Stagira

For the ancient Greek city and birthplace of Aristotle, see Stagira (ancient city).

Archaeological site near the village of Stagira

Stagira (Greek: Στάγειρα or Στάγιρα, also fem. Stagiros Στάγιρος or Stageiros Στάγειρος) is a Greek village lying on a picturesque plateau on the Chalcidice peninsula, and standing at the foot of the Argirolofos hill. The village stands approximately 8 kilometers south southwest of the ancient Stageira, the birthplace of Aristotle, and a statue of him stands in it.

History

The village of Stagira was built near the archaeological site of Stagira. In Byzantine times, Stagira was called Siderokafsia (which means blast furnace). The sultan's mint was located there in the 16th century and many ruins of furnaces can be found close to the village. The historical central church of Stagira was built in 1814, a few years before the Greek War of Independence.

Population

The present-day village has approximately 500 inhabitants, but including the neighbouring village of Stratoniki, with which Stagira virtually merges, the population increases to around 1500.