Travel guide of Volos-Pelion peninsula-Sporades islands by Sophia Tzima

editorial elcome to Magnesia. Welcome to Volos, famous for Jason and the Argonauts; to Mount Pelion home of the mythical Centaurs. Together we will set sail on Jason’s ship The Argo and travel to beautiful places inside the Pagasiticos Gulf and out into the Aegean Sea. We will experience life 9000 years ago in the settlements of Sesklo and Dimini. We will discover Jason’s palace in Ancient Alos and walk on the holy ground of Dimitriada. At the theatre in Dimitriada you will hear the voices of actors performing ancient tragedies. We will learn about the past of the city where the first Labour Centre in Greece was established and where Alexandros Delmouzos ran the first Girls’ School. We will experience life in this vibrant city. Together, we will enjoy the pleasures of Mount Pelion; a mountain that has inspired both artists and poets alike. We will admire the beauty of a place that combines the lush green colour of the mountain with the deep blue colour of the sea. We will experience life on the cosmopolitan island of Skiathos, beauty on the island of Skopelos and tranquillity on the island of Alonnisos. Volos and Magnesia as a whole will captivate you with its beauty and hospitality and will certainly make you want to return to enjoy what you may have missed on your first visit. Enjoy your stay here.

KATHERINE KAREKLIDES

PUBLICATIONS COMMUNICATIONS Nikitara – Matrozou 2 Tel: 24210 85531-4 PUBLISHER: KATHERINE KAREKLIDES

Art director: Sophia Tzima Avdvertising department: Sophia Athanasouli, Sophia Eleftheriou-Valouxi Translation: Sara Hutton-Anetopoulou Photographs: Ilias Kapetanakis and Michalis Pornalis Montage: Christos Karagellos Printing Press: Nikos Kokoulis Film: SPECTRA, Volos

t was almost 3500 years ago when Jason and his Argonauts started their long journey in search of the Golden Fleece; a voyage which started from Magnesia. The legend of the Argonauts’ expedition was the first important one and was directly linked to Iolkos, which at that time was the main town in the area of the Pagasiticos Gulf. King Pelias of Locrida in Thessaly had a prophecy which foretold of his death at the hands of one on Aiolos’s offspring and that he should keep away from a man wearing one sandal. When Pelias saw Jason wearing only one sandal on his right foot, he ordered him to go and bring the Golden Fleece as a way of keeping Jason away from him. A famous carpenter named Argos constructed a ship made from wood taken from Mount Pelion. It was a fast light ship and he gave it the name The Argos. The goddess Athena put a piece of wood taken from the holy oak tree of Dodona on the ship’s bow; the wood was magical and apart from being able to talk it could foretell the future. Many Greek heroes, including Hercules, took part in this expedition. Their voyage was filled with adventures and on their arrival at the river Phasy in Cholida, King Aetes promised to give them the Fleece under certain conditions. The King commanded Jason to sew the remaining dragon’s teeth left

MAGNESIA OF THE CENTAURS AND THE ARGONAUTS over from those that had been used by Kadamos at Thebes and also to yoke two oxen which had flames shooting out of their nostrils and legs of steel. On completion of the tasks Jason secured the Golden Fleece with the help of Medea, the daughter of Aetes, who was in love with Jason. On Jason’s return with Medea, there was a great tempest and they ended up in Italy (according to some experts it could even have been America). They finally got back to Iolkos after many adventures.

JASON'S SHIP THE ARGO READY TO SET SAIL n June 2008 Jason's famous ship, the Argo, will hoist its sails once again thirty - five centuries after its epic voyage to Ancient Colchis. The replica of the Argo was designed and built by a research team of eight researchers known as "Navdomos". As there were no actual remains of the original ship, the designs were based on evidence taken from ancient texts and pictures. The ship is being built according to standarts,

materials and ship building techniques used at the times the original ship was built. Digital technology was also fundamental in the design of the ship and was used by

the research team in modifying the original details available on the Argo. The modern - day Argo in 28 metres in length and 4.5 metres wide.

THE CENTAURS ccording to mythology the Centaurs lived on Mount Pelion. They were strange creatures with the body of a man from the waist up and that of a horse from the waist down. They were said to be the result of an affair between the King of the Thessalians and Nefeli.

Legend has it that the king of Lapithon, Pirithos, and the beautiful Ippodamia were

married on the mountain and amongst their guests was the wicked Centaur Evritionas. In a drunken stupor, Evritionas tried to kidnap the bride. The rest of the guests were so enraged that they punished him by cutting off his ears and nose. This event sparked off a spate of kidnappings in which the centaurs on the mountain took away Lapthion women. This was how

the famous centaurian battle began. The victors of this battle were the Lapthians, who won with the help of Thesea. The wisest of the Centaurs and one of the most important was Heiron, who was the teacher of Achilles, Theseus, Jason and other heroes of Greek mythology.

MAGNESIA TODAY he capital of the prefecture of Magnesia is Volos, one of the most scenic towns in Greece. A perfect co-ordination of the old with the new, the sea with the mountain; Volos can not fail to please even the most demanding visitor. Menalaos Loudemis had so rightly quoted that Volos is

"one of the generosities of life". Located on the east coast of Greece, Volos is half way between Athens and Thessaloniki. According to the most recent census carried out (2001), the population stands at 206,995. The town of Volos has a population of 82,493 while the other big

municipality numbers 31,929. Mount Pelion, the mountain of the centaurs, generously offers natural beauty and spectacular views to its visitors. The peaks and the slopes of the mountain are decorated with small churches dedicated to saints and the Virgin Mary. In these quaint

churches one can admire precious relics and postByzantine icons. The highest peaks of Pelion are: Kseforti or Pourgianos Stavros (1.610m), Aedonaki or Kotroni (1.551m), Plaisidi (1.548m), Agriolefkes (1.471m) and Schitzouravli (1.451m). Mount Pelion offers its guests a breath of fresh air with its lush vegetation, as

well as a magnificent view stretching from its densely forested peaks down to its spectacular beaches and out to a blue horizon. Othris or Goura, Hlomo, Tragovouni, Tisseo or Barzogia, Karadaou, Mavrovouni, Ouvrias, Gala, the hill of Kefalosis, Erini or Asprogia, Skafidi, the hill of Soros, Sarakinos, the hill of Goritsa and the hill

of Kakavos all come together to make up the mountainous terrain of Magnesia. The valleys of Volos, Ksirokambos, Dimini, Agria and Boufa or Koropi are such beautiful areas that neither visitor nor local inhabitants can fail to be impressed. The plains of Velestino, New Anchialos and Almyros complete the natural terrain of Magnesia. 17

Volos is one of the five towns that hosted the Olympic Games with such events as football. It is also one of the most active towns in Greece with regard to its commercial centre, industrial area, commercial port and tourist facilities. It employs tens of thousands of manual labourers as well as white-collar workers, scientists and freelance 18

professionals and has one of the most well-organised universities in Greece. Volos is very proud of its international port which is a gate-way to the middleeast. The prefecture of Magnesia is governed by an elected prefect and the prefecture council. The prefect of Magnesia is at present Mr. Ap. Papatolias. The prefecture of Magnesia

is made up of several municipalities: Volos, New Ionia, Agria, Esonia, Almiros, Alonnisos, Argalasti, Artemida, Afetes, Zagora, Iolkou, Karlas, Mileon, Mouressi, Nea Anchialos, Portaria, Pteleos, Sipiada, Skiathos, Skopelos, Sourpi, Pheres and of the small communities of Makrinitsa, Anavra, Keramidi and Trikeri. Volos has the largest

Alonnisos) are the perfect place for a relaxing summer holiday. The climate in Magnesia lends itself to tourism. The average temperature is 17 Centigrade and the average rainfall about 54 cms per year. Heat waves and intense cold periods are rare. During the summer the temperature rises to about 37 - 38 Centigrade in August. The climate changes from place to place in the county; close to the Pagasiticos Gulf conditions are a little humid, in Nea Ionia it is quite dry and in Velestino and Almyros the climate is definitely continental.

Nea Ionia

population in the prefecture and is governed by the town council which is led by the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mayor, Mr. Kiriakos Mitrou. Nea Ionia has the second largest population. The mayor is Mr. Alekos Voulgaris. Magnesia is represented in the government by five members of parliament. Volos is a town for all

seasons, well worth visiting at any time of the year. In winter Mount Pelion offers a wide choice of activities for its visitors including a ski resort at Hania. Mount Pelion is the perfect choice for winter fun lovers; be it skiing or rambling. The area on and around Mount Pelion is beautiful at any time of the year. The Sporades Islands (Skiathos, Skopelos,

Nea Ionia is the second largest municipality in the prefecture and is now an Olympic town as some of the games were actually held here in August 2004. It was in 1922 that refugees from Smyrni and other places in Asia Minor came to Ksirocambos bringing with them the culture , customs and traditions of the Greeks who had lived in Asia Minor. Over the years and with a lot of hard work on the part of its residents, this small community has grown into the new town of Nea Ionia. It is separated from Volos by the Kravsidonas River.

THE "10" BEST THINGS IN MAGNESIA

rom the Hill of Soros on the road from Athens you can enjoy the view of Volos. The town is a sight to behold day or night.

» Try a trip in a "Kaiki" (a small traditional fishing boat) in the Pagasiticos Gulf and end up on Trikery Island where you can enjoy a peaceful walk; there are no cars there to get in your way. » Have a long leisurely morning walk along the sea front all the way from the port to Anavros beach. » Sit at one of the many pavement cafes in the centre of the town. » Travel up to Portaria or Makrinitsa from where you can admire the view of the town the port and the calm waters of the Pagasiticos Gulf. »Visit Theofilos’s Museum in Anakasia and enjoy the wonderful murals. » Go shoppingalong Ermou 20

Street, which is the main shopping street in the town and visit the narrow side streets where you can discover shops selling whatever you can imagine. »Discover rare books in the libraries of Tris Ierarhis (Dimitriados Street), Zagora and Milies. » Taste the famous "Fourno" cream cakes served at the Miverva Cafe along the sea front. Try "Papou’s" (grandad’s) "Loukoumi" (similar to turkish delight) sold in Eleftheriou Square. Enjoy a refreshing "EPSA" orange juice or lemonade produced locally. » Don’t leave Volos without sampling "Tsipouro" a locally made drink similar to ouzo, served in small bottles known as "ekospedaria". This drink is always ser-

ved accompanied by delicious titbits. There are four hundred "Tsipouradika" (places where this drink is served) in and around Volos. You’ll find one on almost every street corner. » Make sure you visit Mount Pelion. Wherever you choose to go on the mountain you will not be disappointed. You will marvel at the beauty of the rich fertile slopes and be astounded at the magnificence of the beaches.

History

his area started flourishing in the neolithic period at which time the town of Sesklo and Dimini began to grow. Later the town of Iolkos and Pagases were to follow suit. In the 3rd century B.C. Dimitrios the Conqueror founded the town of Dimitriada. The towns of Dimitriada and Fthiotides Thives (today Nea Anchialos) played a significant role In

the Byzantine period. During the Turkish occupation Zagora and Makrinitsa were the most important centres in the region. During the 400 years of Turkish occupation there was no change in the Medieval structure of the area. In 1830 this all changed. With the increase in commerce in Thessalia after 1840 the people who lived on the mountain

moved down to the eastern shore of the Pagasiticos Gulf. From then on, the growth of the town was rapid. After Thessaly rejoined the Greek nation in 1881, the social scene and urban landscape started to change. The town became a place of intense industrial activity and by the end of the 19th century it had become a strong industrial centre.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES

SESKLO ncient Sesklo is located south-east of the new village of Sesklo, which is just 14 kms from Volos. It is one of the oldest Neolithic settlements in Thessaly and was first inhabited at the beginning of the 7th millennium BC (6800 BC) and deserted around the end of the 5th millennium BC (4400 BC). The settlement grew in the hilly area around the Pagasiticos Gulf and next to Lake Karla. The main reason for the choice of this place to bui-

ld a settlement is thought to be the geomorphology of the area with its deep ravines and low hills making draining of the land very successful. At the beginning of the 20th century, the archaeologist, Dr. Chr. Tsountas, discovered the settlement and subsequent digs in the area showed up a number of great findings. Excavations went on throughout 1960’s led by the archaeologist, D. R. Theoharis. These excavations revealed that a part of the

settlement reached up onto Kastraki Hill, which is known now as the Acropolis or as Sesklo A. With the continuous inhabitation of the area and the construction of new buildings on the ruins of previous ones, the settlement gained height resulting in the forming of a hill. The most far-reaching and crowded part of the settlement, known as ‘Town’, dates back to the Ancient and Middle Neolithic period and grew on a fairly flat slope covering an area of roughly 100.000 sq.m. west of

In the ancient-neolithic period (6th millennium BC), the area was still sparsely populated. However, it was at this time that the houses built on the top of the hill were constructed with stone foundations, brick walls and clay floors. There were also open spaces between the buildings which were used for carrying out various household duties.

the Acropolis. D. R. Theoharis did research into the different phases of inhabitation of the area aided by stratigraphic research. Sesklo is one of the few settlements in Greece where evidence of the Aceramic Period (7th millennium BC) was found. During this period the settlement was sparsely populated and limited to an area south-east of the lower hill. There is not much evidence of this phase at the site apart from

ellipsoid trenches dug in the ground, ditches for foundations and pieces of wood, mud and clay which was used in the construction of the walls of the dwellings.

In the mid-neolothic period (5th Millennium BC) the settlement expanded and the area opposite the hill was inhabited. This period coincides with the "Civilising of Sesklo" which is characterised by the architectural planning of the area and an increase in the number of clay inscriptions as well as the aesthetic improvement of clay pots which had a rich red colour and of the tools made from stone, which were brought from Milos. Almost all the architectural remains that can be seen on the hill come from that period.

inf ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE OF SESKLO tel.: 24210-95172 Opening hours (Not including Monday): 08.30-15.00 Admission: 2 Euro

DIMINI

imini is a perfectly organised settlement, built, following early urban planning, on a low hill (16 metres high) near the sea. There were flat areas of land surrounding the settlement which would have been used for farming and raising livestock. This settlement, which grew at the end of the 5th millennium BC and is a continuation of the settlement of Sesklo, was continuously inhabited until the Mycean period (12th Century BC) It is for this reason that Dimini is one of the few settlements in Greece where

there is evidence of the transition from a self sufficient neo-lithic settlement to a Mycean town. The blue prints for the town, covering an area of 30.000 sq. m., have been preserved in their entirety thus allowing experts the opportunity to study neolithic architecture and giving them an insight into land-planning in that period. The 6 stonebuilt garden walls built in pairs around the centre of the hill in Dimini are unique in Greece. These garden walls were initially characterised by Chr. Tsountas,

and later by other experts, as being defence walls. Later they were characterised by G. H. Hourmouziadi as being land-planning elements, which helped in the organisation of the settle-ment. Simple houses with outbuilding next to them were built between these pairs of walls. The houses in the settlement were built from stone and clay and had a rectangular floor plan with one or two rooms. The foundations were made of stone and the walls of bricks made from clay. At the end of the 4th millennium BC and the

Late-Copper Period. In the 1970â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s G. H. Hourmouziadi continued with further excavations on the hill in order to re-examine the architecture of the settlement and gain a better understanding of the function of the garden walls. After this work was completed no further digs were carried out on this site. In 1977 preservation work was done east of the hill under the auspices of Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;KS and under the direction of B. Adrimi-Sismani. This work uncovered remains from the Mycean Period which was linked to the vaulted tombs that had already been discovered.

inf beginning of the Copper Age access to the central courtyard was restricted and inside a huge building was constructed which was inhabited by a large family of farmers.

FINDINGS To the west of the modern village of Dimini you will come across the Newer Neolithic settlement which is 5 kms west of Volos and 3 kms. from the coastline. The sites that have been uncovered so far in Dimini include the Neolithic settle-

ment on the hill, part of the Mycean settlement to the east of the hill and two vaulted Mycean tombs. The Neolithic site and the tombs at Toumba can be visited by the public. Archaeological excavations in a wider area around Dimini began in 1886 with the excavation of the vaulted tomb known as "Lamiospito". 300 metres west of this tomb on a hill experts found the neolithic settlement and 16 box-shaped tombs belonging to the Mid-Copper Age as well as 2 boxshaped tombs belonging to the

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF DIMINI phone: 24210 85690 Opening Hours: Every day (except Monday) 08.30 - 15.30 Tickets: 2 Euro (you can visit the archaeological site at Sesklo with the same ticket and at no extra cost) For students, pupils and teachers entry to these sites is free providing they have a pass from the School Board.

IOLKOS olkos is one of the oldest Thessalomagnesian towns and according to archaeologists, was located in the area known as Agia Theodorou in the Palia district of Volos in 2000 BC. According to mythology, Iolkos was the work of the son of Aiolos; Kritheas. Tiro, the daughter of Salmoneas, the King of Thessaly, gave Kritheas two children - Pelia and Esona. The throne of Iolkos was succeeded by Pelias. Later Esona’s son, Jason, was forced to do the Argonautic expedition in order to secure the throne. Iolkos was inhabited by a population of merchants and pirates, the Minies, who exploited the land to the best of their abilities and who took advantage of the Pagasiticos Gulf eventually becoming expert seamen. The Minies took up residence in Iolkos in 1800 BC and from then on the town became the most active in the area. This was also the result of the settlement of Dimini becoming abandoned. Between 1300 and 1150 BC, Iolkos was at its peak and this endured until the 7th

Century. At the end of the 6th century the town came under the authority of the Thessalians. During the 5th century the areas known as Pagases and Dimitriada developed. After the battle of Pidnas (168 BC) when Dimitiarda had been

ñ Remnants of a palace and neolithic evidence which prove that the place had been inhabited from prehistoric times. ñ 16 rectangular tombs with constructed walls which had been used for about 20 people. Pieces of pre-Mycean

surrendered to the Romans, the Magnites became established as the local population and Iolkos remained a suburb. Throughout the Byzantine period it was still considered a suburb but it took on the role of a fortress. It is with the name Golos that we next come across references to Iolkos in the 14th century Katakouzinos. The following findings are a result of excavations on the hill of Iolkos:

urns made of clay, a metal plaque, golden objects, ivory and glass jewellery and wine flasks decorated with the engravings depicting plants were all found in these tombs. ñ A vaulted tomb belonging to the Geometric Period was found north-west of where the distillery plant is today. ñ Tombs dating back from the 6th to the 4th century BC were discovered at the location of Paspalia - Kapakli.

