Nea Michaniona
Nea Michaniona is built in one of the most panoramic locations of Thermaikos Gulf, in the area of ancient AINEIA.
BRIEF HISTORY
The wider area has been inhabited at least since prehistoric times, which is evidenced by a series of “mounds” rising from Megalo Embolos to Kallikrateia. Among these mounds, within the administrative limits of the Municipality of Michaniona, is included the mound of Tambia that stands on the steep coast above the wetland of Aliki. Its location is identical to the location of the city “Aineia”, which was an important city during historical times. Important finds of the area are exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki.
The settlement of N. Michanionas was founded in 1923 as part of the population exchange by refugees, the majority coming from the area of Kyzikos in Propontida. This first installation was carried out on an area of approximately 450 acres. In 1931, with the distribution of agricultural land, an additional 50 acres were added to the settlement. In 1948, a zoning plan was approved over an area of approximately 650 acres, generally following the already formed state of the built-up area and extended to the already distributed parcels.
The area of Michaniona until 1926 was administratively under the Community of Epanomi. It then became a separate community, which also included the settlements of N. Kerasia and Angelochori. Along the way, the settlements of Angelochori and N. Kerasia formed separate administrative units (communities). From January 1, 1994, the Community of N. Michaniona was transformed into a Municipality as it exceeded 5000 inhabitants. From January 1, 1995 there was a voluntary merger between the Municipality of Michaniona and the Community of Kerasia, and in 1997 the Community of Angelochori was integrated into the said Municipality. In 2010 the Municipality of Michanionas was incorporated into the new Municipality of Thermaikos.
Nea Michaniona is famous for the largest medium-sized fishing fleet in Greece (the installation of the fish ladder in 1998 made it the center of management and trade of fish and shellfish for the whole of Northern Greece) but also for the Merchant Marine Academy (since 1968) which supplies well qualified officers in Greek and not only Shipping.
INTEREST TO THE VISITOR
Nea Michaniona is a city with many faces waiting to reveal them to all kinds of visitors. To the nature lover, there is a small terrestrial paradise of rare flora and fauna to be discovered in the area of Tumbarli beach at Cape Tuzla, which with its crystal clear waters offers an ideal destination of special natural beauty for moments of relaxation by the sea.
For the archeologist finds from the Roman and early Christian times (a table-shaped tomb known as “Toumba Tabia” or Kum Kale, cemeteries of Roman and early Christian times).
To the pilgrim one of the most imposing churches, the Church of Panagia Faneromeni, where the icon of the same name is kept, which has been preserved from the era of iconoclasm, and the picturesque church of Agios Nikolaos, patron of sailors, in the port of Michaniona. A well-known attraction for visitors is the trade fair of N. Michaniona that takes place every year during the celebration of the church of Panagia Faneromeni on August 23.
Despite its tourist development, it has largely preserved the characteristics of the traditional village. So when the sun goes down, the central square is filled with people strolling, enjoying their coffee or drink, their famous donuts or fresh fish on an excellent “balcony” with a view of the vast blue sky and the imposing Mount Olympus.
Many cultural events take place during the summer season. The famous “Sardella Festival”, which attracts a large number of visitors with well-known and renowned artists, has become particularly well-known.
