Greece: Travel Guide: Macedonia: Kozani

Greece: Macedonia: Kozani

Kozani (Greek: Κοζάνη), is a city in northern Greece, capital of Kozani Prefecture and of West Macedonia periphery. It is located in the western part of Macedonia, in the northern part of Aliakmonas river valley. The city lies 710 meters above sea level, 15 kilometers north-west of the artificial lake Polyfytos, 120 km south-west of Thessaloniki, between the mountains Pieria, Vermio, Bourinos and Askio. Its population is estimated at about 50,000.

The climate of the area is continental with cold and dry winters, and hot summers.

Kozani is the home of the Technological Educational Institute of West Macedonia [2] and the University of West Macedonia [3], with about 15,000 students from all over Greece and other places. It is also the seat of West Macedonia's court of appeal, police department, fire brigade, the seat of the I Army Corps of the Hellenic Army and of Servia and Kozani Bishop.

One of the most 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 is a transport node between Central Macedonia, Thessaly and Epirus. The nearest airport is Filippos Airport, 4 km from the city, IATA code: KZI. The airport was first opened in the mid-20th century. Kozani is situated near the Egnatia Highway.