単 Roman tombs and the remains of a reservoir were found at the foot of the hill. Systematic excavations began in Dimini after funding was granted in 1955. It was through this excavation work that it was discovered that there had been expansion of the Mycean settlement into areas that had not yet been uncovered. A large mansion, of which further research began in 1997, was discovered at this time. This research was repeated in 2000 and provided new data concerning the size and the borders of the settlement. The royal estate, which is believed to be the palace of Iolkos, extends eastwards at the foot of the hill, the gradients of which had to be levelled to facilitate the construction of the palace. Despite not being built on the top of the hill it was certainly an imposing building with an unlimited view out over the Pagasiticos Gulf. The king could control activities in the Gulf as well as in the fertile plains around him. The royal estate consisted of two palaces and of other smaller buildings which were divided into aisles and were identified as cellars and workshops. Closer analysis of the area led archaeologists to believe that the royal estate was inhabited by a ruling class that was made up of religious leaders and financial and administrative managers. The existence of such a ruling

class is verified by the evidence found in tombs which required architectural knowledge in their construction. The vaulted tomb, royal estate, specialised workshops and adherence to Grammiki B all prove that Dimini was as powerful as many of the royal centres of southern Greece and was destroyed at the same time as these other centres, between the end of the 13th century and the beginning of the 19th century BC. There is no evidence from findings in the palace as to how this destruction occurred. However, destruction by earthquake has been ruled out. The devastation of the palace was such that reconstruction was impossible. Whatever happened, it led the inhabitants to total abandonment of the area and the palace was thus abandoned, too. The goddess Artemis, also known as Ioklia, was worshipped by the people of Iolkos. A temple in her honour was built on the hill where Agia Theodore stands today. The walls of the fortress are primarily of the paleo-christian era. However, repair work and additions were added in the Byzantine years and while Greece was under Turkish occupation. A Turkish mosque was built in the 16th century a part of which was destroyed in a storm in 1935.

PAGASES he ancient town of Pagases was located on the right hand side of the road which leads from Volos to Almyros, between the Hill of Prophet Elias, the Alogopati, the quarry and further north than the "Lygarorema". It was from this town that the Pagasiticos Gulf got its name. Excavation in this area has revealed that it has been inhabited since the 3rd millennium BC a time when Neolithic Dimini was at the peak of its power. During the Mycean period, the area of Pefkakia was also inhabited. In the 6th century, the Ferei, who wanted to import and export products by sea, occupied the shore from Pefkakia to the Agistri peninsula and made Pagases their seaport. In the 4th century Pagases and Feres developed at the same rate and both reached their peak. The port was constantly full of ships which exported merchandise from all around the Mediterranean Sea and which gave the impression of a crowded commercial centre. The main god worshipped in Pagases was Apollo. Other gods such as Neptune, Dionyssos the "pelagios" and avenger of the pirates and Artemis the Pagasiticos were worshipped too. The commercial activity

did not help with the spiritual development of the area. In 353 BC Pagases was conquered by the Macedonian King, Philip, who divided these people from the Feres. It was then that the decline of the town of Pagases started as Feres started using Fthiotides Thebes (N. Anchialos) as their port. At the beginning of the 3rd century BC the well-known Macedonian King, Demetrias the Conqueror, established the fortified seaport of Thessalia; Dimitriada. The largest part of Pagases then became a section of the new town.

DIMITRIADA he archaeological site of Dimitriada is 1.5 kms outside the city of Volos but within the borders of the municipality. It is very close to other archaeological sites of Sesklo, Dimini, Pagases and to the castle of Volos in the Palia district. According to the experts, this area had been inhabited continuously since prehistoric times. Proof of this are the existence of the prehistoric settlement of Magoula "Pefkakia" and findings not only from the Mycean period, of the Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic eras but also finds belonging to

the Roman and Paleochristianic eras. At the beginning of the 3rd century BC, Dimitrios the Conqueror decided to establish Dimitriada, the second capital of the Macedonian state, on a site with a panoramic view of Mount Pelion and the Pagasiticos Gulf. He built a town of strategic importance as well as financial and political power, forcing the inhabitants of the smaller settlements to move. The core of this town was Pagases, a town of the Classic period. The town was protected by perimeter walls and planned in accordance with the Ipodamian System. The public buildings such as the palace, the theatre, the sanctuaries of worship, the market and the monument make up the picture of the ancient town. for the convenience of visitors to the site, two information boards, in two langu-

ages, have been placed outside the entrance. The first provides general information about ancient Dimitriada, a site map and photos of the artefacts and statues found there. The second gives information about the Palace. There is an aerial photograph of the area, a blue print of the Palace in relation to the town and an artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s impression of what the town would have looked like as well as an informative text about the Palace itself.

inf ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF DIMITRIADA Telephone: 24210-88091 Opening Hours: 07.30 - 14.30 Admission to the site is free.

ANCIENT ALOS hroughout the centuries Alos served as a place of many functions. In the Geometric Era it was a settlement, later a Hellenistic town and then a Byzantine port. Since excavations began in 1978, archaeologists have discovered six residences and parts of the roads of the Hellenistic town. More recently, the largest part of the south and west sections of the flat fort have been uncovered. Moreover, parts of its cemeteries towards the south-east and the northern side of the walls have been uncovered. The town of Alos was located at "Kefalosi" southeast of the town of Almyros and according to experts developed in two sections: ñ "Ano Poli", the ruins of which have been located on a low rocky hill which is now known as "Kastro" because of the fortified walls and the

small acropolis which was found at the top of the hill. ñ "Kato Poli", which extends out onto the plains from the foot of the hill. Houses and workshops that produced ceramic pots were located here. Both of these sections were protected by fortress walls. The location of the town of Alos was also strategically important due to the fact that it controlled passage from the north of the country to the south. According to the Dutch archeologist Mr. Reiders, the town was inhabited throughout the 11th century BC only to be destroyed by an earthquake in 265 BC. The avenues and the smaller roads of the town defined the neighbourhoods. In "Kato Poli" there were about 1.400 residences and workshops where 8.000 9.000 people lived. The fortification of the town is remarkable as the walls are

4.5 kms long and 3.20 m. wide. Most of them are visible and rise up to 3.50 m. high. These walls were reinforced by 117 towers. At least 2 central gates and perhaps other small ones served the movements of the inhabitants and the visitors from the north and the south connecting the Krokio Field (Pedio) with the Plains of Sourpi. The site of Ancient Alos has was declared an archaeological site by ministerial decree in 1962. Today the site of Alos is open but not organized well enough to accept visitors. Those who visit Alos on their own initiative will be able to see only certain parts of the town’s fortification as the residences were re-covered by a layer of soil for protective purposes. Signposts guide those wishing to visit the site in order to see the visible remains of the town.

FTHIOTIDES THEBES wo ancient towns in the prefecture of Magnesia are known as Fthiotides Thebes. The first is located by the sea and the new town of Anchialos has been built on its site. Anchialos was founded in 1906 with the influx of refugees coming

from Anchialos in eastern Romulia. The second town is not mentioned in Homer’s Iliad as one of the towns that took part in the Trojan war. It is, however, referred to in the works of some writers (such as Stavron, Livio, etc) and by

travellers. Its location was ascertained by excavation carried out in 1907. The town which is located on the shore, was not named Fthiotides Thebes at first, but Pirasos and Dimitrion. In the Iliad, Homer states that Protosilaos, Ificlus’ son 29

enlisted men from Filaki, Pirasos, Itona, Androna and Pteleo and with forty black ships took part in the Trojan war. Of the towns mentioned by Homer, only Pirasos has been accurately identified after excavations were carried out by Dimitri Theohari. The verdant low hill which is now known as "Magula", is 29 meters high and used to be the acropolis of Pirasos. The findings - remains of brickwork and ceramic house hold pots - belong to the Classical, Geometric, Halki, Mesoelladic and Neolithic eras. 30

The town continued to exist into the next centuries as well, but at the same time was named "Dimitrias" after the most important sanctuary of Dimitra which was mentioned by Homer. Its port was used for the import as well as for the export trade of Thessaly. However, both this town and the ancient one were destroyed by Phillip Eâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in 217 BC. Stavron found it in ruins. The survivors of the two towns destroyed by Phillip settled around the ancient port and a new town was founded. The townsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; old names were forgotten and

from the 2nd century BC, according to inscriptions, it took the name of "Thibai" to distinguish it from the town of a similar name "Fthiotides Thibai" which is in Viotias . This town was also under Roman rule that was established after the conquest of Thessaly in 197 BC. The town flourished and reached its peak especially after the 4th century AD, a period which justifies the characterization "Gorgeous Thibean Town". Throughout the paleochristianic period and until the end of the 6th century AD, the prosperity of the

eras (Mycean, Geometric, Classic, Hellenistic and Roman). town reached its peak. This has been proven by findings from the excavations which have been carried out in Nea Anchialos from 1924 to the present day. Ecclesiastical buildings of major importance (both private and public) richly decorated with marble sculptures, mosaic floors and walls, paved roads, acquaducts and various works of art, which are dated from the 3rd century to the 6th century AD were brought to light. Beneath these findings archaeologists also discovered remnants of objects which belonged to previous

EXCAVATIONS AND FINDINGS The excavations at Fthiotides Thibes (Nea Anchialos) started in 1924 and were funded by the Archeological Association of Athens. Significant monuments were found that belonged basically to the centuries after the Roman and paleochristianic era up to the 7th century AD at which time the town ceased to exist. The most important of these monuments are: ñ The Basilica of Saint Dimitrios

ñ The Basilica of Bishop Elpidiou ñ The Basilica of Martiriou ñ The Cemetery Basilica ñ The Basilica ñ A small three-domed church ñ A complex of basilicas of Bishop Peter ñ Place of baptism ñ The Bishop’s Palace ñ Heated Baths ñ A complex of public buildings at the foot of the Pirasos Hill ñ The Basilica E’ ñ Cemeteries ñ A paleochristianic building of large dimensions with mosaic floors near to what is now Nea Anchialos airport.

THE CASTLE OF VOLOS he hill, Castle of Volos, is located at the entrance to the town, quite close to the sea. Almost all of the hill is now covered in dwellings and is known as the Palia district of Volos. Through a study of the archaeological findings in the castle and the cemetery, experts have concluded that the settlement was influenced quite early on by the Mycean civilization through commercial exchanges. The Mycean findings even date back as far as the 16th century BC and co-existed with the locally made pots which belong to the local tradition of the Middle Copper Era. Stone pots made from green steatite, which were made in Crete, other Cretan urns - some from Argolida (the cradle of the Mycean civilization), the golden jewellery and the golden tile depicting a three-part Mycean sanctuary - all of which were found in Kapakli (Ag. Anargiroi) are all testimony to the early existence of the Mycean civilisation in the castle. On the hill which is located on the western perimeter of the modern town of Volos in a place known as the "Fortress"

is the Castle of Volos which has been inhabited since prehistoric times. During recent studies of the road network in preparation for the installation of natural gas pipes and sewage pipes, significant findings were discovered. ñ Parts of a peleochristianic wall ñ In Kresnas Road a part of a Byzantine town wall, which had been repaired during the Turkish occupation, was discovered. ñ In the same road, remains of a castle of the paleochristianic era was found. It was discovered that ancient materials had been used in its construction. ñ In Mitropolitou Gregoriou Street ñ In Souliou Street Parts of the paleochristianic walls have been discovered in other streets in the Palia district and on private property in the area. ñ During landscaping work carried out in Theodorou Square, a paleochristianic basilica was uncovered. The

basilica extends onto a private plot of land. Many pieces of the building and mosaic floors have been been recovered from careful excavation of the site. ñ A paleochristianic lavatory was uncovered in Souliou Street. It dates back to the beginning of the 4th century AD and was composed of a circular bathtub, the remains of two rooms for heated baths, one for warm water and one for cool water. ñ To the west of the hill of Agio Thodorou, next to what is now the distillery, the cemetery of a paleochristianic settlement was discovered. Other paleochristianic tombs were found at a cemetery north of the hill in the district of Nea Ionia. ñ In 1991, 40 m. of a fort wall was found on a municipal site while digging work was being done for a large open market. The wall is 2.5 m thick and has two square towers. The walls of the Fortress of Volos have, throughout the years, undergone various

repairs, especially in the Byzantine period. The fortress was first mentioned in the 14th century under the name Golos by Katakouzino. The fortress was four-sided with rounded corners. On the eastern side there was a main gate. On the eastern and western corners of the eastern side there was a round tower or turret. The main gate led to the market place where in the 17th century the commercial centre was established. It consisted of a bazaar, shops and a customs office. On the northern side was a main

gate which was given the name "Kara-Kapou" (the Turkish name for the Black Gate). This gate was the exit towards Larissa and the rest of Thessaly. The fortress was bombed by the Venetian admiral Marazini in 1655. In 1889 a large part of the fortress was demolished. The Turkish mosque built in the fort was, according to N. Giannakopoulos, built sometime in the 16th century, a period when most of the mosques in Thessaly were built. N. Giannakopoulos was inclined to believe that the mosque had been built on

the site of a Byzantine church, from the style of the sculptures that were found in the forecourt and from the traces of the wall of an older building. After the destruction of the mosque in 1655, during the Marazini bombardment, the mosque was rebuilt in 1855. The mosque was still standing when Volos became part of the Greek nation (1881) and throughout the demolition of the fortress walls (1889) until its final destruction in an earthquake in 1955.

west of the acropolis and the remains of dwellings can be seen in a radial pattern stemming from the top of the hill. South of the acropolis and outside the walls of the town an important building can be seen. From the dividing walls within the building it could be assumed that this was a temple. What is particularly interesting, however, is the fact that this temple is unlike any other of that period. In fact, it is more an example of the archaic temple known as "Esxara". North west of the ancient town, along the beach towards Alykes, cemeteries were discovered. Quite a large number of tombs belonging to the classic and archaic eras were uncovered.

The majority of these tombs were private. However, the few multiple tombs that exist were probably used in special circumstances. The cemetery at Amphanes is proof of the length of time the town was inhabited. Its final abandonment being in the early part of the 3rd century BC, which coincides with the time that the Macedonian king, Dimitri the Conqueror, founded the town (around the Classic town of Pagases) which he named after himself; Dimitriada. The conical shaped hill of Soros was declared an archaeological site by ministerial decree in 1963. However, the site is not organized well enough to accept visitors.

AMPHANES mphanes was located in what is now known as "Soros". The existence of the town has been verified by excavations in the area as well as information taken from ancient writings, which tell of the existence of the town in the late archaic era. The town of Amphanes was always a small settlement but this did not distract at all from its strategical position and the commercial advantage it had because of that position. The first excavations of the area took place in the early part of the last century under the direction of Arvanitopoulos. A fortification wall around the peak of the acropolis was found. Traces of a lower town can be seen both to the east and

GORITSA

oritsa Hill is a popular place for long walks and is well known for the church of Zothoko Piigi located on its peak. The church is actually built on the site of an 18th century temple. There are clues that there was an ancient sanctuary in the same place. A large town existed on the top of the hill in the 4th century BC. The town was built following a very well organized town plan which had obviously been well thought out. This, according to experts, was probably in line with the policies of Phillip Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, who fortified Magnesia during this period. The walls of the town which still exist today, must

have been completed sometime during the reign of King Kassandros (between 316 and 298 BC). Some years later, in 249 BC, the town started being abandoned as Dimitrios the Conqueror established ancient Dimitriada in this period. A century after its establishment in 250 BC, the town was completely abandoned. After close examination of the area it was observed that the dwellings were all of rectangular shape. Between the built up squares, made up of horizontal and vertical roads, there were three squares which were most probably open public areas. The defence system of the town was well planned with walls 2.5 kms long and

reinforced with 33 towers. The acropolis which is located on the lowest point of the hill where the temple of Zothokou Piigi stands, used to be part of the fortification. It is about 135m long and 80m wide. The western and eastern cemeteries were located outside of the town walls. Just outside the eastern main gate a small cave was found. On the walls of the cave was inscribed the words "DIOS MILIHIOU", which led archaeologists to believe that Jove was worshipped in this place. Quarries used in the 4th century are still visible in thirty places around the hill.

FERES t the end of the neolithic period (probably in the Copper Age about 3000 BC) the town known as "Magoula Bakali" was first inhabited. It was located where modern Velestino is today and was at that time the centre of the Feres settlement. With the passing of time the settlement steadily grew into the town of Feres, one of the most important towns in ancient Thessaly. The town was built at the foot of Mount Halkodonio with Lake Voivida to its north and was very close to Mount Pelion. As a result of its position, it controlled the movement of people from the Plains of Thessaly to the Pagasiticos Gulf. It was, in fact, a very important centre for transportation. Its natural wealth helped immensely in the development of the town. Feres first reached its peak of activity in the mid-Copper Age (1900 - 1600 BC) while its lowest period of activity is thought to be around The Mycean period. Feres continued to exist throughout the protogeometric era (10th - 8th century BC), the archaic and classical periods (7th - 5th century BC) and it continued to develop. Owing to the development of a middle class and

because of social differences, the town was taken over by tyranny under the rule of Lukofronos at the end of 5th century BC. During this period Feres reached its peak of activity. The intervention of Phillip II of Macedonia put an end to the conflicts in Thessaly and abolished the tyranny of Feres by establishing a garrison in Feres in the middle of the 4th century BC. The town of Feres remained under Macedonian domination until the early part of the 2nd century BC. After the last century BC, the town steadily and for unknown reasons started being abandoned by its residents. ROMAN DOMINATION In 197 BC, the Roman general Titos Koidos Flaminos crushed Phillip V near Velestino, at a place known as "Kinos Kefale" and went on to conquer Dimirtiada. Some years later the Magnites led by Evrilohos revolted against the Romans and by entering into an alliance with Etoli, re-took Dimitriada. At the same time the King of Syria, Antioch III came into the picture and allied himself with the Etoli. The Romans, however, managed to keep most of their positions and

one year later they gained the upper hand only to surrender Magnesia to the Macedonians. At the Battle of Pidna the Roman General Emilios Pavlos beat the Macedonian army led by King Persea and as a result they conquered Magnesia and destroyed Dimitriada. Magnesia became part of the Roman empire at this point. BYZANTINE YEARS From the 6th century and throughout the Byzantine years, Magnesia like the rest of Thessaly belonged to Macedonia. The area was constantly being attacked by barbarians from other countries and havoc was wreaked throughout the land. From the 10th century on, Mount Pelion, the backbone peninsula of Magnesia, came to the forefront again but this time as a monastic peninsula, due to the fact that many monasteries had been built on its slopes. From then on and until the area was finally conquered by the Turks, Magnesia was a bone of contention between the local feudal lords, the Catilans, the Venetians and the Turks. At this time, Golos located on the hill at Ag. Anargiros, became the major town in the area after the abandon35

ment of Dimitriada. The walls around Golos had been fortified, probably in the 6th Century, using materials from neighbouring Dimitriada. THE TURKISH OCCUPATION In 1423 the Turks finally occupied Thessalomagnesia and settled into the Castle of Golos after restoring it. They ignored completely the mountainous area of Pelion and as a result this area became a refuge for fleeing slaves from all over Greece. Using the old monasteries as a base these Greeks organised and built the villages of Zagora and Makrynitsa. Pelion enjoyed great prosperity after the second half of the 18th century. Products produced on Pelion were exported by the courageous Zagorian ships to all ports around the Mediterranean. The merchants and the captains from Pelion, who sailed freely on the seas after the Kioutsouk Kainartzi treaty of 1774, brought back liberal ideas as well as the spirit of European enlightenment. These ideas prepared the ground for the uprising of Pelion in 1821. UP TO 1800 Mount Pelion and the plains which were at its foot, as well as the rest of Greece were at this time under Turkish occupation. On the hill of Palia in the Castle, 36

which flourished for hundreds of years, was inhabited by 100 Turkish families. These families acted as guards against all possible enemies who could be seen coming from the sea. Outside the castle lived the Jews and gypsies who like the Peliorites did not have financial resources and made a living by running errands or through the small industries they ran. In 1550 the port started playing a major role and it was through this port that most of the trade with Thessaly and other regions was conducted. Written documentation proves that since 1700 or even earlier the port of Golos had dealings with Hydra, Spetses, Psara and Evia.

