The city of Edessa or Vodena as it was called in the past is the capital city of the region of Pella and it is known for its rushing waterfalls set in lush verdure. Edessa provides accommodation in hotels and makes a good base for further explorations in northern Macedonia. Edessa is 560 km far from Athens and just 89 km from Thessaloniki. It is built at the foothills of Mount Vermio, with spectacular views to the valley and abundant water and rich vegetation. Until the discovery of Vergina’s Macedonian royal tombs, Edessa was believed to be the ancient Macedonian city of Aigai. The town took its present name of the ancient city of Edessa, replacing its former Slavic name Vodena (place of water). The stronghold of the water in the city has been the reason of the foundation of the interesting Water Museum exhibiting a collection of water-industry equipment.