"Poligiros" Polygyros by metalactual

Poligiros is the capital of Halkidiki Prefecture. The rich town of Poligiros, capital of Halkidiki, counts about 5000 permanent residents and it is located in the mainland of this area and built on the south foothills of Mt. Holomontas. Poligiros is the business and trade center of Halkidiki Prefecture.
In the heart of Halkidiki Prefecture, 69 km south to Salonica, lies its capital, Polygyros. Its houses spread out amphitheatrically on the south foothills of Mt. Holomontas. The surrounding area is very fertile, full of vineyards, olive groves, and fruit trees. Its tops seem to compete one another lending a sense of an uplift to the landscape. Poligiros is built close to Apollonia which is located 6 km from the town.

There are many versions concerning the origin of the name "Poligiros". It is said that it comes from the word "klities" which means slopes, or the words "poli geros" which mean "very strong" because of the very healthy climate of the area. According to another explanation the name comes from the word "Poliaros" (probably the name of a rich landowner) that was found in an engraved epigraph. Finally, another version attributes the name to the words "poli ieros topos" (very sacred place) because of a sanctuary found in the area. This sanctuary kept its glory even after the destruction and abandonment of the ancient town of Apollonia.

Poligiros is reported from the Byzantine period. Many historians identify Poligiros with ancient Apollonia while others believe that Apollonia was built close to Poligiros. The most important historical event that took place in Poligiros is the beginning of the Revolution of Halkidiki on May 17th, 1821. After the murder of the Greek farmer Kirkos Papageorgakis by Turk solders, the people of Poligiros attacked and killed first the Turkish guard and later forced the Turkish army to abandon the area.