From the middle of the 18th century both the port and Pelion were very active. Pelionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s handicraft trade started to develop with the production of red threads. Moreover, the production of silk flourished in this period which along with cotton threads was exported. A large number of the people living on Pelion at that time emigrated to Asia Minor where they went on to become quite wealthy.

REVOLUTION OF PELION Thessalomagnesia, home of the local hero Riga Velestinili, was not to be left out of the Greek uprising of 1821. On the 7th May, 1821, archbishop Anthemios Gazi, one of the protagonists of

the Filikis Eterias (A union of revolutionaries), raised the Greek Revolutionary Flag in Milies on Mount Pelion. On the same day, three ships from Spetses and Hydra sailed into the Pagasiticos Gulf under the authority of Captains Anthony and Lazaros Tsamados and Ioannis Kiriakof. At the same time, revolutionaries from Ag. Lavrentios and Ag. Georgios captured the Turks in Lehonia while the main body of Peliorites, divided into two sections and under the leadership of Kiriakos Basdeki, besieged the strongholds of the Turks in Velestino and the Castle of Volos. Unarmed and lacking fighting experience the revolutionaries of Pelion were unable to beat the

Turkish army which had been reinforced with Dramaliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s men. Therefore, the attack against Velestino and the Castle of Volos was unsuccessful. During the summer of 182l the Turks stifled the pelioritan revolution and in reprisal they killed many of the inhabitants of both Velestino and Makrinitsa and burned many of the houses in the villages of Karabasi, Ag. Georgios and Visitsa. After 1821 and the shrinking of the Turkish borders to Almyros, the Turks began to behave in a more friendly way to the people of Pelion in order to avoid more conflicts. The sultan, Abdul Metzit was forced to accept some reforms such as the one involving commercial

exchanges. The port of Golos once again became active. At a time when steam had been adopted as a method of powering ships, Europe became more active in exporting and importing goods. The ports of Thessaloniki and Golos catered for most of the importing and exporting of the Greek market. In the field of industry the people of Pelion had faced European competition as regards silk production but it still had its place in the market. In 1829 the Turks with Agaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s approval built warehouses and shops outside the castle. In 1840 Volos became the headquarters of the Turkish commander.

The New Town of Volos ased on evidence, it has been established that the town first started around 1841. One of the first inhabitants of the new town of Volos was a man from Epirus named Nikolas Gatsos. According to reports by travellers that visited the area this period of time he built the first house. The area of the Castle was named Golos by both the Turks and Christians, while Ano Volos was named Gkolos although some scholars called it Kastria or Kastria of Volos. In 1830 Koumas referred to it as Iolkos. Some people also referred to it as Nea Dimitriada after ancient

Dimitriada. Many years after the liberation of the area and its reunion into the Greek nation the name Volos was adopted after the influence of newspapers and schools of the era. The districts of the town were named after the towns that had existed in the region in the past: Iolkos, Pagases and Dimitriada. By the same token, the metropolis and the metropolitan bishop is known as "Bishop Dimitriados". More recently the name Almyros has been added to his title (before this he was known as Bishop of Dimitriada and Zagora).

Trade In 1840, the main products exported from the region by "kaiki" (small boats) were: tobacco, olives, fabrics from Almyros and Katihori, silk from Agia, silk scarves, etc. Materials, cinnamon, pepper, pewter, zinc, vitriol, loulaki (blue powder for washing) sugar and coffee were imported from Constantinople, Genoa, Thessaloniki and Livorno. Rum came from Massalia; glassware, writing slates, pencils, matches, small raki glasses, wine glasses paper and plates from Trieste; mastrapades (small glassesbottles for wine, water etc.), halvas, sugared almonds,

candies, belts, incense, brooms, iron plates, etc from Thessaloniki.

Why were the inhabitants of Volos referred to as Austrians? Before its liberation in 1854, the people of Volos started trading with the Austrians. In fact, the Austrian shipping firm Lloyd established an office here. Austrian ships were frequent visitors to the port both loading and unloading merchandise. Because of this activity, the people of Thessaloniki and of other free parts of Greece were jealous and gave the people of Volos the name "The Austrians". This nickname was commonly used but it took on an entirely different meaning. Austrians meant "inhospitable" a title which the people of Volos do not deserve. Of course, after the liberation of Volos, the people here did not take kindly to the government officials, doctors and lawyers who opened up practices in the town after coming from other parts of the country. The Voliotes thought that these newcomers would exploit the local inhabitants and were therefore unwilling to accept them. Another reason why the Voliotes were unfriendly towards them was because these new residents took advantage of the local irls.

1850-1870 n 1858 the town had just 80 houses, most of which were along the water front, which was then where Iasonos street is today. Volos started from where the Exoraistiki cinema stands today. A house belonging to someone called Alexi, who built the first artesian well, stood on this spot. A little further on was the two-storey house of Apostolos Karmini which housed the local school. On the corner of Kartali and Iasonos Street there was a beautiful house, a veritable palace. This house belonged to Nicholas Gatsos. Opposite and a little further on was the house of Topali with its huge warehouses. Even further on were the houses of I. Spiridi and Batsou. Some of the other houses belonged to dignitaries such as the Israeli Liahou, Ioanni Tsibouki, Giannakou Rizodimou, Nicholas Tsopotou, Ath. Athanasaki, Ath. Laskou, K. Tsakmaki and M. Mattheopoulou. From 1866 until 1872 the houses of Konstantaki Tsopotou, Grigoriou Hadzilazarou, Aristidi Mousouri, Theodore Chrysoidi and Borel were built. Dimitriados Street was the main focus of activity until 1868. The houses of Christos Bikos, Z. Moschonidou, Kolatsis, S. Parthenis, Ath. Vadanaros, Antonopoulos and the doctor, Bailas, were

built in Ermou Street. Some time later the large residences belonging to Perdikis and to Ioannis and Nicholas Zachos were built. The houses of Georgios and Konstantinos Kartali were built near St. Nicholasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Square. All the houses were beautifully built and resembled small fortresses as they were surrounded by storerooms and large expanses of land. In 1879, Volos became a municipality and the first mayor was Makritziotis Polimeros. His councilors were G. Kartalis, Th. Chrisochoides and Chatzis Nikou. The town hall was housed in a building in Dimitriados Street. In 1850 the archbishop, Dorotheos Scholarios came to Volos. He had been in Zagora since 1791 and later in the church on the hill of Episkope. Bishop Gregoriou, who had lived in a house near the "Exoraistiki", moved to the Palia district after the liberation of the area.

The Revolution of 1854 n 1852, both Athens and the rest of Greece was in turmoil. The reason was the revolution that was taking place in Mavrovounio, which did not have any significant result for the enslaved people of the Balkans.

The French in co-operation with the English held a privileged position in Jerusalem and ignored the existence of the Orthodox church. At the same time these allies persuaded the sultan of the Turkish empire not to accept Russian demands. The Russians weighed up the situation and asked for the protection of the Orthodox church. After seeing that the Turks were now the puppets of the French and the English, the Tsar put an end to diplomatic relations with them on 18th December, 1853, at which time he declared war. The English-French alliance were looking for a reason to declare war against Russia. Unable to bear the pressure and humiliation they joined in the war on 1527 December. The majority of the Greek people supported the Russians, especially now that they saw the liberation of Epirus and Thessaly in sight. The Greek government were reluctant, however, to take part in the war owing to the fact that its army was not ready for such a war and the French-English alliance insisted that Greece should not get involved. The people who wanted to fight ignored the governments decisions and formed rebel groups which went into Thessaly and Epirus and attacked the Turks. The 40

Pelioritis rose against the Turks at the same time. Many of them followed the Zagorian teacher, Theodore Afendoulis, to Athens to raise money with which they bought arms. They formed the Guerrilla Force the leader of which was N. Filaretou, who was a sergeant in the police force and one of the rebels who had fought in 1821. Various secret groups were formed on Pelion by Hadzandoni, Basdekaious and Garefi while in Volos the soul of the revolution was N. Gatsou. Towards the end of 1853 preparations for the

revolution were in full swing. Correspondents came from Athens and munitions were being dispersed to various deserted beaches along the coast. From the beginning of the rebellion there was discord among the revolutionaries. The Basdekians wanted to have overall leadership and to this end prepared the way on Pelion. G. Grizanos an old resident of Mitzela, who now lived in New Mitzela, had managed to gather many fighters round him and he too joined in the fight. He began in Almyros and continued over to Agia

where he encountered the Alexoulides. On 17th March the big battle began in which 137 Turks were killed and 29 were injured. Filaretou, sent by Athens as the leader of the revolution, arrived on Pelion on 25th March 1854. He realized immediately that there was a negative atmosphere in which the people were afraid of the village elders and there was a lack of munitions. The first villages to raise the flag of liberation were Promiri and Lafkos. During the revolution, Zagora, Ag. Georgios, Milies, Visitsa, Pinakates, Karabasi, Niaou, Ag. Lavrentios and Drakia were united. However, the delay of the Peliorites to take part in the fighting had its consequences. It gave the

Turks the time to bring in an army while the French-Greek alliance patrolled the Aegean Sea, cutting off the area from the rest of Greece. Filaretos and his band of men went to Carla where they fought with the locals. In Zagora one of the guerrillas killed a civilian. In Makrinitsa the locals complained that the soldiers mistreated them. In addition to all this, the Basdeki and Garefis brothers considered their personal ambitions more important than the battle for liberation.

The Revolution of 1878 One of the reasons for the revolution was the uprising of all Balkan nations and the war between Russia and Turkey in 1877. The Greeks were once

again active and held various rallies in order to force the government to cooperate with the Russians in the war. In Athens there was a lot of agitation as the Thessalians along with the Peliorites organized rebel groups in order to invade Thessaly. The first force was led by Voulgaris and was made up of Macedonians. This force was sent to Litochoro in Katerini but as they were not supported by the locals they returned to Pelion. Voulgaris went to Athens alone in order to explain the failure of his mission. The Boulouksides,who led the rebel groups: Zacharopoulos, Exachos and Katsikopoulos, went to Promiri but found the locals very hesitant. Shortly before this, a group led by Dimopoulos went to 41

Platania where they captured the head of the customs office and five other Turks. They released them later, after they had given them letters to deliver to the English, the French, the Italian and the Greek Consulates in Volos. In this letter they stated 42

that the Greeks were patriots and demanded the liberation of Thessaly. The revolutionaries that visited the villages encountered support and at other times hesitation from the inhabitants. In the first battle on 12th January 1878, the revolutio-

naries managed to overcome 900 Turks, 170 of whom they killed. The next day they barricaded themselves in the Monastery of Sourvia, near Makrinitsa. Through holes they opened in the walls, they continued their fight against the Turks and killed

100 men. The rebels decided to leave under the cover of night and without any help. They reached Pouri and later Zagora, Machrirachi and Anilio without suffering any losses. However, they were not received warmly by the

local inhabitants and were only offered somewhere to sleep at night. At this time Zisimos Basdekis, the captain of the police force, arrived at Promiri. He had received orders from the prime minister to organise a vo-

lunteer group from Pelion so as to lead the revolution. Basdekis, escorted by 200 men, marched towards Makrinitsa. He was greeted with enthusiasm through all the villages he passed; he had after all been appointed by the Greek government. In Zagora the local inhabitants freed themselves from Turkish domination and pledged their lives to the fight for freedom. At the meeting which took place in Portaria and to which 60 representatives from other villages went, a temporary government of Pelion was set up. This government was made up of: N. Sakellarides, K. Garefis, K. Kotsamanos, K. Zamanoudis, A. Vogiatzis, G. Nikolaou, I. Lanaros and N. Badis. The chairman was a merchant in Egypt named Geronimos Kassabetis and vice presidents were Z. Basdekis and E. Stamoulis. Unfortunately, E. Kassabetis, the chairman, was only a figurehead. Basdekiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s orders carried no clout and discipline was absent. His hesitation in fighting the Turks in the Castle of Golos gave them the time to get reinforcements. On February 6th, 1878, the Greeks fought heroically in Makrinitsa against 10,000 Turks. The Greeks were defeated in this battle and as a result the revolution was over. This did, however, sow the seeds for liberation.

Thessalomagnesia becomes Greek t the Berlin Congress in 1878, after a lot of intrigue on the part of the "great powers", it was decided that Thessaly and a part of Epirus should be considered parts of Greece. However, the final embodi-

ment of these regions into Greece, did not happen until three years later. On 2nd November 1881, with a spirit of nationalism the Greek army entered Volos, the capital of Magnesia, with its 5,000

inhabitants. At first, Volos became part of the prefecture of Larissa just as Almyros did. Two years later, and following royal decree came the establishment of the Municipality of Magnesia. The area around Volos was

divided into smaller municipalities, those of: Pagases, Iolkos, Orminio, Makrinitsa, Voivis of Feres, Zagora, Kissos, Mouresi, Milies, Drakia, Aiadio, Spalathra, Afetes, Nilia, Sipiada and Agios Lavrentios. The district of Almyros was divided into the municipalities of: Itonos, Othrios and Platanos. A new period of development started for the town after Volos and Thessaly became part of the Greek nation. It became a really important economic centre as the port expanded and the railway was constructed in order to connect the town of Volos with other urban centres. Of course, this economic development was followed by an increase in building activity. Buildings were constructed in both a neoclassical style and a modern style, Magnificent churches such as those of Ag. Nicholaos, Metamorphosi and Ag. Konstantinos, the work of great architects of the time, added to the changing face of the town. The industrial style of building which, was present in Europe, was copied during this period in Volos. After the unification of Thessaly into the Greek nation in 1.881, Volos had 4.987 inhabitants. Ano Volos 2.329, Kanalia 1.144, Kissos 1.822, Zagora 3.442, Portaria 2.784, Makrinitsa 3.864, Milies 2.094, Tsagarada 2.347, Ag. Lavrentios 1.731, Argalasti

2.331, Lafkos 1.919, Promiri 1.335, Katihori 1.494, Drakia 2.637, Neohori 1.515, Karabasi 1.105, Ag. Georgios 1.869, Mouresi 1.214 and Trikery 2.100. Development in the new town was rapid. From 1856 the newly established community was governed by the "Revenue Office of The New Town of Volos". This authority imposed taxes on building work and commercial enterprises in order to be able to carry out public works in the town, Included in these were the construction of the church of Ag. Nicholaos, of the primary school, the building of cobbled streets, the construction of small bridges over the streams that divided Volos from the Palia district and later on the construction of a secondary school. In 1865, the town had a population of 3000. In order to meet the needs of the increasing population, new artesian wells were opened up. In 1867, the Turkish state ordered the building of a new camp to house the port guards in an undeveloped area east of the fort. Next to it was the telegraph office, courthouse, and prison (Riga Ferreou Square). In 1881 a new port was built opposite the square. In 1877 a commercial court was established with three members; two Greeks and a Turk. After joining the Greek nation in 1881, the social scene in Thessaly and the

town itself started changing at a dramatic rate. The town was became a hive of industrial activity and by the end of the century it was considered one of the largest industrial centres in Greece, second only to Piraeus. The population grew too. In 1889 it was 11.020 reaching 23,563 by 1907. The town acquired a new profile. There was town planning, an improved infrastructure, a railway and port, factories, industrial areas, public buildings such as schools, cultural and recreational centres. With these changes came the defining of oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s status according to the area in which one lived. From 1883 more factories were built in the town and by 1894 there were thirteen steam powered factories: five steam mills, three forges, three tanneries, a railway machine shop and a steel mill. Over the next few years more factories were constructed and by 19l0 the number had risen to 20. Some of the more notable factories of that period were: the machine shops of Stamopoulos and Glavani-Kazazis, The Matsaggos Tobacco Industry and the textile factories of Papageorgiou and Mourtzoukos (1908). The fact that there were 26 tobacco warehouses in the area just goes to show how fast this industry was developing. Development in the industrial sector was followed by 45

the appearance of banks. By 1900 many banks had established themselves in the area:The Bank of Epirousthessaly (1882), The Bank of Athens (1894), The Bank of Kosmadopoulos (1895), The National Bank of Greece (1897). The Industrial Bank and The Bank of Kevli-Varoux. By 1993 branches of Ioniki, Laiki and Emporiki banks, Thessaly bank, Karavassilis bank and the Privileged Company of the General Warehouses of Greece and many insurance companies had been established in the area. Commercial and industrial development was followed by the formation of groups comprising businessmen and another of workers. Volos, which is well known for its labour movement, began union activities. In 1888 The Labour Association was established and in 1900 The Printers’ Corporation followed suit. In 1908 The National Labour Association and "The Fraternity" (1500 members) was established and in the same year the official opening of The Labour Centre (2000 members) took place. The Association of the Railway Employees had 800 members and the Socialists’ Centre 400, not counting the socialists’ youth movement.

The Labour Centre of Volos Established in 1908, the Labour Centre was the 46

outcome of the National Labour Association and was the first successful accomplishment of the Union at a national level. The forerunner of this was the National Labour Association (The Fraternity) the chairman of which was the lawyer Kostas Zachos and the secretary of which the journalist Kostas Daifas. The LCV (Labour Centre of Volos) was established out of a need for social-political circumstances which led the workers, (in the majority tobacco workers), in an effort to clarify what their rights were. The executive members of the centre promoted the ideas and rights of the workers. Important scholars in Volos at that time such as D. Saratsis, Alexandros Delmouzos, Takis Economakis, George Sakelaridis and others contributed to the LCV by writing articles and giving speeches with such zeal that those years would remain in history as the years of "enlightenment of the work force".In 1908 Kostas Zachos and Kostas Daifas published a newspaper "The Worker" which had a large circulation and which spread the ideas of the labour movement. In mid-1908 the newspaper was published under the title "The Worker-Farmer" as the editor Kostas Zachos felt that the uneducated and exploited farmers deserved the same support as the workers. The LCV continues today to make

its presence felt and to promote the dream of peace, solidarity and liberty.

