Comprehensive information and links about Greece Kozani

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Kozani (Greek: Κοζάνη) is a city in northern Greece, capital of Kozani Prefecture. It is in the western part of Macedonia. The city lies 710 meters above sea level, 15km north-west of the lake Polyfitos, 120km south-west of Thessaloniki. The name Kozani comes from the South Slavic word "Koža" meaning "skin" for the reason that the city was known locally for its animal fur production and fur goods.

Kozani is the home of the Technological Educational Institute of West Macedonia and the department of Energy Management of the University of West Macedonia. One of the more important aspects of local folklore is Kozani's carnival at the end of the winter, which retains much of the profanity of the ancient Dionysiac cult.

Kozani's nearest airport is Filippos Airport, 3km away from the city, IATA code: KZI. The airport was first opened in the mid-20th century. Kozani is build near highway 'via Egnatia'('Egnatia odos'), which connect the coast of Ionian Sea with Thessaloniki and Turkish borders.

History

Kozani was founded probably by Christian settlers who after the Ottoman conquest withdrew from the plains of Macedonia into the mountains. Its safe position soon attracted other Christians expelled from Epirus. In 1664 was built the magnificent church of Ayios Nikolaos. In 1668 are founded the library and the famous school of Kozani. During 17th and 18th century the commercial relations with the countries of central Europe give the occasion in the city to be developed economically. The city combines modern with the old architecture. Some magnificent buildings are the clock tower, the town hall, the folklore museum, the building of national bank and the mansions of Georgios Lassanis and Grigorios Vourkas. The municipal library has 150,000 books and it is second biggest in Greece. The city was liberated from Turks on 11 October 1912. The earthquake that happened in the region on 13 May 1995 with intensity of 6,6R had only material damages. Today Kozani is the administrative, commercial, economic, and transport centre of the region of western Macedonia.

Economy

The city is mostly known for the important contribution to the greek electricity and a big part of population works in the factories which produce electricity from coal.Other famous products are marbles,Saffron,fruits,local wines and specialized arts and crafts industry.

Kozani's museum of folklore and natural history is a place worth visiting. Other attractions include the Gr. Vourkas Mansion. WebsiteKozani Museum of the Macedonian Struggle, a museum dedicated to the history of the Macedonian Struggle, Website

The public transit in the city is provided by mini buses.The traffic problems of the city have become more severe the last time.

Zone of Alternate Urban Planning

Kozani,in the district of Western Macedonia in Greece,is developing into a nodal town of the Western Balkans,with areas and activities of a wider regional nature.Within this context the municipality of Kozani is creating a modern satellite town,the Kozani Zone of Alternate Urban planning(ZEP). The Municipal Corporation of alternate planning and development of Kozani S.A.(DEPEPOK)was established in order to implement the projects of ZEP. ZEP strategically located on 50 ha area south-west of Kozani aims to become e model development centre,attracting an urban population and economic activities from throughout Western Macedonia in Greece and the Western Balkans.http:

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