From afar, Neochori appears to be surrounded by dense vegetation! Large forested areas with chestnuts, beeches, and oaks create a unique landscape, while the central asphalt road winds through the settlement from one end to the other. It was founded around 1500 and is mentioned as one of the Mademochoria. Its name has remained the same for centuries. The Turks called it “Genikioi” (New Village), and the Slavs referred to it as “Novoselo” (also New Village). Part of the village’s inhabitants hail from areas near Volos and Katerini.
The oldest evidence of Neochori’s existence is a purchase agreement from 1640, kept at the Iveron Monastery on Mount Athos. Neochori played an active role in the 1821 revolution under Emmanouil Papas and Th. Karatasos. The largest and most important church is that of St. George, which stands on the hill and has a “fi̱ali̱” and an outdoor platform for large religious events. The most famous festival is held in honor of Prophet Elias. A former church of St. Elias stood in the exact same spot. Also worth visiting is the chapel of Prophet Elias, located on the northeastern side, outside the settlement, and deep within the forest.
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– A grand festival in honor of St. Athanasius has been organized since 1820 and continues today!
– The residents of Neochori are engaged in timber harvesting, livestock farming, and agriculture, while many work in the mines. It’s also worth noting the successful cultivation of red beans (barbounofasoula) in the area.
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