The Girls High school of Volos On the 24th September 1908 the Girls High school of Volos was established as a result of a proposal by Dimitris Saratsis and the decision of the municipality of Pagases. Its first headmaster was the Professor of Literature Alexandros Delmouzos. This innovative educational establishment was functional until the 11th March 1911 at which time it closed as a result of the opposition it faced from the Bishop of Dimitriada Germanos Mavromatis and the journalist and the editor of the newspaper "The Kirix", Dimosthenis Kourtovic. The LCV and the Girls High school closed at the same time at a subsequent trial for "Atheist activities" as they were referred to. Those responsible for the two establishments were found guilty of using vulgar language and of anti-national and anti-religious actions. They were later acquitted in a court of appeal.

Volos - The first steps he first school of Volos was established in the house of Karmiri in 1853. After the liberation of Thessaly the school had more than 800 students and an adjoining building, next to Agios Nicolaos church was used. Prior to this, the school was run at the house of Kokosli.

Some of the teachers in this school were Zananiadis, Dimitrakopoulos, Malanidis and Nikoliadis. Schools had also been running on Pelion since the beginning of the 18th century. The most famous of these was the school of Zagora, were Riga Ferreos was a student.

Schools also existed in Kissos were Rigas taught, in Makrynitsa, Tsagarada, in Milies where Anthimos Gazis taught with Zacharias, a man who gave a lot to the Greek nation at the time of the Turkish occupation. The scholar Konstantas arrived later in Milies to run the 47

school there. By the first decade of the 20th century Volos had acquired an urban profile which had been missing from the initial plans of the town. For quite a significant period of time the town’s reconstruction occurred only as a result of private initiative and public buildings (eg. the Hospital, Museum, Town Hall, Business School and Municipal Theatre (1896)) were constructed from money donated by the private sector. Moreover, private constructions such as houses, factories and shops were built within the new town plan. In 1889 the Railway Station was constructed and military camps were set up in what is now known as Riga Ferreos Square. Additionally, two warehouses containing arms were constructed in 1891 in the square in front of the Municipal Theatre. In the same period buildings dedicated to the social life of the inhabitants of the town began to appear. Factories were located quite near the town’s port in an area that had not been developed near to the castle. This area became an industrial area after 1900 when the last Turks had left the area selling their properties. Factories and tobacco companies were built all around the town even along the sea front (eg. the Tobacco industry of Matsagos, the tobacco warehouses of Spirer 48

and Papastratos). Most of the industrial and commercial activity of the town was done in the area known as Metamorfosis. After liberation from the Turks the port of Volos was the most northern in Greece. Easy access to the plains of Thessaly was provided by the railway system (built by Harilaos Trikoupis) and which was finished in 1886 making Thessaly a centre for transportation. Economic development of the town started encountering difficulties in the early 20th century. With the completion of the AthensLarissa railway line, Volos lost its exclusiveness, of being the region’s centre for commercial activities, to Larissa. Another positive result of the Balkan war and the incorporating of "The New Lands" shifted the owners on to Thessaloniki which had been the most important financial centre of the Turkish Empire during the occupation. At this time the port of Volos lost importance commercially and became less active. This situation was worsened by a reduction in trade after the First World War. Up until 1930 industry in the region had flourished. New enterprises were set up, others modernised and expanded. With increased exports the town experienced a second period of financial growth. The crisis of 1929 brought developments in the economy of the region. In order to face

the results of this crisis laws were enacted to control government intervention. Local industry which depended on decisions made by the state suffered as the centre of the Greek economy moved to Athens and Pireas. Many local businesses closed down while others linked up with businesses in Athens in order to survive. The Second World War exacerbated the already desperate situation of local industry. In the first few decades after the war, local industry collapsed under the pressure of financial problems. However, from the 1960’s this situation improved with the establishment of the industrial area and the shipping line that linked Volos to Syria. Factories whose head-offices were located in other parts of Greece as well as abroad were constructed in the industrial area strengthening the local economy. The industrial growth of the town from 1960-1990 coincided with the development of the tourist industry as a result of the geographical position of Volos; close to Pelion and to the Sporades islands as well as Evia. The town experienced a new financial crisis in the 1990’s which resulted in many industries closing down. However, this unfortunate situation has now changed.

one betrayed him and his plans were discovered. He was subsequently arrested in Trieste with some of his compatriots. The Austrians handed him over to the Turks who murdered him in Belgrade in June 1798. Rigasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; famous Chart can still be seen in the office of the Mayor of Ferron; Mr. Kosta Kanari.

ANTHIMOS GAZIS

Alexandrou Ipsilanti. Later he worked for the lord of Vlachia; N. Mavrogeni. Rigas was one of the most ardent supporters of the fight for freedom and very few people worked as hard as he did to this end. He believed that his enslaved countrymen should be educated in order to achieve dignity and a clear conscience so that they would be able to follow the example of the west and especially that of France. With this in mind, Rigas printed original and translated books in Vienna to help enlighten the enslaved people of Greece. At the same time, it was his and his compatriots intention to incite an uprising in the Balkans against the Sultan. Unfortunately, some-

He was a clergy man and teacher who not only helped to educate his countrymen but also participated in the organising of the Greek revolution. He was editor in charge of collecting, translating and writing a great number of works. He was also the editor of the magazine "Hermis o Logios" and later played a leading role in the Filiki Eteria actively participating in the politics and military actions of 1821. He was born to a poor family in Milies on Pelion. His parents Panagiotis and Maria Gazali had 7 children. Gazis, whose real name was Anastasios, lost his father at the age of three. He received a basic education in his home town by Anthimos Papadasis and later in the school of Zagora. At 16 he was ordained deacon and the following year became a priest (Hatzifotis 1965: 99). In 1789 and with the financial help of Aggelis Marmaras from the same

village he went to Vienna in order to complete his education. There he learnt foreign languages, physics and mathematics and kept company with Greek and foreign intellectuals. He became active in promoting public services of a spiritual nature. From 1811 he worked along side Grigorio Konstanta in an effort to create a high school in Milies on Pelion taking on the responsibility of securing funding as well as books and other teaching equipment. His subsequent actions dealt with politics. After resigning from his position as priest in the church of Agios Georgios, October 1815, he left for Odessa in 1816 probably with the aim of securing contributions for the school on Pelion. Despite his initial hesitation he was initiated into the Filiki Eteria by Skoufas and Tsakalof. After this he acquired a more

Famous names of Magnesia

RIGAS FERAIOS He was one of the most important men in the period of the Turksih occupation. Born in Velestino, his real name was Adonis Kiriazis. He was educated at the famous Ellinomuseo in Zagora. He left his village for the town where he became seretary to the monarch of Moldavia;

Famous names of Magnesia

important position in the movementâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hierarchy (Dimaras 1998: 379). Later he visited Constantinopole and then began a tour of Greece which lasted two years from 1817 to1818. Firstly, he went to Fokida and then on to the areas of Thessaly and Macedonia as a representative of the Filiki Eteria. His work continued over the next few years in his homeland, where he recruited many chieftains of the region. On May 1st 1821 he declared the rebelion in Milies and later in other regions of Pelion (Hatzifotis 1969: 94). Towards the end of his life Gazis got more involved in education by becoming a headmaster in a school on the island of Tinos and later in Ermoupoli on Syros. It was here that he died on the 28th December (10th December) 1828. He left half of his estate to the school he had founded in Milies.

ALEXANDROS PAPADIAMANTIS His name is linked with the island of Skiathos, which is

very proud of its writer. He was born in Skiathos on 3rd March, 1851 where he attended primary school and the first two classes of secondary school. He continued his education in Skopelos and Piraeus, finally completing his secondary education at the Varvakeo Secondary School in 1874. In September of the same year he enrolled in the School of Philosophy, but did not graduate. It was at this time that he wrote his first poem dedicated to his mother. In 1879, he had his story, "The Immigrant", printed in "The Neologos" newspaper. In 1882 he started writing a story for "The Mi Hanesai" newspaper entitled "The Traders of Nations". It was at this time too that he began working as a translator. In 1884 he started publishing a story entitled "Gypsy Girl" in The Acropole newspaper for which he worked regularly between 1892 and 1897. He lived in Skiathos from 1902 until 1904 and while there he published "The Murderer". In 1908 after a period away from Skiathos, he returned and remained there until his death from pneumonia in 1911. On 22nd November, 1912 his grave was visited by Maria Bonaparti and in 1925 a memorial bust, the work of Th. Thomopoulos, was erected

DIMITRIOS SARATCHI He was born in Ano Volos 50

in 1871. He studied medicine in Athens and Paris before settling down in Volos where he opened up his practice. While practising his profession he got involved in politics. His named is linked to the Girlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s High School of Volos, which was a pioneering endeavour in the modern history of education in Greece. He also had a major role to play in the founding of the first general council of Volos. He was both Deputy Minister and Minister of Hygiene. He died in a car accident in 1951.

GRIGORIOS KONSTANTAS He was born in Milies on Pelion sometime between 1753 and 1757. Konstantas was prepared for the priesthood in the well known school in Milies by Anthemios Papantazi. He was Deacon to the Bishop of Skopelos, who sent him to Constantinople for further studies. He completed his studies later in Bucharest after being persuaded to do so by the Greek teacher Neofito Kafsokalivitos. Apart from the translation of important foreign texts he also completed a significant piece of work "Geography", which he wrote with Daniel Philippidis (1791). "Geogra-

given by Athoniada. Afterwards, he went on to Chios where he studied Philosophy and then to Vlachies and Bucharest His apprenticeship with Neophytos Kafsokalyvitis was to prove important in the educational develo-pment of Philippidis, who adopted the innovative spirit of his teacher as regards the spiritual reformation of the Greek nation. Influenced by the French Renaissance, Philippidis believed that education and science needed philosophy in order to complete the moral perfection of men. He offered his services to the school of Iasio. As he was living in the principality, he entered the circle of Dimitraki Katartzi and along with Grigorio Konstanta wrote "Geography". They based its creation on their personal experience and testimonies of eye witnesses of the places they were unable to visit. After "Geography", Philippidis stayed in France for a long time. His death came in November 1832.

DIMITRIOS DANIEL PHILIPPIDIS He was educated in his hometown Milies by his teacher Anthimos whose students included Anthimos Gazis and Grigorios Konstantas. He was soon to enter the priesthood as Deacon with the name Daniel. He then went to Mount Athos where he attended lessons

THEOPHILOS HATZIMICHAEL He was born in 1871 (some say 1868) in Varia in Mitilini. Theophilos Hatzimichael started working to make ends meet from a very early age by painting mainly murals in churches, shops, cafes and houses. He was

active not only in Mitilini but in places as far as Smyrni and also on the other side of the Aegean, in the villages of Pelion, in Volos and in suburbs around Volos. This moving around should not be attributed to an unstable character but to the fact that he was one of the last in a line of artists who travelled widely. After 1899, when he had settled in Milies on Pelion, Theophilos started to gain popularity. He became wellknown locally not only for his paintings but also for his behaviour. After a lot of wandering Theophilos died in 1934 in his birthplace of Mitilini.

Famous names of Magnesia

phy" combines a physical description of places with the history of the place. In 1795 he took up the position of teacher in Ablakia in Thessaly. There he taught ancient Greek, Philosophy and Maths. In 1803 and 1805 he organised two educational trips to Vienna and Trieste. He returned to Milies because of ill health where he stayed until the start of the Revolution. He was Custodian of Education in the first government of Greece. During his first term in office he toured the free areas of Greece, inspecting their schools while at the same time undertaking, along with Th. Farmakidis and A. Soutso, the directorship of the orphanage of Egina from which he was dismissed just after the murder of Kapodistria. He returned to his enslaved town where he continued his didactic and missionary work with zeal. He died on 6th August 1844.

NIKOLAOS FILARETOS He was born on 20th March 1805 in Promiri on southern Pelion. His love for his enslaved country, was such that before the uprising of Pelion started he formed a group, which consisted of his friends, and his brother-inlaw Grigorios Damtsas, or Zorbas, as Group Leader. When Gazis started the rebellion in Thessalomagnesia, Filaretos left Promiri along with his men and went to Volos so as to be present at the siege of the castle of Golos (Volos). From Pelion, Filaretos went to Evia and to the Sporades islands with Zorbasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; men before being sent to Hydra by government command. Filaretosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; contribution to the 51

Famous names of Magnesia

country was recognised by the government who gave him the rank of Brigadier because of the bravery he showed in battle. When he was only 20 he fought against Ibraem and was seriously injured. After a long and hard fight at the battle of Trikery, the revolutionaries managed to defeat the Turkish-Albanians who were forced to flee to Lafkos. In 1854 Filaretos started the revolution on Pelion by inciting the Piliorites to fight. On 19th July 1868 the tortured fighter died in Xerochori, Evia at the age of 63.

KOSTAS GAREFIS He played an important role in the revolution of 1854 as he had created his own corps of revolutionaries. During the rebellion of 1878 he was a member of the temporary government on Pelion and co-leader along with Zisimos Bazdekis. It was along with him and Kostas’ brother Dimitrios, or Katsiouda, that he participated in all of the Battles of Makrynitsa. After the liberation of Thessaly he was mayor of Milies for two decades.

PETROS MAGNIS This is the pen name of Konstantinos C. Konstantinidis. He was born in 1880 in Zagora. He attended the primary school of "Sotiras" 52

and the high school of his birthplace. He completed his secondary education at the high school of Volos in 1900. He continued his studies in Ermoupoli. He had already started writing poetry in which the anxiety he felt to create poems with perfect composition and expression of meaning was obvious. It was this anxiety that followed him to his last literary breath.

engineer, discovered his son’s talent for artistic creation at a very early age. His artistic career started with his passing from childhood to adolescence. At the age of 12, apart from attending music classes, he also attended classes of drawing at the Polytechnic of Athens where his artistic bent was more than obvious to the teachers. Giorgio de Kiriko constantly made reference to the methodical education he received (as defined by the Academy of Munich), as very important to him.

VAGGELIS PAPATHANASIOU

GIORGIO De KIRIKO He was born in Volos. Giorgio De Kiriko’s father, an

The work of Vaggelis Papathanasiou is well-known all around the world. He was born on 29th March 1943 in Agria, Volos. He started playing the piano at the age of four and when he was six years old he made his first public performance, presenting his own compositions. In his school days he was an important member of the

N. Skiathitis

Era", progressive rock, symphony rock, space music and electronic music. He stayed with "Aphrodite’s Children" until 1970 when they broke up after a successful career in Europe. After that he started his solo career.

VASILIS POLYMEROS NIKOS SKIATHITIS Two young athletes from the sport of rowing have rightfully earned their place alongside other great

personalities of Magnesia. Vasilis Polymeros and Nikos Skiathitis are the only “Voliotes” who won bronze medals in the 2004 Olympics. Vasilis was born in Volos in 1997 and belongs to the athletic clubs OEA & NAB. He has won pan-hellenic, paneuropean and world titles. Nikos was born in Volos in 1984. Apart from his Olympic medal he has won a bronze medal in World, Balkan and Pan-hellenic competitions.

Famous names of Magnesia

well-known group "The Forminx". He moved to Paris towards the end of the 60’s where he established the group "Aphrodite’s Children" along with Demis Rousos and the drummer Loukas Sideras. He composed mainly orchestral music and music for cinema companies. During his career he "flirted" with many kinds of music and this is why his work is very difficult to put in any one category. He combines types of music such as: "New

V. Polymeros

Churches

The church of Ag. Konstantinos

he first church to be built in Volos was that of Agios Nicolaos, which was the only church for many years after the liberation from the Turks. The foundation stone was placed in 1856 and the church was only built after a lot of opposition from the Turks. In 1898 the church was burnt to the ground, but within 53 days, from 12th October to the eve of Saint Nicolas day it was rebuilt. It covered an area of 24X13.4 metres.

On the 9th June 1881 the first mass was held in Metamorfosis church which had been built of wood. In the following year on the 17th May 1892 the church of Ag. Theodoros was built on the ruins of a Byzantine church. On 30th September 1895 the church of Agios Eleftherios was built in the prison. In an area which is now known as the Riga Ferreos Square. This church does not exist now. On 30th December 1896 the first

religious ceremony was held in the Analipsis church. A lot later the churches of Agios Anargyros and Evaggelistria were built. Unlike the situation in many other large cities in which people have distanced themselves from the church, the people of Volos attend the mass regularly. One of the most impressive churches is the Cathedral of Agios Nicolaos. Built in a Byzantine style, it was the creation of the architect Aristotelis

The church of Zothoko Piigi

Zachos. The sacred remains of Saint Nicolas who came from Rimini in Italy, have been kept here since 2003.The churches of Metamorfosis and Agios Konstantinos built in the basilica style are also creations of Zachos. In the church of Agia Triada next to the hospital in Anavros, one can admire beautiful icons painted by the famous artist Gouranopoulos. The following churches exist in the town of Volos: ñAgia Aikaterini ñAgia Irene (Nees Pagases) ñAgia Paraskevi (Ag. Paraskevi) ñAgios Gerasimos ñAgios Georgios (Ag. Georgios Baxedon) ñAgios Dimitrios (Nea Dimitriada) ñAgios Eleftherios (VlachavaPolila) ñAgios Ioannis Prodromos (Lord Byron str.) (church of the old testament) ñAgios Konstantinos (Anavros) ñAgios Nicolaos (Ag. Nicolaos square) ñAgios Tryfonas (Neapoli) ñAg. Anargyri (Kapakli) ñAg. Apostoli (Nea Dimitriada) ñAg. Theodori (Palia) ñAg. Kosmas & Artemios (Oxygono) ñThe church of the Birth of Theotokou (Goritsa) ñThe church of Zoothochou Pigi (Goritsa) ñThe church of the Kimiseos of Theotokou (Georgiadou

str.) (church of the old testament) ñMetamorfosis church (Platonos str-28th October Str) ñThe church of Prophet Elias (Nees Pagases)

There are churches of other creeds in the area: ñThe Evangelical church (Koumoundourou Str.) The Catholic church

ñThe Israeli Synagogue (Evripidou Str.) ñThe Catholic church (173 Riga Ferreou Str., tel. no:24210-57971) ñJehovah’s Witnesses’ church (4 Erodotou Str.,tel. no:24210-27287) ñThe Pentecostal church Cemeteries The cemetery of Volos was initially Turkish and was located to the west of the castle where the gas works and the market was. The Jewish cemetery was located in Kapakli while the Christian cemetery was where the hospital is today. It was later moved to where the church

of Analipsis is and then transferred to N. Ionia in the early part of the 20th century. Nowadays, there are three cemeteries. The first and oldest is in N. Ionia, the second is an area known as Koukos in Sesklo and the Jewish cemetery is in N. Ionia. The church Ag. Nikolaos

Pedion tou Arios

PARKS Pedion tou Arios At the entrance to the town, on the right hand side of the Athens Road, one will find one of the most contemporary organic parks in the area. A very green place which offers its visitors a place to relax, the park has 150 species of plants and a man-made lake filled with a variety of fish and birds who nest on the small island in the centre of the lake. The park itself borders on the wetlands known as Bouboulithra. The park is also home to a riding club which holds competitions each year.

the park at Anavros. It is an outdoor exhibition of modern art. Every day hundreds of citizens and visitors to the area stop to admire this work done by contemporary artists.

delicious meal chosen from the tavernas comprehensive menu. Opposite the park is a statue dedicated to the Greek hero Riga Ferreou himself.

