Megali Panagia, Chalkidiki

Megali Panagia Μεγάλη Παναγιά
Megali Panagia
Coordinates: 40°29′N 23°39′E / 40.483°N 23.650°E / 40.483; 23.650Coordinates: 40°29′N 23°39′E / 40.483°N 23.650°E / 40.483; 23.650
Country	Greece
Administrative region	Central Macedonia
Regional unit	Chalkidiki
Municipality	Aristotelis
Population (2011)[1]
• Municipal unit	2,592
Time zone	EET (UTC+2)
• Summer (DST)	EEST (UTC+3)

Megali Panagia is a big village in Chalkidiki peninsula. It is located in the east of Chalkidiki prefecture, 80 kilometres from Thessaloniki and 12 from Arnaia, built at 440 meters height, in the slopes of the hill named Chtikela.^[2] In the brief past was the seat of local municipality (Panagia municipality). Today is included in Aristotelis municipality.

History

In the past the village was named Revenikia. In 1928 took the current name (which means Great Virgin Mary) that related with the near pilgrimage, dedicated to Virgin Mary. The oldest references about the village date back in Byzantine era. In the Ottoman period the village belonged to the Mademochoria. During Greek War of Independence it is burnt by the Turks. A part of the village was destroyed by the big earthquake in 1932, centered in Ierissos. Many disasters in the village were noted during Second World War.^[2]

Historical population

Sights

The most known sight in vicinity is the pilgrimage dedicated to Virgin Mary. It was built in 1863 and was rebuilt after the earthquake in 1932.^[3] Another important sight is Panagouda. It’s about an old church inside the village, built in 1007. Near the village there is a notable, arched, old, bridge made of stone.

References