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Veria (Berea)

Veria, Greece is important for its history, culture, and religious significance. 

History
  • Veria was a key city in the ancient Macedonian era and the Byzantine Empire.
  • It was the first Macedonian city to fall to the Roman Empire.
  • The city was captured by the Turks in 1361 and renamed Karaferiye.
Culture
  • Veria was a center of Greek culture and learning during the Byzantine and Ottoman empires.
  • It’s known as “Little Jerusalem” because of its many Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches.
  • The city has an archaeological museum and many Byzantine ruins.
Religion
  • Apostle Paul preached in Veria, and its inhabitants were among the first Christians in the Roman Empire.
  • The city has a religious monument called “St Paul’s Tribune” where Paul is said to have preached.
  • The city celebrates the festival of “Pauleia” in June to honor Paul the Apostle. 
Other significance 
  • Veria is a commercial center in Central Macedonia.
  • It’s the capital of the regional unit of Imathia.
  • It’s a seat of a Church of Greece Metropolitan bishop.
  • It’s a Latin Catholic titular see.
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