Eleftheria Square Opposite the courthouse, in the centre of Volos, is Eleftheria Square. It is an oasis in the middle of the town and offers the residents of the town and visitors a place to relax between shopping or errands. It is the oldest park in the town.

Riga Ferreou Park Fountain Square The colour of a traditional market still exists in the Palia district of Volos. In Fountain Square in Papakiriazis Street one can find shops, hospitable taverns (with their traditional snacks), and traditional "tsipouradika".

Anavros Park As you walk along the sea front from the promenade, you will find modern sculptures which have transformed 56

It is located between the Town Hall and the Municipal Theatre of Volos. One can enjoy a cup of coffee at Theofilosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in the park or even a Anavros park

Anavros park

Culture

â&#x20AC;?Seascape with poatâ&#x20AC;? An oil painting by Giannis Poulakos

ach era has been

E touched by artists who have left their mark on the culture of Magnesia. In the late 19th Century when the

population of Volos numbered just 10,000, the first photographers such as Andonis Rafanides, Stefanos Stourmaras and Kostas Zi-

meris came onto the scene. In the early 20th century, Konstantinos Geskos returned from the place where he had. 57

Great Artists and the passing of time

”The port of Volos” An oil painting by Aristomenis Aggelopoulos (collection belonging to Municipality of Volos)

1920 -1930 rtists held exhibitions in

A the cafes of the period.

Eson Kiriakopoulos, who lived in Paris, exhibited his work. The painter, Georgios Kosmadopoulos from Makrinitsa belonged to this period as well. In 1922, the first Panthessalic exhibition took place. Artists such as K. Maleas, F. Kodoglou, P. Dego, S. Vasiliou, A. Asteriadis, D. Giodasis, etc. participated in the exhibition. Great painters of this period (Litras, Vikatos, Thomopou 58

los, Geralis, Roilos) were promoted known by the art dealer and painter Kosmas Stathis, whose clients were local dignitaries and collectors such as: Chr. Loulis, Repoulis, Ap. Papageorgiou and other art lovers who all contributed to the development of the town. Theofilos is rightfully at the top of the list of the most important local artists. Kitsos Makris was, for more than fifty years, the pillar of the town’s cultural life. Zisis and Chrysoula Zogia

took the reins of art a little later. Their exhibitions mainly took place in the Tourist Stand on the promenade; the cultural centre of the town at that time. Two of the more outstanding artists of the period and whose origins lay in Volos were Aristomenis Aggelopoulos and Thannasis Fabas, who both lived abroad. A short time before the war Dora Chrisochoidi-Livanou, student of Konstantinou Perthenis and the Kefalonian School of Fine Arts in Athens, returned to Greece. She was

”Landscape” In acrylic by Pleologos Theologou

to become the teacher of future generations of artists in Volos.

The 1950’s t was during this period that the industrialist, Apostolis Papageorgiou, commissioned the artist, Georgios Gournaropoulos with the task of painting the murals in the small church of Ag. Triada, outside the hospital. His work is truly magnificent and reflects the artist’s personal style. During the period of the dictatorship. although the situation does have some effect on art at that time, two

new artists come on the scene; Kostas Kondoyiannis and Paul Soulkias. Early on in the 1950’s Eleni Karagiannis, student of G. Mavroidi of the School of Fine Arts, and Paleologos Theologos appear on the scene. They were joined later by Giannis Michailides and Thanasis Akrivopoulos. In 1975 Volos saw the establishing of The Fine Arts and Spiritual Centre. Many amateur artists such as P. Moraitis, G. Skotiniotis, Militsa Karathanou, St. Varsadanis and Dora Livanou helped in the development of this project.

Giorgos Kafentarakis

Volos has been the nursery of many famous artists who have gained recognition both locally and internationally. Artists such as Paschalis Aggelides, George Kafendarakis, Michalis Vamvakaris, Paleologos Theologos, Melitta Kondogianni, Georgios Panagiotakis, Georgios Thiomides, Thannasis Fabas, Paul Axiari, K. and F. Geskos, Stella Karagouni. Lefteris Gekas, Ourania Kalaboka and many others have left their artistic stamp on Magnesia over the last twenty years. The writers Len Divani, Eleni Kormazou, Kosta Akrivos, 59

Panagiotis Papadopoulos, Eleni Triadou, Vasilis Anagnostopoulos, Panagiotis Katsirelos, Apostolia Nanou Skotiniotou, Kostas Liappis, Giannis Mavrogenis, Nitsa Koliou, Giota Kougiali and the poet Zisis Ikonomou are among the most important representatives of literature in Volos.

photographers: Dimos Bourlis, Elias Kapetanakis, Georgies Agapiou, Apostolos Zagorakis and Nikos Tsogas. The artistic work of our townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s photographer, Mic-halis Pornalis, has been recognized both at home and abroad. This artist has established links with famous travel magazines like: "Greek

done by Michalis Pornalis. This artist is now preparing his latest album focusing on the Volos of today. Michalisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; photographs will be added to the text written by Sofia Nikolaou. The intention of the book is that it promotes Volos abroad. Lavrentis Dianellos, who starred in many Greek

Paschalis Aggelidis

Vasilis Voulgaris and Anastasios Kratides are two of the most well-known sculptors in Volos. In fact, Anastasios Kratides created the statue of The Holocaust which stands in the Town Hall Square as well as the bust of the Lost Squadron Leader Ioanni Karrasava, which stands in the yard in front of Ag. Vassilios Church. The field of photography in Volos is covered by Michalis Pornalis, Ippokratis Zimeris and Dimitris Letsios and by the next generation of 60

Panorama", "National Geographic", etc, The beauty of Magnesia has become widely known through his lens. His photo album "A Year in Greece", which is to be published by a well-known Norwegian Publishing House, is a follow-up to "Pelion of Light and Colour" which has been promoted worldwide thanks to "The Alexandros Onasis Foundation". His latest work is about life in Greece through the eyes of a Norwegian journalist. All the photographic content of the book has been

movies, was born in Ag. Lavrentios on Mount Pelion. His brother, Giannis, was an actor as well. The third child in the family, Sokratis, was conductor of the Choir of Volos. Some of the other great names of the pre-war cinema were: Amilios Veakis, Takis Galanos, the amateur actor of Jewish origin, Koen,Kostas Krontiras, Teta EvagellouKoutsoukou, Phillipos and Maria Samsarellou, Betty Parthenon, Flora Koen, Maria Hatzimanolis, Foula Papgeo-

rgiou. Oraiozil SithopoulouLevi, the magnificent Attik (Kleon Triandafilou) and his brother Kimon. These popular personalities were followed by another great generation including the comedian Kostas Papachristos (his main role was as a police officer in Greek movies) and his brother Nikos Papachristos (both brothers played in the TV serial "The Unknown War"). Other actors that belong to this same generation are: Vassilis Mitsakis, the well-known actor and tenor - Avrilios Patrikios, Spiros Vrachoritis, Kakia Panagiotou, Aliki Zografou, Julia Trousa-Tsiousi, Lela Stamatopoulou-Kolasi and Thalia Tsapoulari. George and Kitsa Damasiotis, Paoula Niko-leskou, Litsa Polychronou and her first cousin of the same name, who had won the Maria Callas award in Milan, Italy, Nikos Skilodimas, Sophia Vembo and her sister Aliki and Manolis Ballis, are just a few of the names that have represented Magnesia on the stage. Among the most important modern actors of Magnesia are: Spiros Mavides (Artistic Director of the Municipal Theatre of Volos), Mina Adamaki, Danis Katranides, Theodore Sitriots, Apostolis Sitriots, Stamatis Pagassaios, Tzoumakis, Nikos Apostolou, Theodore Dovas, Anna Sakellaropoulos (she teaches in the Koen Drama School), Nikos Kerasiotis and Thalia Matika.

Lavrentis Danelos, who was born in Agios Lavrentios on Pelion

THEATRICAL SCHOOLS In 1954 the School of Drama was founded by Lela Stamouli. Its main area of interest lies in the production of radio programmes. Some of the well-known names such as Kiki Skotinioti, Tasos Mitrogogs, Maria Palioura, Litsa Parisaki and Tasos Papadimitriou have graduated from Stamouliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s school. In 1963 the famous school, founded by Amilios Veakis, opened its doors. Among those graduating from the school were: G. Katranis, Karakotsopoulou, M. Kiose, Anastas. Tsoutsou (who took part in performances that have travelled as far as Luxembourg) and K. Sanidas. The Theatrical Organization of Volos was founded in 1969 and was managed by Niko Bolota. In 1976 the Theatrical Club of Volos was established. Some of the actors attending classes at the club were: Spiros Vrachoritis, Patis Koutsaftis, Vicky Psaltidou,

Gianni Trandas, Manolis Balis, Martha Papathanasiou, Dim. Theodorou, G. Sfirides, P. Stavrinos, N. Liaskos, Markos Loulis, Anita Floropoulou, G. Tambakopoulos and Lakis Karalis. Among the drama schools in Magnesia were also the schools of Anneta Tsolaki, Tryfonas Kontogeorgiou and the Pontiakos Thiassos of Volos. The field of traditional music is represented in Magnesia by: Andreas Katsigiannis with the well-known Estoudiantina, Stavros Kouskouridas, Christos Daskalopoulos, Vasilis Agrokostaas, Thanasis Koulentianos, Evaggelos Bantelas, Giannis Karamaniolis, Nikos Chronopoulos, Niko Papathanasiou and many others. The school of drama in Volos is now run under the direction of the well-known actor Spiros Mavides.

MUSEUMS/ART GALLERIES/PLACES OF CULTURE

he Archeological Mu-

T seum of Volos was built with funds donated by its benefactor Alexios Athanasaki, who came from Portaria. The museum was rebuilt in 1959 after earthquakes that shook the town. The museum is located along the sea front of Volos in an area known as Anavros. The main reason for the founding of this museum was to house engraved pillars from the cemetery of Ancient Dimi 62

triada which had been found by A. Akrivopoulos at the turn of the previous century. The museum also housed other locally found artifacts which had previously been kept in the Town Hall, the high school and the fire station. However, artifacts recovered from the sites at Sesklo and Dimini, unco-vered by the archaeologist Chr. Tsounta, can be seen at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.

Shortly after the destructive earthquakes of 1955-57, the museum enjoyed a new dynamic beginning. On the initiative of D. R. Theoharakis reinforcement work was carried out on the building which was finally finished in 1959-60. It is obvious that in this technological era it is necessary that such historical places such as the Athanasakio Archaeological Museum embrace technology. It

was therefore felt imperative that the way in which exhibits are displayed and information given had to change. It was with this in mind, and in the light of the forth-coming Olympiad of 2004, that work began on the new wing of the museum.

EXHIBITS Admire exhibits dating from the prehistoric era through to the Byzantine period, which

are all housed in the museum. Visitors can see the following in display cases and other places around the museum: â&#x20AC;˘Prehistoric fossils and tools from the Mid-paleolithic period. â&#x20AC;˘ bones, shell-inlaid engraved vases, clay statues, tools made from stone and clay, bones from the mid and late neolithic periods and artifacts from the neolithic settle-

ments of Dimini and Sesklo. â&#x20AC;˘Engraved marble tomb pillars with decorative paintings which were found between 1906-1912 in the area around ancient Dimitriada by the curator of antiquities, Apostolos Arvanitopoulos. These pillars had been used as building material used in the fortification of the town. The "encaustic" method used in painting these pillars is of particular interest. 63

inf Archaeological Museum of Volos 1 Athanasaki Street tel: 24210 25285 Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday 08.30 - 15.00 Admission: 2 Euro (Senior Citizens - 1 Euro)

THE KITSOU MAKRI FOLKLORE MUSEUM This folklore museum can be found in the house of the artist at 38 Makri Street in Anavros, Volos. The exhibits on display include Kitsos Makriâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personal collection, his collection of over 4.000 books, his private archives, 2.500 transparencies and 4.000 photographs, many of which depict treasures of our culture which no longer exist.

WHAT CAN YOU SEE THERE? Visitors to the museum can admire the folklore collection comprising about 560 items many of which come from the Pelion area and date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Some of the interesting exhibits on display are the murals painted by Athanasios Pagoni, works by Theophilos Hatzimichail and a collection of paper pictures printed on copper casts from the workshops on Mount Athos. The Kitsos Makri Folklore Museum is one of the most important cultural places in Magnesia and has been open for seventeen years. The Kitsos Makris family very generously handed the museum over to the library of the University of Thessaly in 1989.

inf The Folklore Museum and the research centre is open every day: 08.30 - 12.30 Each Sunday the museum is open: 10.30 - 14.00 (by public demand) Admission is free. Tel: 24210-37119

THE KONDOS HOUSE MUSEUM OF THEOPHILOS This is one of the most important modern monuments in the region. It is located in Anakasia on Pelion and until 1905 was the property of the Hatzianastasi family. It was bought by the miller Kondos who lived in Ano Volos. After purchasing the property the new owner carried out extensive work on the building which changed it significantly. In 1912 Theophilos Hatzimichail started painting murals in the living room of the mansion. Today this mansion is the only one on Pelion that has a complete collection of murals by the artist. The paintings can be divided into two sections. In the

first section (the upper part of the wall), the artist has painted subjects such as potted plants, flowers, birds, fountains, wildlife and hunting scenes. Beside the stairs, next to the entrance to the room he painted a picture of Giannis Kondos on his horse. In the second section there are fourteen large murals depicting scenes from the Greek Revolution.

inf Anakasia - Municipality of Iolkos Tel: 24210-49109

THE RAILWAY MUSEUM OF THESSALY This museum is housed in on the top floor of the railway station in Volos. The building itself was built in 1882 imme-

diately after the area was liberated from the Turks and is the work of the engineer Evaristo De Kiriko, father of the famous painter George De Kiriko. This simple neoclassical style building with its unusual roof with its wooden decorations, is one of the few buildings that survived the earthquakes. In the past it played an important role in the commercial, economic and social life of Volos. WHAT CAN YOU SEE THERE? The first floor of the building has been used as a museum for the past twelve years. It contains a wealth of items associated with the development of the railways in Greece. Some of these are: rare photographs, uniforms worn by railway company 65

THE MUSEUM OF ALKAIOS DAMTSAS

employees of the past, old telegraph equipment, measuring instruments, ticket dispensers from the 19th century made from wood and bronze, railway clocks, old tools, machine parts, lanterns, timekeeping machines and other inte-resting items. A guided tour of the museum given by wellinformed technicians can be arranged by calling the museum.

inf Admission is free. Tel: 24210-23644

Here you will find parts of the personal collection belonging to the well-known tobacco merchant Alekos Damstas. The museum was donated to the municipality of Volos in 1997 the Mayor at which time was D. Pitsioris.The donation included 365 works which are made up of sketches, maps and documents from the region, works by Greek engravers and works by local artists from Volos, Magnesia and Thessalia. The donation aso includes silk screen prints by Greek painters, exhibiton posters, art books and catalogues of exhibitions. The biggest part of the donation includes works by Greek painters of the 19th and early 20th century.The collection is completed by the works of Egyptian artists, documents relating to Volos and the surrounding area, as well as sketches, maps and books.

inf 3 Metamorphoseos Street, Open daily (apart from Sunday and Monday) 10.00 - 13.00 and 18.00 - 21.00 Tel: 24210-31701, 56446 In the De Kiriko Arts Centre, which is in the same place, exhibitions are held periodically.

THE HOUSE WITH THE ROSE At the junction of Ant-himou Gazi and Vlahava Streets, one will find the red house with its external murals. This was the home And workplace of the artist Chrysoula Zogia. The house she herself named ‘The House With The Rose’, was donated to the town after her death in 1992.

WHAT CAN YOU SEE THERE? In the museum there are 250 works done by the artist which include oil paintings of various subjects: • portraits painted early on in her career and still-life •landscapes depicting houses in the region and of flowering gardens on Mount Pelion • the interior of houses • the exterior and interior of churches. There are also plans drawn in pencil and in ink as well as hand-painted bottles. The collection that was donated also includes two paintings by the famous artist Nikita Grispou and which depict Zogia. The frescos painted on the outside walls need a lot of special care.

inf Tel: 24210-25670

THE HOUSE WITH THE ROSE

THE TRADITIONAL SHIPYARD IN PEFKAKIA This boatyard has been operational since 1880. It continues to operate using traditional methods and tools and by doing so has become a place of great interest in the region. The boatyard was established by Athanasios Christopoulos who originated from Syros and knew the trade well. The yard operated as a place where average sized boats could be lifted out of the water for repair or maintenance work to be done. WHAT CAN ONE SEE THERE NOW? •There are 185 oil paintings on paper and metal sized between 40cm x 30cm and 50cm x 40cm. •95 of the paintings are of one vessel each time (the seascape has been done in the style according to Kitsouakris)

•35 paintings depict two or more vessels together •13 portraits (Papadiamantis, Drosinos, Theophilos, etc) •21 paintings depicting battles at sea, ports, boatyards and •mermaids •16 of various themes (windmills, maides in Makrynitsa, etc). •The artist has also made models of sailing ships, boxes, pulleys, etc. The museum is open to the public on demand. Visitors wishing to see the museum should call Mrs. Evaggelia Kartapani, the neice and heiress of the painter. Admission to the public is free.

inf Tel: 24210-88328

LYCEUM ELLINIDON This building was constructed in the late 19th

century and is a prime example of neoclassical architecture. This mansion was donated to the Lyceum Ellinidon by the Zarzaba family in order that they could house the traditional costumes and othe collections belonging to the Lyceum. The building is decorated with motifs of plants, landscapes and displays of architectural interest. The building which now houses the Lyceum Ellinidon is one of the few remaining examples of neo-classical architecture that exists in the town.

THE ZAFIRIOU MANSION Located in Ag. Onufrios in the municipality of Iolkos, this mansion was donated to the municipality in 1996 and is the centre of many cultural activities. It is a two-storey building. Four ceilings on the ground floor and one on the first floor have been painted with murals. The paintings are of plants, still life and ancient monuments like the Parthenona nd landscapes of places like Vesuvius and Pompei.

inf Tel: 24210-43625

THE INSECT MUSEUM ATH. KOUTROUBAS This museum is the result of many years of collecting exhibits by Athanasios Koutroubas The founder of the museum has been collecting, studying, classifying and recording findings since 1964 when he entered the Higher Agricultural School of Athens. It is unique in Greece and one of the best organised in the Balkans. It is widely known among those who are involved in this kind of studies. The exhibits are constantly being added to. Today there are 35.000 insects of various types, most of which belong to the class Lepidoptera of which there are 10.000 kinds. These have been classified ac-cording to international rules laid down by Ento-mological Statistics.

