Neos Marmaras

The village of Neos Marmaras was founded after the distraction of 1922 by refugees that came from the island of Marmaras, in Propontida, in Minor Asia. Since 1967, a great number of the residents coming from the neighboring village of Parthenonas moved to Neos Marmaras. Finally, in 1970, the village of Parthenonas was abandoned and their residents became permanent residents of Neos Marmaras.

The refuges of Marmaras, Minor Asia, with their hard work and the assistance of their compatriots from the USA, start built up their new homeland. They built up their school, the church of Pammegistwn Taksiarxon (founded in 1937) with personal work and great economic contribution from their compatriots from the USA. The first ‘regular’ transportation system connecting the area with the Thessaloniki started at the spring of 1946 via sea.

The spring of 1952 we have the road connection between Neos Marmaras and the next village of Nikiti. That was the initial effort for the road communication of the village with the rest of Halkidiki and Thessaloniki, while in 1959 we have the first municipal roll and census. In that period, the permanent residents of Neos Marmaras were 1200. In 1972 the New Aqueduct was founded which managed to supply with water the biggest part of the village. In 1979-1980 the city hall were built up in which the high school were lodged for seven years. In 1985, the Paschalakio Pnevmatiko Politistiko Kentro were established, where the local traditional museum and cultural center is lodged. The building was supported by the local government with the contribution of the compatriot Artemisias Paschalaki, to whom the name comes from. The current permanent residents are approximately 3000 and they are occupied with fishing, agriculture, and honey cultivation and mainly with tourism activities.

Parthenonas

'Parthenonas', only 5 km away from Neos Marmaras, was referred to as Parthenopolis, Partheni or Parthenionas since ancient times. Contemporary researchers tend to accept that the old, Byzantine Parthenonas and the current one, founded during the Ottoman era, were not at the same place. The ancient city of Parthenopolis, however, may have been situated very close to the current location of the settlement.

The architecture and the ribbon development of Parthenonas preserve the atmosphere of the previous century. Parthenonas is under protection by state and E.U. law as it is considered a traditional settlement of unique architecture and constitutes the right choice for those who wish to explore the Dragoudelis slopes and enjoy the pleasant climate and panoramic views. A growing number of travellers is attracted by its beauty and, these days, visitors may find many restaurants and guesthouses. Also located there is the old chapel of Agios .Stefanos and the folklore museum, where they may experience the distillation of tsipouro, a local alcoholic drink.