional techniques with particular attention to detail. It is, for example, striking that not a single nail was used in the entire edifice! Adorned with gilded onion domes that glisten under the sunlight, the Church of Saint George looks truly lovely and is well worth a visit, even though it is currently not possible to get inside.