The exhibits themselves come from many parts of Greece and Europe as well as from other continents. They have been collected by Dr. Ath. Koutroubas himself on the many expeditions he has been on.

increase significantly in light of the forthcoming Olympic Games. The museum is located at the junction of Zachou and Stratigou Makrigianni Streets. It can be visited by appointment.

WHAT CAN YOU SEE? All the insects in the museum have been classified in terms of continent, type, family, etc. and among them are many rare and unusual species. One of these is the Thysania Agrippina of South America; the biggest butterfly in the world with a wing span of 37-40 centimeters. The museums activities have often been presented through the mass media and the place itself has always been a tourist attraction. The number of tourists visiting the museum is expected to

inf Admission is free and guided tours conducted by Dr. Koutroubas can be arranged.

MUSEUM OF FOLKLORE ART AND THE HISTORY OF PELION The Topalis Mansion is home to this museum and can be found in the centre of the village of Makrinitsa, just

THE INSECT MUSEUM ATH. KOUTROUBAS

below the central square, next to the Metamorphoseos Church. The mansion was donated to the local community by decendants of the Topali family to house the historical and folklore wealth of the village and other items from various parts of Pelion. The three storey traditional style mansion was built in 1844 according to the date engraved on the foundation stone in the entrance. The ground floor consists of a hall, stairwell, winter living room, elevated kneading trough and two store-rooms to the rear. The family spent the winter on the first floor, while the upper floor was used during the summer for the family’s visitors. The reception room, the kitchen and the winter room have maintained their traditional style. WHAT CAN YOU SEE? •Paintings in the ground floor living room. •Six frescos which come from the living room of the Triadafillou Mansion in Drakia. They depict mock marble figures surrounded by plants and date back to the 18th century. •Works of art by N. Christopoulou and Aggelou Basti. •Photographs from the first part of the previous century, paintings of the war which hang in the hall on the first floor. •A collection of engraved copper plates from the 18th and 19th centuries and works of art from the post-

MUSEUM OF FOLKLORE ART AND THE HISTORY OF PELION

byzantine period can be found in the first room on the second floor. •A room full of traditional costumes from Pelion. •Historical heirlooms belonging to the community such as: the flag of the revolution of 1878; photographs by Margarita Basdeki and Carlos Ogl, who both took part in the battle; the painting of the fallen of the battle of 1912-13; the painting of Gatzopoulos, who fought for the Macedonians. •The Ottoman’s permission with which the Highest Ruler gave rights to the selfgoverning council of Makrynitsa and two clay busts featuring Athanasios Diakos and Riga Ferreou, dating back to the early part of the 20th century. •In the reception room there is a loom, spinning wheel, authentic Perlioritian carpets, masterpieces on the walls, a photograph of D. Topali, a portrait of Mr. and Mrs.

Vocato and a portrait of the mistress of the house; Aristea Topali nee Kokosli, who originated from Lehonia. This portrait was done by Stephanou Stournara.

inf The museum if open every day except Monday 10.00 - 19.00 Admission - 2 euro Tel: 24280-99505

LOCAL MUSEUM OF MILIES ON PELION This museum was the work of private initiative and began 20 years ago in 1982. It started out as a place to house a collection of items of historical interest as well as folkart from the surrounding area; all part of the local cultural heritage. WHAT CAN YOU SEE THERE? •Texts and pictures 69

relating to the profession of the saddle maker, the blacksmith, the master builder and the stonemason as well as material related to the needlework produced by the local housewives. GET TO KNOW: •about the development of the village and when it was burnt down by the Germans in 1943. Towards the end of the 1980’s the museum organised a mobile library with the intention of supplying primary school children with the opportunity to enjoy educational programmes with themes such as the occupations of the baker, the blacksmith and the olive oil producer.

inf The museum offers organised guided tours each day (apart from Monday) Weekdays 10.00 - 14.00 Weekends 10.00 - 17.00 Admissionis free The basic role of the museum is to work in cooperation with the schools. Tel: 24230-86662

FINE ARTS MUSEUM OF THE SCULPTOR NIKOLAS IN AG. GEORGIOS OF NILIA This museum first opened its doors unofficially in 70

1992. Building work on the museum, which is located on the 2nd floor above the excommunity offices near the village square, had begun three years prior to this.The founder and benefactor of the museum was the well-known sculptor, Nikolas (Pavlopoulos). It was Nikolas’s wish to offer something towards the cultural development of the area. Some of his best works are on display in the museum. The museum was officially opened in 1996 and named The "Dimitrio Ikima" Museum after the sculptor’s father. After the embodiment of the community of Agio Georgio Nilias into the municipality of Milies, under a law passed in 2000 concerning the obligatory integration of small communities, the museum was renamed "The Municipal Museum of the Sculptor Nikolas. Apart from housing fine art the museum plays an

active role in the cultural life of the village as it participates in the organising of cultural events throughout the year. Since 1996 it has published the cultural magazine "Vigla" which comes out every six months. It is distributed to the residents of the village free of charge and is also sent to various artistic institutions. The building which houses the museum is built in the traditional Pelion style.

inf Tel: 2428-93100 The Fine Arts Museum of the Sculptor Nikola is located in the village square at Agio Georgio. The Museum is open each day until June 30th from 10.00 - 17.00. From July 1st it is open morning and afternoon: 10.0014.00 and 18.30-21.30. Admission to the public is free.

ECCLESIASTICAL MUSEUM OF THE CHURCH OF AG. GEORGIOS This museum houses objects retrieved from churches and monasteries in Ag. Georgios and has been operational since 1935. The exhibits have been divided into six basic categories: holy vestments, religious books, hand-written documenta-tion, holy objects used in the church, holy icons and wooden church carvings. At the entrance to the ecclesiastical office one can see basreliefs retrieved from the old ruins of the church of Ag. Georgios which was destroyed by earthquakes in 1955.

Ano Lehonia, on the road towards Kala Nera. It was established by the family of Vassilis Anetopoulos, whose roots lie in Apiranthos on the island of Naxos. The family workshops on the island dates back to 1790. Vaggelis Anetopoulos, one of the four grandsons of Vassilios Anetopoulos, has meticulously gathered

events each year. The first event to be held in the museum was in 2001 and was entitled "Contemporary Greek Potters". In 2003 an international sympo-sium was held in the grounds of the museum with the theme "The Olympic Idea". Potters from both Greece and other countries came together to

information about pottery making, those who produced pottery and those who still produce pottery. He has also collected items from all over Greece. Included in the collection are neo-classical ceramic moulds made by his grandfather Vassilios at the turn of the previous century. All the exhibits are housed in three halls next to the pottery workshop. The museum holds many

produce work which was then put on display.

inf The museum is open to the public between 20th May and 30th October. Admission is free. Each year the museum works alongside the Nikolas Museum in organising various cultural events either in the Vafiades Cultural Centre or in the yard in front of the church of Ag. Georgios.

THE ANETOPOULOS FAMILY MUSEUM OF CERAMICS AND POTTERY The museum is located 1km outside the village of

inf The museum is open every day and offers educational visits as well as pottery exhibitions. Members of public wishing to visit the museum should call to arrange a guided tour. Tel: 24280-93042

MUSEUM OF FARMING INSTRUMENTS AND TRADITIONAL TECHNOLOGY IN VELESTINO The museum opened in 1986 and has been filled through kind donations and other items purchased by experts in the field of folklore. The help given by local people has been extremely valuable as they not only donated items but also gave the experts valuable information about the use of the items. The exhibits in the museum include: farming equipment, weaving equipment, photographs and other interesting items. Apart from gathering items to be displayed in the museum, experts have also studied the water-powered workshops and the route the water takes from its source at the Iperia Spring, Kefalovriso, to the last mill along the route, that of the Tsoubekos Mill. Three conferences organized by the Association of Ferres- Velestino- Rigas have thrown light on the archeological and historical backround of the region.

inf Tel.: 24250-22938

"THE PLOUGH" FOLKLORE MUSEUM IN NEW ANCHIALOS The ground floor of the building at 15, Agiou Georgiou street in New Anchialos, belonging to George Dionysiou has operated as a museum since 1987. Visits by schools and research students often take place. Exhibits in the museum include: devices and equipment used in various activities such as agriculture, the cultivation of grapes for the production of wine, sheep farming and carpentry, horse shoeing (farrierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s equipment) and tin making. Visitors to the museum are also able to see traditional domestic equipment including cooking utensils, a complete loom and other items used in the creation of textiles such as spining wheels, combs, distafs and spindles. The woollen textiles and traditional costumes of the Sarakatsans and East Romelians are also on display. There is also a traditional Anchialitian horse carriage

complete with the harness worn by the horse. Every item is labelled with information about its history and use.

inf It is open to the public 7 days a week by appointment. Admission is free. Tel.: 24280- 77733

ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM OF ALMYROS Its construction was completed in 1930, however damage done in the 2nd World War and in earthquakes between 19551957 left the building in poor condition. In order to prevent the demolition of this building the Filar-cheos Association "Orthris", an active participant in cultural activities in the area, took on the responsibility of maintaining the building with the help of funds given by the Municipality of Almyros.

In 1960 the association was persuaded by the Director of Antiquities of the 8th District of Thessaly to hand the museum over to the nation. From 1960-1962 the struggle to preserve and record the artifacts housed in the museum started. The archeologist M.I. Giannopoulos was intially responsible for this. In 1976 the Curator of Antiquities (the 13th Curator of Pre-historic antiquities) G.X. Chourmouziadis, organised the first important and complete exhibition of historical items of the museum of Almyros. The exhibits gave an insight to the development of human activity in Almyros and the surrounding area. In July 1980 the museum closed down due to a destructive earthquake. The artifacts and library of the Filarcheos Association were moved to the museum of Volos. In 1986 the building became a listed building. After completion of work on the museum in 1996 the exhibits were returned along with the library and more recent findings. The museum opened its doors again in 1998. Exhibits Comprehensive documentation concerning excavations, photographs of excavations and other information accompany each of the exhibits. Visitors can enjoy the welltended gardens surrounding the mu-

seum and walk among the wooden pavillions and trees where they will see an interesting collection of engraved stone pillars, and parts of ancient and Byzantine temples which come from a collection that belonged to the museum of the Filarcheos Association. Guided tour Inside the museum the exhibition of ancient artifacts is split into three halls: one to the left of the entrance, one to the right of the entrance and one in the centre. A map hang in the central room of the museum will prove very helpful to the visitors. It identifies geological, geographical and historical information about the region of Almyros which in ancient times was one of the four most important towns of Achaia Fthiotida. In the same hall one will see exhibits taken from excavations of Fthiotides Thives in 1993-1994 by the supervisor Mrs B. Adrimi Sismani. The excavations revealed parts of the well preserved

townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theatre, the remains of two sacrificial alters dedicated to Poliada Athina (6th-2nd century B.C.) and to Asklipios (4th-1st century B.C.). In the hall to the right there is part of a collection belonging to the museum which came from excavations that took place in Almyros from the beginning of the previous century to the present time. Findings such as pots, tools and jewellery dating back to the neolithic era (6th-4th mille-nium B.C.) are of great value. The hall to the left is dedicated to the presentation of items found during the excavation of hellenistic Alos, which was an impor-tant town not only because of its position but because of the way in which it was planned. The museum is constantly being supplied with findings from the excavations in the region of Almyros and especially from those of the hellenistic town of Alos.

The Library Legal, historical, literary and theological books, encyclopedias, dictionaries, old newspapers and church manuscripts, codes and catalogues of ancient artifacts, all originating from donations, decorate the shelves of the Library in the museum of Almyros. The self-taught archeologist N.I. Giannopoulos was responsible for this collection which he began at the end of the 19th century and which ended with his death 1945. He worked with zeal to preserve the cultural heritage of the area. Today the library is open to those interested in further studies.

inf The library is open from Tuesday to Sunday 08:30-15:00 Admission:2 euro, Senior citizens: 1 euro, students with a pass are admitted free. Tel: 24220- 21326

THE SEA LIFE MUSEUM OF ACHILLIO IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF PTELEOS Visitors are invited to explore the magical world of the sea in the sea life museum in Achillio, which was established in 2002 (the official opening was in May 2002). It is the work of the municipality in co-operation with the Historical Geology 74

and Paleontology Department of the University of Athens, the head of which is Professor G. Theodorou. It is housed in a stone-building which is the property of the Municipality of Pteleos, and is close to the school of Achillio and a few metres away from the sea. Collections of shells taken from the area of Pteleos and other seas around the world are exhibited in display cases in the museum. Through texts, diagrams and photographs visitors to the museum are informed about the biology of the sea creatures exhibited, their anatomy and ecosystems they live in. A special place is dedicated to informing visitors about the role of shells in civilisation, from ancient times to the present. Exhibits: 単 Photographs of species found in Greek waters as well as unique photographs concerning the geological

development of the Aegean sea during the Fanerozoiki Period. 単 Rock formations containing sea fossils. Fossils from various places around Greece. Samples representing marine life show the geological changes that have taken place over last 300.000.000 years. 単 The collection belonging to Vassiliki Papastergiou which consists of Greek marine moluscs and other sea organisms such sea urchins, corals, sponges and species that belong to the category of shell fish taken from the sea region in the Municipality of Almyros. The collection is representative of more than 100 species.

inf The museum can be visited by appointement only. Admission: students: 1 euro, adults: 2 euro Tel. 24220-41227, 6936729506

THE FOLKLORE MUSEUM OF LIVESTOCK FARMING IN ANAVRA, MAGNESIA The special nature of the exhibits in the museum and the fact that they were collected by the livestockfarmers in the region, make this museum in Anavra one of the most important folklore museums in the country. In an effort to preserve significant evidence of the tradition of livestock farming in Greece, the local council of Anavra established the museum in 1944. The main aim of the museum is the collection, recording, preservation and displaying of items used in traditional methods of livestock farming as well as other items associated with the everyday life of the farmers (cheese making equipment, tanning equipment, etc). Dr. Alexandra Bounia has been carrying out a study in an effort to organise the museum more effectively. Quite a large number of items related to the breeding of livestock and the everyday life of the inhabitants of the village have been collected and recorded.

THE HOUSE AND MUSEUM OF AL. PAPADIAMANDTIS This two-storey house with its attic and cellar is located just a few kilometers from the port of Skiathos. This agricultural style house

which covers an area of 75 sq. m. was built in 1860. It was home to the priest Papadiamantis Emmanuel, his five children and his wife, mother of Al. Papadiamantis - Gioulo (Aggeliko) MoraitiPapadiamanti. EXHIBITS On the first floor there are three rooms, which were the living quarters of the family, along with the summer kitchen which was on the

porch. A wooden staircase leads to the porch from Papadiamantis Square. The clothes, furniture and other items on display were donated to the museum by the writer’s decendants. The ground floor was renovated and insulated to protect it from damp in 2001. It is now used to exhibit Papadiamanatis’ work and has a book shop, providing visitors with the opportunity to become ac-

quainted with the work of this great Greek writer. On one side of the ground floor one can see old publications of Papadiamantis’ work along with posters and photographs. Translated works of the writer are on display in glass cases. On the other side of the ground floor new editions of his work, postcards and photographs of the museum are on sale.

inf Tel: 24270-23843 (24270-23718) The museum is open most days throughout the summer (apart from Mondays). 09.30 - 13.30 & 17.30 - 20.00 Admission: 1 euro

THE FOLKLORE MUSEUM OF SKOPELOS This museum was established in 1991 after the kind donation of the family home of Ourania and Giannios Nikoliadis by her children. It is known nowadays as "The Foundation of the Children of Ourania and Giannios Nikoliadis". The mansion was built in 1795 and was maintained until 1965 at which time it suffered extensive damage in an earthquake. In 1971 76

reconstruction work was carried out on the building. The work did not affect the traditional character of the house which is alisted building. EXHIBITS The ground floor has information boards which tell visitors about the history and customs of Skopelos. On the first floor one can see the traditional costumes of Skopelos. Next is the collection belonging to the

Georgara family. The two sisters, Laula and Elli discovered the works of the Koble brothers on one of their visits to Paris. On their return they worked with very fine thread and produced fine needlepoint work. On the second floor one will find a collection of ceramics by the well known family of Rodiou. Collections on the second floor also include: the works of the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shipbuilder, Triandafilos Boudalas, uncle Gianni Lemoniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

THE MUSEUM OF KOSTAS & AGGELA AVRIKI IN ALONNISOS This museum is located in the port (in Patitiri, where the boats dock)

inf Opening hours: Throughout the summer months the museum is open to the public from 11.00 - 19.00. The museum is closed in the winter. Visitors to the museum must arrange their visit by telephone. Admission: 3 euro (children are admitted free of charge) Tel: 2420-65662,65390

THE CENTRE FOR PHOTOGRAPHY IN SKOPELOS

workshop and a replica of a shipyard in Skopelos by Triandafilos Boudalas.

inf Tel: 24240-23494 Opening hours: Throughout the summer months the museum is open to the public from 10.00 - 13.00 & 19.00 - 21.00. Admission: 2 euro The museum is located in the centre of the island next to the OTE offices (Telephone Company).

This centre was established in 1995 in line with a programme called "National Cultural Network of Towns". This programme will run for a period of 10 years and has been organised by the Ministry of Culture in association with the municipality of Skopelos. Since April 2001 the centre has participated in the Photography Network of the United Cultural Network of the country. The Centre for Photography undertakes the organization of many artistic events and helps in the development of the artistic use of photogra-

phy. It has become wellknown for its work both at a local and international level. Among the many activities the centre is involved in, it supports the production of high quality artistic photographs and encourages a variety of expression in works. It then displays this work at various exhibitions and promotes it throughout Greece. The basic aim of the centre is to provide the opportunity for dialogue and the exchanging of ideas in the context of European and international artistic creation. The centre also organizes exhibitions, slide shows, seminars and work-shops. The centre has a darkroom large enough for seven photographers to work at one time and two places used for exhibitions: The Gymnasium (600 sq.m.) and the Orpheas cinema (250 sq.m.).

inf Tel: 2420-24121 www.cultureguide.gr & www.skopelos.gr

THE BUILDINGS AND THE CULTURAL LIFE OF VOLOS

THE TOWN HALL OF VOLOS his building was erected in 1970 and was designed by the wellknown architect Dimitri Pikioni. He felt that the building should be reflective of the style of houses on Mount Pelion. Initially the building was large enough to accommodate all the services that the municipality needed to provide. However, as these need became greater in the

80â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, it was necessary to create other departments outside the Town Hall. These other departments are located at various points around the town and include: The Town Planners Department, The Athletics Centre in Hiliadou, The Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Centre, Diavlos and other Youth Cultural Centres, The Music School, The Arts Centre, K.A.P.I. (Senior Citizens Institute),

The Municipal Theatre, The Exhibition Centre, The Centre for Tourism, The Buildings Research Centre, The Centre for Historical Research, The Organisation for Health and Social Issues, The School of Dance, The Arts Organisation, The Centre for People with Special Needs. Apart from the conference room used for council meetings, the Town Hall has

various offices used for administration purposes as well as an exhibition room.

