Definition
Amygdalies is a small settlement (village) located within the regional unit of Grevena in the administrative region of West Macedonia, Greece.
Overview
Amygdalies forms part of the municipality of Grevena following the 2011 Kallikratis local‑government reform, which reorganised Greece’s administrative divisions. The village is situated in a mountainous area characteristic of the broader Grevena region, an area known for its natural scenery, forested terrain, and low population density. The local economy is primarily based on agriculture and livestock farming, typical of rural communities in the region.
Etymology / Origin
The name “Amygdalies” (Greek: Αμυγδαλιές) derives from the Greek word amýgdalo (αμύγδαλο), meaning “almond.” The suffix –‑ies is a common toponymic ending in Greek that denotes a place associated with a particular feature; thus, the name likely references the historical presence or cultivation of almond trees in the vicinity.
Characteristics
- Geography: Located in a mountainous part of West Macedonia, the village lies at an elevation that is typical for the Grevena highlands (approximately 800–900 m above sea level).
- Demographics: According to the most recent national census (2011), the settlement had a small population; precise figures are not confirmed in available sources.
- Economy: The local economy relies on subsistence agriculture, with possible emphasis on crops suited to the altitude and climate, such as almonds, olives, and livestock rearing.
- Infrastructure: As a rural village, Amygdalies is connected to nearby towns via regional road networks and possesses basic communal facilities, though detailed information on public services is limited.
Related Topics
- Grevena (regional unit) – the wider administrative area encompassing Amygdalies.
- West Macedonia – the larger geographic region of northern Greece.
- Kallikratis reform – the 2011 administrative reorganisation that affected the governance of Greek municipalities, including Grevena.
- Greek rural settlements – typical characteristics and challenges of small villages in mountainous regions of Greece.
Note: Specific statistical data (e.g., exact population figures, precise elevation) are not confirmed by publicly available encyclopedic sources.