holidaybreak spots in Thessaly, Greece
If you decide to travel to Greece, why do not consider visiting Thessaly, a place of spectacular beauty, mythological home of the centaurs and point of departure of Argonauts’ expedition?
Thessaly (in the past called Aeolia) lies in the centre of Greece and borders the regions of Macedonia on the north, Epirus on the west, Central Greece on the south and the Aegean Sea on the east. The Sporades Islands are also part of Thessaly.
In 1881, Thessaly became part of the modern Greek state, after more than four centuries of Ottoman domination. The region is one of the country’s 13 peripheries (administrative regions) since 1987 and it is additionally divided into 5 peripheral units and 25 municipalities. Its capital is Larissa, a main commercial and industrial centre in Greece.
In its history, Thessaly has been home of several cultures, starting from the Neolithic (around 2500 BC). In the sites of Iolcos, Dimini and Sesklo, have been found Mycenaean establishments. During the Archaic and Classical eras, the valley of Thessaly was the home of baronial families, such as the Aleuadae of Larissa. Jason of Pherae, in the 4th century BC, transformed the area into an important military power, evoking the glory of Early Archaic periods. For the next centuries, Thessaly was connected with Macedon, after that Philip II of Macedon was chosen as Archon of Thessaly. Later, as a part of Macedonia, Thessaly became part of the Roman Empire.
After the end of the Western Roman Empire, Thessaly continued to be part of the Eastern Roman Byzantine Empire and afterwards it experienced many incursions, such as by the Slavic tribe of the Belegezites. The Byzantine Empire retook the territory, but it had to face several revolts of the population due to different reasons. After various events, in 1319, Thessaly became part of the Duchy of Neopatria, formed by the Almogavars. The Serbs and the Ottomans also dominated this region. In 1821, Thessaly participated in the Greek War of Independence, but only in 1881 it was officially recognized as a part of Greece.
You can find different options of accommodations and holiday rental apartments, to enjoy in the best way your holiday in Thessaly, Greece.
The main spots to visit in Thessaly are:
Mount Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece, situated between Thessaly and Macedonia. It is a National Park and a World’s Biosphere Reserve, having a rich flora. In the mythology, Hephaestus built on Mount Olympus a palace, which became the residence of the twelve main Gods of the ancient Greek world. The mount was a special place without rain, wind or snow where the Gods were living peacefully. Mount Olympus attracts several people interested in hiking and climbing.
Larissa is the capital of Thessaly and an important commercial centre of Greece. The legend says that this city has been the birthplace of Achilles and the place of death of Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine. Interesting spots in the city are the cathedral of Saint Achillius of Larissa (the patron of the city), the ancient theatre, the fortress hill and the antique Agora; the Municipal Gallery-G.I. Katsigras Museum, the Historical & Folklore Museum, and the Archaeological Museum of Larissa.
Trikala is the city known as Trikka in Homeric period and birthplace of Asclepius. You can find there the ruins of an ancient sanctuary (dedicated to the physician-god Asclepius), now located between the central square and the church of Saint Nicholas. There are also Hellenistic and Roman ruins to see with mosaic floors, a stoa (typical covered walkway) and baths. Byzantine sign is given to the city by the two churches of Agios Demetrios and Agii Anargyri.
Volvos is a costal city of Thessaly, built in the deepest point of the Pagasetic Gulf and the base of Mount Pelion (known in the mythology as the land of Centaurs). It is an important industrial and commercial centre in Greece. This city attracts several tourists due to its vicinity to the stunning Mount Pelion and to its beautiful beaches. The Pelion Towers, the church of Saints Constantine and Helen, the promenade are some of the spots of this city to visit. Several museums are also available, such as the Archeological Museum, the Modern History Museum, the National Railway Museum of Greece; and the Zogia Museum Gallery.
Karditsa is located south west of Larissa. This city has schools and lyceums, gymnasium, the Veterinary Medicine Department of the University of Thessaly, three technical education departments, churches, a railway station on the Trikala – Karditsa – Domokos line, a water tower, and squares. Karditsa is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in Greece with a long network of bicycle paths.
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