EXHIBITS: There is an exhibition of photographs taken by Stephanou Stournara with the theme of "Old Volos" which can be seen on the first floor of the building. There are also portraits of all the ex-mayors of Volos.

You can also see engravings by the well-known artist, Tasos, displayed on the ground floor of the building. Tel: 24210-92100

THE MUNICIPAL THEATRE The Municipal Theatre of Volos was officially opened in 1988 and is located in Riga Ferreou Square, just

behind the Town Hall. It has a seating capacity of 1.000 and the largest stage in the region of the Balkans. The old theatre of Volos, built in 1897, quickly became the most significant of the contemporary theatres on par with those of Smyrni, Constantinople and Thessaloniki. Up until the 1955 earthquakes legendary names of the Greek theatre such as: Kiveli, Kotopouli, 79

tory also provides students with information about career prospects and issues.

inf 1 Metamorphoseos Street Tel: 24210-39594 & 36992

Rosanne, Nezer, Veakis, Sapfo Alkeou, Melina Mercury and many others performed on its stage. It was thought at that time that if a performance was a success in Volos then the whole tour around Greece would be successful too. The Municipal Theatre of Volos first started being operational in 1994. The Artistic Director of the theatre today is Spiros Mavides.

THE MUNICIPAL CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC The Municipal Conservatory of Music in Volos, located on the corner of Metamorphoseos and Dimitriados Streets, continues its long tradition of music in the town of Volos and is well worth a visit. The building was initially occupied by the Epirusthessalian Bank until 1899 when it was taken over by the National Bank of Greece. After the 1955 earthquakes, the first floor was demolished. In 1969 it came into 80

the hands of the Municipality of Volos and initially was used to house the Philarmonic Orchestra. The Technical Services of the Municipality took on the responsibility of the renovation of the building in 1984 and in 1987 it was ready to be used by The Municipal Conservatory of Music. It attracts young people between the ages of 6 to 25 who are interested in learning how to play the musical instrument of their choice. The theory of music and Byzantine music is also taught at the conservatory. The Municipal Conservatory of Music also has educational programmes preparing young people to enter the music departments of higher educational establishments, departments of music technology and the School of Orchestra Conductors - in which the Head of the Symphony Orchestra of Volos, mr Agrafiotis, teaches. The Conserva-

THE YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA It was established four years ago by The Municipal Conservatory of Music belonging to the Arts Organisation of the Municipality of Volos. Over this period of time worthy musicians have come along to help the young members of the orchestra to find their feet. The Youth Symphony Or-

chestra has held performances in Cyprus, Thessaloniki and in other cities as well as in Volos. Two of the orchestraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s members won Horowitz Awards in a Music Festival.

inf Tel: 24210-36772

THE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA It was created in 1992 by The Arts Organisation of the Municipality of Volos and since then it has defined its role in the cultural development of the town and Greece as a whole. It is the only complete symphony orchestra that exists outside

Athens and Thessaloniki. Alexander Myratt, the famous Greek composer, offered valuable help in the setting up of the orchestra. Simeon Cogan, the distinguished Russian composer, took up the position of Head of Music in February 1995. His valuable contribution meant the beginning of a new creative era. The orchestra has improved its repetoire, performance and technical abilities, multiplied the number of performances it gives and has been praised by music critics in both the national and local press. The Symphony Orchestra of Volos has tried to create a balance between the music of the East and that of the West in its repetoire. Some of its more outstan-

ding performances have been in: The Athenian Concert Hall, The Concert Hall of Thessaloniki, The Herodius, The National Opera House, Milan, Constantinople, Cyprus and at many international music festivals. MILESTONES In July 1997 the symphony Orchestra of Volos established the Young Soloist Competition. In late 1997, the Association of Greek Theatrical and Music Critics awarded a prize to the Art Organisation of the Municipality of Volos for its musical and wider cultural activities.

THE PHILARMONIC ORCHESTRA OF VOLOS It is the continuation of the philharmonic association which was established in 1920 by music lovers from both Volos and Corfu. Its conductor was Vassilis Konti. In 1946 it became part of the Municipality of Pagases and then of the Municipality of Volos in 1954. Musicians such as Kalvos, Kountas and Antonakis have all performed with this orchestra at some time. Under the direction of the distinguished conductor Georgios Karidaki, the orch-estra is considered to be successful in its field and can look forward to a bright future. It successfully covers the needs of the town and surrounding areas especially at events of a ceremonial, religious or traditional nature. In addition, it often organizes concerts dedicated to certain kinds of music or composers. Over the last ten years it has enjoyed success at performances in many of the main cities in Greece and abroad. IN THE SUMMER The orchestra performs in and around the town throughout the summer. It participates in events organized by the Municipality of Volos. It has also participated in international festivals.

inf Tel: 24210-25327 (Tuesdays and Thursdays 18.00 - 21.00) 82

SPIRER BUILDING This architecturally interesting building, on the corner of Mikrasiation and Makrinitsis street was built by the German architect I. Vilantis in 1926. It was originally used as a tobacco warehouse for Hermen Spirer and Company. After the 2nd World War it was used by other tobacco companies which belonged to The Tobacco Organization, as well as local small industries finally becoming the local offices of the KTEL (Bus Company). In 1984 it became a listed building on the instruction of the Ministry of Culture and in 1988 became the property of the Municipality of Volos. Since 1995 two wings of the building have housed Public Service Offices while the central part has been used for cultural activities, conferences and art exhibitions. One can attend conferences, speeches and book exhibitions in the central hall, in the right wing of the building. The Municipal Centre for

History is housed in the Spirer builiding and it offers an organized library a part of which is a lending library. It also has an organized newspaper archive. It has flexible opening hours (08:0019:00 throughout holiday periods. It is closed in the evening). The Municipal Centre for History is housed in the basement while the Technical Services Department is in the attic of the central building. A department of the American Drury University is housed in the left wing of the building.

inf

Makrynitsis & Mikrasiaton str. (behind the Medical Centre) tel.: 24210-32944, 33639

THE OLD ELECTRICITY COMPANY (CENTRE FOR MUSICAL THEATRE) The Electrical Company of Volos was established in

by the Ministry for Culture, was bought by the Municipality of Volos in order to house the Centre for Musical Theatre. This was part of a programme organized by the National Cultural Network of Towns. Today the building is used for theatrical performances as well as being home to the Municipal School of Dance.

inf Hatziargyri & Riga Ferreou str. tel.: 24210-78163 1911. It was the first limited liability company in the town using money contributed by local investors. It was one of the biggest electricity producing businesses in Greece at that time. Its development was halted because of the 2nd World War and the fuel crisis that followed. In 1919 the Electricity Company was forced to buy the Gas Company which had functioned in Volos since 1895. For a period of time after this, the company functioned using loans. This resulted in the Greek-Italian group (Galileos) taking over the company in 1932. In 1940 it was run by a board of Directors appointed from within the Government. In 1957 it was bought by the Electricity Board of Greece which used the building until the 1980’s. In 1994 the building, which was declared a listed building

GIORGIO DE KIRIKO ART CENTRE It was constructed from plans drawn up by the Technical Services of the Municipality of Volos. It was named after the famous artist

Giorgio de Kiriko who was born in Volos. It was officialy opened in 1990 with an exhibition entitled "Greek Artists of the War Period". The exhibition halls, which are on the ground and 1st floor,

cover an area of 200 sq.m. A collection of work by Alexander Damtsas, which was donated to the Municipality of Volos, is exhibited on the remaining floors.

inf 3, Metamorphoseos str. tel.: 24210- 56446, 31701

THE MUNICIPAL SCHOOL OF DANCE This functions under the auspices of the Art Organization of the Municipality of Volos. People of all ages can attend dance classes given by qualified dance instructors. Many of the graduates of the School of dance go on to take up professional careers in the field of dance. Some of the classes available: ñClassical ballet ñModern dance ñJazz ñMusical movement ñForeign traditional dancing (Hungarian, Russian, Spanish and Polish classes are held.) ñTraditional Greek dancing ñDance workshops ñThe history of dance ñExercises through dance ñPreparation classes for higher professional schools of dance

inf Koutarelia & Riga Ferreou str. tel.: 24210-54244

ART ORGANISATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF VOLOS ñMunicipal Theatre: Riga Ferreou Square - 24210-38339 ñMunicipal Dance School: Koutarelia & Riga Ferreou Street - 24210-54244 Youth Centres: ñAg, Anargiros: Katsiadonis & Botsari Street - 2421069142 ñHialiadou: Metamorphoseos & Gianni Dimou - 242146854 ñDiavlos: 14 Topal Street 24210-25363 ñN. Dimitriados: Ag Dimi-triou & D. Paliorkitou - 24210-54424 ñChildren’s Centre: 28 Kassaveti Street - 24210-31456 ñDepartment of the Arts: Riga Ferreou & Heironos Street - 24210-56446 ñArts Centre: 3 Metamorphoseos Street - 24210-31701 The Arts Organisation of the Municipality of Volos offers a plethora of activities for everyone. Children can spend their time creatively in the Youth Centre of Hiliadou. The Centre has a multi-purpose hall, gym hall (including weightlifting equipment), 2 basketball courts, 3 tennis courts, 1 volleyball court and a track for jogging. LEARN The electric guitar; the electric bass, the guitar and organ, the drums, music theory, the musical scales, 84

floor exercises, modern and traditional dance, computers, painting, ceramics, theatre sscenery construction, cultural education and cultural stories (G. Demou - Metamorphoseos str., tel.: 2421046854). At the Recreational Group of the Steki Pediou, children learn how to draw, make ceramics, play theatrical games, do puppet shows, weave, play music. They also learn how to make jewellery, models , use computers, write stories and do cultural art (Steki Pediou, 20 Kassaveti str., tel.: 24210- 31456). At the Youth Centre of Nea Dimitriada one can, also, find Recreational Groups (Ag. Dimitriou - Dim. Poliorkitou str., tel.: 24210- 54424) as well as at the Youth Centre of Agioi Anargyri (Botsari - 2 Katsantoni str., tel.: 2421069142). The Cultural Centre of Agios Georgios (Chrysochoidi Square, tel.: 24210 - 45151) offers its members various, interesting activities. In Neapoli one can find the Recreational Centre for Children.

HIGHER DRAMA SCHOOL If you are interested in finding out all the secrets of acting and become an actor one day, the Higher Drama School of the Art Organisation of the Municipality of Volos is the place for you. It offers you the possibility of getting an acting certificate which is recognised by the

Ministry of Culture. The candidates have to take the YPPO exams, so as to enrol and become students of the School. In order to get a certificate, one has to follow a three year course. The Director of the Higher Drama School is the wellknown Greek actor Spyros Mavidis.

inf Gladstonos-R. Ferreou str. tel.: 24210- 48103

MUNICIPAL INSTITUTE OF PROFESSIONAL FORMATION (I.I.E.K.) OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF VOLOS This the only IEK in Greece that is being run by the Municipality. The graduation of the students from the Municipal Institute of Professional Formation, is usually followed by a successful career in their chosen field. The DIEK of Volos is part of several programmes of exchanging and sending students for further studies with other institutes in Europe. The percentage of students that pass their exams so as to aquire their degree, is almost 95%. Study Fields: ñGraffic Artist of Electronic Planning ñDecorator ñFashion designer

ñTechnician of Handmade Jewellery ñJewellery Production Te-chnician ñPhotograph Artist ñPhotograph Workshop ñPottery Technician ñPottery Production Technician ñTechnician of Maintainance for Works of Art ñTechnician of Maintainance for Paintings

inf 1 R. Ferreou - Chironos str., Oxygono tel.: 24210- 56446

SCHOOL OF ICON PAINTING The admirable art of icon painting is being taught at university level, at the School of Icon Painting "Dia Chiros". The studies there last for 4 years. The graduates of the School, have a degree that is recognised by the church, and are able to become professional icon painters. Well-known painters and icon painters, who are graduates of the Highest School of Art, teach at the school "Dia Chiros". They are very experienced and welleducated in the subject, but most important of all is their ability to communicate with the students and pass their knowledge on to them easily. In this School you will also find teaching, traineeteachers with degrees of

further studies and a complete teaching formula. For the students to continue to their next year of studies, they have to take exams at the end of each year. The School of Icon Painting also offers a certificate to those that have successfully passed the end of the year exams, while the degree, which they get at the end of their studies, is signed by the Arch Bishop of Dimitriada Ignatios.

LIBRARIES Books open a window to the world for you. At the town libraries, any friend of the book can get information on subjects that interest him and can borrow books from the wide selection available. Tris Ierarches, 166 Dimitriados Avenue, tel.: 2421025641. Visiting hours: 17:0021:00 Panepistimiaki Metamorphoseos-Dimitriados, tel.: 24210- 74233 Kyriazis Library, Konstanta -

Kartali, 24210- 71470 Municipal Centre of History, 81 Mikrasiaton str., tel.: 24210 - 21664

CINEMAS The "Achillion" cinema 54 Argonafton - Koumou-ndourou str. It is housed in the historical building Achillio, which was built in 1928, and shows Greek and foreign movies. Tel.: 24210- 34991 (information) The "Lido" cinema, K. Kartali - Gallias str., tel.: 24210- 24311 The Exoraistiki (open cinema). Dimitriados str., Tel.: 24210- 29946 Village cinemas is housed in the converted Louli Flour Mill (built in 1928) wich is located in the Old Volos area (Yiannitson-Kreontos). It is part of an entertainments complex boasting a café-bar as well as a multi-plex cinema. Tel. 24210 94600

PORT The fourth largest in the country

he beautiful port of Volos is the third largest in the country and has a long history. The use of boats as a method of transport from Volos to other places around the Aegean Sea started towards the end of the Neolithis Period. Evidence to this effect has been found at archealogical sites both in Dimini and Sesklo. Soon after the Port Autho-

rity was established, in 1881, work began on improving it in order to meet the needs of increased trade passing through. The port of Volos soon became one of the more important Greek ports due to the fact that it could take even the largest of ships. Work also began on improving the infrastucture of the town so that the port could be linked by road and sea to

other parts of central Greece including Pelion, Epirus, Thessalia and Macedonia. Industrial activity soon grew in Volos and the need arose to establish consulates in the town from various European countries. This growth led to a demographic explosion. The building of a main road from Athens to Volos and on to Thessaloniki in 1966 meant that Volos was in the perfect

and from the Middle East, The Black Sea and the Balkan states.

position to become the centre of the transport newtwork. The rapid increase in industrial activity in the region and the setting up of the RO - RO shipping line between Volos and Syria gave the port international standing. However, this shipping line was closed in l986. Today the port is such that it has plays an important role in transporting goods to

INFRASTRUCTURE The port is located at the head of the Pagasiticos Gulf in a natural protected harbour open only to the south-south westerly winds. It is protected from these winds by two piers; one in front of measuring 960 metres and one to the rear of 400 metres. The port is also protected by a breakwater. The port covers and area of 1,3 sq, kms and reaches a depth of 11 metres, The port is in the process of being expanded to the southern side and will eventually cover an area of 1.8 sq. kms. At present the port can cater for ships up to and including 40.000 tonnes. It is believed however, that after the expansion has been completed it will be able to accommodate larger ships with a length of 200 to 225 metres. The land coverage of the port is at present 250 acres. This could be increased if the need arose by expansion to the south, as this an area of open land and the sea depth is ideal.

The commercial side of activities in the port requires the use of three quays. The central quay is rarely used for the loading and unloading of ships. Quay No. 2 (Silo) has electronically operated cranes on all three sides and is serviced by a railway line. The open area around the quay allows for the easy movement of vehicles for the unloading and loading of cargoes. The electrical needs of the port are covered by an electrical substation located on the quay with the silo. The port of Volos has links with many destinations around the Aegean Sea. From here you can travel to: The Northern Sporades ports of Skiathos, Skopelos (Hora), Glossa (Skopelos) and Alonnisos. From Skiathos one can reach the rest of the Aegean: Tinos, Naxos, Paros, Mikonos, Santorini, Heraklion (Crete), Mitilini, Macedonia (Halkidiki), Trikery, Ag. Kiriaki, Platanias and Ag. Konstantinos (Fthiotida). Every Friday night a ship leaves the port at 19.00 for Limnos, Mitilini and the Northern Sporades. The ferry boats which depart from Volos are "The Papadiamantis", The Express Charoula" and "The Macedon". All the ferry boats and the Flying Dolphin hydrofoils belong to Minoan Lines. Since 1992, the port of Volos has been a member of MERCRUISE, The Union of Mediterranean Ports for 87

inf tel.: 24210-28888 www.port-volos.gr Cruise Ships. Volos has been able to accommodate large luxurious cruise ships with thousands of passengers from many countries. Information about the history and infrastructure of the port as well as details about crossings can be obtained on the Internet: www.port 88

volos.gr. Messages can be sent via email: admin@portvolos.gr. The President of the port authority is Triadafyllos Deledimos and the Managing Director is Alexis Valassas.

UNIVERSITY

he University of Thessalia is one of the landmarks of Volos. It was founded in 1984 and was a result of the needs of the area for specialized scientists in combination with the need for modern ideas in education. The relationship that exists between the town and the university is one of mutual influence. The vitality of the young university students can be felt almost everywhere in the centre of the

town. Students coming to study here from other towns give a cosmopolitan character to the town. Today the university has sixteen faculties. The Dean of the university is Mr. Kostas Bagiatis. The university is housed in the neoclassic buildings, which has been modified without changing the architectural character of the building. The faculties ñ Faculty of Primary School

Teachers tel.: 24210-74897 ñ Faculty of Kindergarten School Teachers tel.: 2421074897 ñ Faculty of Special Education, tel.: 24210-74789 ñ Faculty of History, Archaeology and Social Anthropology tel.: 24210-74794 ñ Faculty of Agronomy, Vegetable Production and Agriculture tel.: 24210-93155 ñ Faculty of Agronomy, Animal Production and Sea Studies tel.: 24210-93155 ñ Faculty of Engineers, Land 89

planning and Regional Development tel.: 24210-74455 ñ Faculty of Mechanical Engineers for Industrial Machinery tel.: 24210-74010 ñ Faculty of Civil Engineers tel.: 24210-74796 ñ Faculty of Computer Engineering, Communications and Network, tel.: 24210-74893 ñ Faculty of Economic Sciences tel.: 24210-74771 ñ Faculty of Medicine tel.: 2410-565002 (Larissa) ñ Faculty of Veterinary Medicine tel.: 2410-566004 (Larissa) ñ Faculty of Biochemistry and Biotechnology tel.: 2410579310 (Larissa) ñ Faculty of Gymnastics and Athletics tel.: 24310-47003 (Trikala) The students There are 6.200 students 90

studying at present in the university of Thessaly. This number includes the three faculties of P.S.E. which after the completion of the academic year will cease to exist. Library The University library is very well organised and is housed in a restored building opposite the Conservatory of music on the corner of Dimitriados and Metamorphoseos Streets. It has thousands of books of an academic nature. Anyone interested in joining the lending library must obtain an identity card. The library is open every day: 08:00-20:00 Branches ñ Pedion tou Areos, tel.: 24210-74233 ñ Faculty of Agronomy (with

books of special interest), tel.: 24210-93141 (open every day 10:00-16:00) ñ A library is operational at the Folklore Centre of Kitsos Makris (this is not a lending library). Libraries exist outside Volos in the Medical and Biochemistry faculties of Larissa, the T.E.F.A.A. of Trikala and at the Veterinary Medical school of Karditsa. Administration office This is located in the Pedion tou Areos building in the faculty of Land planning and Regional Development. It is open every day during working hours and deals with student issues.

NEA IONIA

his area was so named in memory of Ionia in Asia Minor which was lost to the Greek nation. As a district of Volos it was known locally as "the refugee settlement" or simply "the settlement". The name Nea Ionia was adopted in 1947 when the area finally became a separate municipality. Today, only a few things remain in the town to remind one of its humble beginnings. During the catastrophic earthquakes between 1955-57 few buildings fell down because most of the houses were low buildings. However, this period signalled the beginning of the reconstruction of the town. Most of the citizens of Nea Iona took out loans and built new houses on the site of their old ones.

The Nea Ionia of today boasts many small business as well as large industrial units. Commerce is something that characterizes the people of Asia Minor and is still the main form of employment in the town with a lot of local people owning shops in the area and in the town of Volos, too. Culture and sport also play a major role in the town and when Nea Ionia was chosen to host the football matches of the 2004 Olympic Games, it rose to the challenge. The Panthessalko Stadium built to host the qualifying matches played a very important role in Nea Ionia. Another such challenge was presented when New Ionia was asked to host the Pan European Gymnastics competion The town has its own football team, "Niki", which is much loved and supported by the people of the town. The Evagelistria Church plays a very central role in the everyday life of the town. The town also has many well organised cultural institutions.

inf Municipality: 24210-86828 Citizens Information Centre: 24210-91000 Municipal District of Glafires: 24210-74007 Municipal Organization of Health and Social Security: 24210-85650 Cultural Organization: 24210-85535, 66789 92

Athletics Organization: 24210-81082 Stray Dogs Programme: 24210-86856 Senior Citizens Day Centre: 24210-81312 Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Centre: 24210-81230

Cultural Organization of the Municipality of Nea Ionia Many events and activities are organized by the municipality through programmes set up by the Cultural Organization. Many musical and theatrical performances are held throughout the summer months in the outdoor theatre which is

located in the park. Well known personalities from the fields of music and the theatre have performed here.

inf Tel: 24210-85535

open for three years and is head office for many of the municipal offices and services. (Anapafseos - Karabatzaki Street).

INFORMATION CENTRE FOR YOUNG CHILDREN This centre offers the young people of the town a chance to become acquainted with new technology and also provides them with the opportunity to have computer lessons. Tel: 24210-84969 INTERNET CAFE This centre gives everyone the chance to experience the

magical world of The Net. Surf the net or just enjoy a cup of coffee in pleasant surroundings. CINEMA CLUB The club meets every Friday and films are shown in the projection room in the Metaxourgio.

METAXOURGIO Once a silk mill, this building now functions as a cultural centre. It has been

DEMKA (Municipal Company for Studies and Construction Tel:

qualified music teachers) and learn Byzantine music and traditional music. There are also amateur classes. Students at the conservatory have the opportunity to join different groups, choirs, bands with guitars, accordions, bouzoukis, percussion instruments and small symphony orchestras.

inf Irinis Avenue Tel: 24210-65212

SHADOW THEATRE

24210-64688) is located in the Metaxougio along with the Careers Advice Bureau (Tel: 24210-64688). Ceramics and art classes are held in the old Tourist Office (Miriofitou - Prousis Street Tel: 24210-85535).

MUNICIPAL CONSERVATORY OF NEA IONIA The Municipal Conservatory of Music offers the citizens of Nea Ionia an education in music.

Departments: Theory of Music (harmony, orchestration, counterpoint, fugue, composition) Piano Stringed Instruments Wind Instruments Monody - melodrama (with the teaching of stage performance by experiences artists) There are also classes where one can learn to: use foreign accents (French, German, Italian), play the accordion, create computerised music, learn the musical scales, have a pre-musical education (by

It entertains young people and is one of the most interesting kinds of folk theatre. It is called "Karagiozis", and it started many years ago, even before the Greek revolution of 1821, many claim. The first man that played "Karagiozis" was Memos, a very funny person and a very good folk painter. Today, two of the most well-known players of this kind of theatre in the city are, Panagiotis Philippidis and Demos Vougioukas, who is the younger member. From time to time, they perform at schools and during the summer they play in open places (such as the open theatre of N. Ionia, the Metaxourgio, etc.). They make their own caricatures of Karagiozis, his children called "Kolitiria", Hatziavatis and the 93

rest of his friends. They make them out of plastic (in the past they were made of leather). Apart from the classical performances, they often include today's subjects in their performances.

inf tel.: 24210- 44434 & 6974 814635 (P. Philippidis)

Traditional Dancing Department It was founded in 1980 and developed as one of the most popular and active departments of the Cultural Organization. Here you can learn the music and the dances of the refuges (from Asia Minor, Pontious, N. Thrace), of the people of Thessalia and from other places in Greece. The department makes appearances at many festivals in Greece as well as abroad. There are 10 groups for learning, two groups that take part in festivals, a research group that registers cultural events, a group which performs traditional songs and music, and a department of traditional costumes and clothing.

Municipal Library of N. Ionia The Municipal Library of N. Ionia, which has a great number of books and is housed in the building of the Cultural 94

Organization (Ethnikon Agonon - Ellispontou, at the first traffic lights after the Town Hall), opens the gates of knowledge for readers and friends of the book. There you can find 12.000 different books of wide subject variety. You can find: Encyclopeadias, technological books, dictionaries, history books, cultural books, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s books, Greek and foreign literature, financial books, sociology books. Also books on the environment, on architecture, law, computers, philosophy, medicine, books to help students with their school work, collections of poems, books on art, theatre, theology, anything that comes to mind you can find in the Municipal Library of N. Ionia.

inf tel.: 24210- 66789

Department for Greek Traditional Music You can learn: santouri, outi, neisazilaouto, traditional percussion instruments (touberleki, tambourine), kanonaki-taboura, Ponti harp-mandolin, traditional songs, Byzantine music, theory-traditional music (free lessons in Byzantine music), childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s choir- traditional songs, folk music.Learn to play: the bouzouki, the tours, the baglama.

inf Town Hall of N. Ionia, Leoforos Irinis, Tel: 24210-86843

ESTOUDIANTINA

he Estoudiantina orchestra is the revival of an orchestra that existed at the end of the 19th century and the first part of the 20th century. It was very famous in Constantinople and Smyrni but ceased to exist shortly after the destruction of the area. The Estoudiantina orchestra plays Greek music and is made up of young musicians who play mainly string and woodwind instruments. The repertoire includes music

form Smyrni and Constantinople, music from the enslaved and liberated Greek towns of the time when Greece was on its glory, music from the Greeks who emigrated to America and music from Asia Minor, Propontida, Vosporos and Pontos. The Estoudiantina orchestra is gaining popularity year by year. It was reformed after a proposal by the Artistic Director of the municipality of N.Ionia, Andreas Katsiyiannis. Assisting in

this effort was the composer, singer and musician Christos Tsiamoulis as well as Panagiotis Kounadis; student of Greek music and superb musician in the Estoudiantina Orchestra. In fact, Kounadis contributed several of his own songs to the Orchestraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s repertoire. The Estoudiantina Orchestra and fellow musicians have enjoyed many successful performances, along with great artists.

LOCAL DELICACIES

agnesia produces a lot of traditional products. The apples, pears and cherries grown on Pelion are used in the production of jam made by the women belonging to local cooperatives and by small family business. The local wine, tsipouro and salted preserves are yet more of the goods produced in Magnesia. Sample "spetzofai" a casserole made with home produced sausages and sweet green peppers, "boubari", cockerel cooked in wine, pork

cooked in quince, oregano flavoured meatballs, stuffed pumpkin flowers, wild mushrooms, cooked fern, "tsitsiravla" (young sprouts form wild nut trees), "kritana", all of which are cooked in locally produced oil from Pelion. Try Papouâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s "loukoumi" (similar to turkish delight). Soft drinks produced locally by EPSA are made with natural spring water.

A taste of EPSA The EPSA soft drinks factory was established in 1924 by the Kosmantopoulos brothers.

They created a small bottling factory along with refrigerated warehouses in Agria just outside Volos. A German engineer, who had settled in Volos, created the famous lemonade recipe for which the factory became famous. The EPSA factory supplies electricity to the surrounding area. In 1936 the National Bank bought EPSA. The company invested mo-ney in new buildings and machinery. The traditional glass bottles were replaced by bottles with tops fitted by machines. A year later EPSA lemonade won the

"Golden Prize of Quality" at the International Exhibition of Thessaloniki. In 1940 Aristedes Alexandritis, a bank employee was congratulated for his work: the unique glass bottles he designed are quite impressive. In fact, the modern design of the bottle with its embossed label won a prize. In 1969, 45 years after the company was founded, the National Bank accepted the proposal of the Moskahlaidis brothers and Nikos Tsaoutos and thus EPSA returned to the hands of private investors. New investments increased production levels to 16.000 bottles an hour. Since then the number of items produced by EPSA has increased impressively. With a modern plant, biological cleaning, with ISO and HAC-CP, the packages and new products like soda water, carbonated orange juice, lemon flavoured cola,

tonic water, and lemon tea EPSA has secured a bigger share of the soft dinks market. The only thing that hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t changed in the company over the last 50 years is the shape of the bottle.

Fresh Ice cream PELION PELION has been producing fresh ice cream for its customers since 1945. The business, belonging to Stefanos Peponopoulos, started producing prepackaged ice cream in 1978. The factory is located in Neapoli and uses the latest technology in the production of ice cream. The company produces 45 types of ice cream which all carry the "PELION" guarantee of quality. Stefanos Peponopoulosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sons, Manolis,

Vasilis and Dimitris joined the company after 1978. The famous small ice creams produced by PELION are sold both locally and outside the county. You can find PELION products in most sweet shops, in fridges that display the sign PELION. They are also available in selected supermarkets and cash and carrys.

inf S. PEPONOPOULOS AND CO, O.E. "PELION" ICE CREAMS tel.: 24210- 65470, 66466

The Traditional Olive

The olive is linked to the life of people in the Mediterranean. Since ancient times it has been mentioned in myths, theatrical performances and in folklore hi-

tizens of Athens named their city after her in order to thank her. The olive tree first appeared in the area around the Mediterranean thousands of years ago, and was later to be found in other countries.

story. It has always been a symbol of peace, prosperity and fertility. Worn by Olympic champions one can well understand how men have held this tree in high esteem. The olive, according to mythology, was the gift that the goddess Athena gave to the citizens of Athens. The ci-

The cultivation of olive trees began in Crete in 3500 B.C. It was used by ancient Greeks to moisten their bodies and soften their hair and generally used for health reasons. Many Greek and Roman writings refer to the olive tree and its helpful role. References of olive trees are made in the Bible and the Coran.

The Romans aided in the spreading of the use of olives throughout their empire. After the 16th century the Europeans took the olive to the New World and the cultivation of olives began in California, Mexico, Peru, Chile and Argentina. It is calculated that there around 8.000.000 olive trees in the world today. Ippokratis was first to recognise the helpful qualities of olive oil and suggested it as a therapy for ulcers, muscular pain and other illnesses. Olive oil has the ability to reduced cholesterol (DLS lipoproteins of low density which cause arterial sclerosis). Many studies have shown the role and the importance of olive oil in the prevention and reduction of different kinds of cancers and heart problems, a conclusion drawn based on the fact that the inhabitants of Crete have the longest life span of anyone in Europe and few Greek women suffer from breast cancer. Pelion and the areas of Pteleos and Sourpi are covered in olive groves which supply high quality olive oil. There are many local companies involved in the production and bottling as well as the exportation of olive oil.

単VERGINA (Apostolos Lychnaras), Malaki Pelion 単KENTAVROS OLIVES, Kafhias Ltd, Industrial area of Volos 単COPIL Union of Agricultural Organization on

Pelion and Sporades, Agria tel:24280- 92345 http://coop-pelion.gr e-mail: copil@otenet. gr

The Women of Portaria The Women’s Agrotourism Association of Portaria has 37 members. It was founded in 1977 by the women of the village who wanted to use their grandmothers’ recipes in the production of delicious and healthy products made without preservatives or chemical substances. Initially they made jams, cakes, sugar covered biscuits, baklavas, etc. Later and with the help of professional support programmes they participated in a programme called Leader; the Association then expanded. Production now includes pasta, noodles and trahanas which are prepared using special equipment and which are sold in two shops. One of these shops is opposite the bus stop in Portaria and the other, which was provided by the Municipality of Portaria, is on the ground floor of the Agrotourism office. Today the Association can also offer catering and can provide buffets anywhere in Magnesia. The women can produce cheese pies, spinach pies, sausage rolls, meatballs, sandwiches, traditional sweets, cakes, melomakarona and many other traditional sweets.

inf Tel.: 24280- 99952

Municipal Association of Milies The local women of Milies produce fresh products without colouring or preservatives. In their workshop you will find syrup coated fruit, marmalade, tsipouro, honey, olives, trachana, noodles, woven fabrics, ceramics, herbs, locally made soap, oil and vinegar. These products can be purchased at the exhibition shop of Kala Nera (on the main road from Volos to Milies, opposite the military training centre of Kala Nera).

inf Tel/Fax: 24230-22937,23216

no acids and fibre. Lengthy scientific research has proven the biological value and the helpful effects of honey on the human body. Royal Jelly ñIt helps rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. ñIt strengthens the human body. ñIt strengthens human resistance to disease. ñIt helps in the cure of various skin complaints. ñIt fortifies the nervous system and gives one a feeling of general wellbeing. ñIt helps regulate blood circulation.

inf The Apiarist’s Association of Volos: Anthimou Gazi Ag. Nicholaou 142 Tel: 24210-25042,32946

Apiarist’s Association Magnesia is famous for its honey, a product with great biological value which contains: carbohydrates, organic oxides, proteins and amino acids, mineral salts, enzymes, vitamins and other nutritious ingredients. Recent scientific research has validated the antibacterial effects of honey and this has been proven by the fact that it was used therapeutically in the times of Hippocratis. Royal Jelly is a unique concentration of vitamins, ami99

SPORTS

ootball has become one of the most popular sports in Volos. The teams of Olympiakos and Niki Volos have their own special place in the history of the Premier League. Through the programmes offered by organised associations, the citizens of Volos that enjoy extreme sports can do a variety of sports throughout the year. On Mount Pelion the organised ski resort offers enthusiasts the opportunity to traverse snow covered slopes and enjoy other winter sports. Some of the many sports activities one can enjoy in Volos are: climbing, football, basketball, volleyball, horse riding, bike riding, gymna-

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stics tennis, sailing, rowing, traditional and modern dance. Tel. 24210 36529, 28183

ñAthletics Club of Volos: 24210-37100, 35659, 28183 ñAthletics and Gymnastics Club of Volos: 24210-32961 ñAthletics and Gymnastics Club of Nea Ionia: 2421067912 ñAthletics Organisation of Nea Ionia: 24210-64012 ñAthletics and Bridge Club of Volos "Argo": 24210-58611 ñTae-Kwon-Do Club: 2421068234 ñTennis Club: 2421-57291 ñIppotis Riding Centre: 24210-95549 ñMagnesia Riding ClubDimini: 24210-61621

ñRiding Club - Volos - Pedio tou Areos: 24210-62350 ñSailing Club: 24210-32531 ñNautical Club of Volos

"Argonavtis": 24210-20376, 32134 ñWrestling Club (Neapoli): 24210-90188 ñDancing Association of Volos: 24210-59532 ñGreek Association of Cyclists (Local Committee of Central Greece): 24210-59929 ñAthletics Club for People with Special Needs: 24210-20322 ñAthletics and Gymnastics Club "Nikomachos": 24210-48482 ñAthletics and Cultural Club "Anelipseos": 24210-72744 ñAthletics Club "Pegasus": 24210-33855 ñAthletics Club "Polynikis" Volos: 24210-34880 ñAthletics Club of Self Defence: 24210-49036

ñAthletics Club of Dance Volos: 24210-28228 ñAthletics Club of Marine Activities: 24210-57661 ñGymnastics Club: 24210-40703 ñGymnastics Club "KANKU OYAMAS KYOKUSHIN KARATE": 2421-56766 ñGymnastics Club "Panionios": 2421-81276 ñAssociation of Amateur Fishermen of Anavra Volos (Bouboulithra Bridge): 24210-86066 ñAssociation of Amateur Fishermen of Volos: 24210-30237 ñAssociation of Amateur Fishermen of Volos: 24210-32540 ñHunting Club of Volos: 24210-24783

ñHunting Club of Nea Ionia: 24210-60065 ñShooting Association of Volos: 24210-55430, 55493 ñGreek Climbing Association of Volos: 24210-25696 ñAthletics Club of Motorcyclist of Volos: 24210-23334, 37298 ñAssociation of Fans of Ethnikos Olympiakos Volos: 24210-20446 ñChess Union of Volos: 24210-38856 ñAthletics organisation: Basdekio Athletics Centre: 24210-81082 Indoor Gym: 24210-86852

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INFORMATION How to get to Magnesia One can get to the county of Magnesia by car, bus and train or even by airplane (Skiathos Airport - Anchialos Airport). Those who wish to come by plane can use charter flights to the airport of Nea Anchialos. Drivers on Mount Pelion must be very careful as the roads are narrow and there are a lot of tight-bends.

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBER The Bus Company (KTEL) (24210-25527, 332354, 35555) Athens Bus Station: 210-8329585, 8317186 Thessaloniki Bus Station: 2310-512122, 525876 Ioannina-IIgoumenitsa: 26650-24775, 27012 & 26510-30006 102

Patra: 2610-6223886-8

Iasonos Street: 24210-28555

The Rail Company (OSE) Apart from national routes trains travel to Bulgaria (Volos - Sofia - Filipoupoli Varna). Administration: 24210-23519 Tickets and information: 24210-23712 The OSE Central Office is in

DISTANCES FROM OTHER TOWNS ATHENS 319 ALEXANDROUPOLIS 593 ARTA 347 IGOUMENITSA 370 THESSALONIKI 248 IOANNINA 270 KAVALA 415 KALAMATA 343

is required in some circumstances).

CORINTH LAMIA LARISSA MESOLONGI PATRA SERRES TRIKALA TRIPOLIS

343 111 62 334 240 342 124 453

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS If you come from one of the

member states of the European Union then a simple identity card is all you need to enter the country. For extra security measures you may be required to present a passport. For residents of countries outside the European Union a passport and visa are essential (a residents permit

HOTELS - INNS - CAMPSITES The hotels in Volos are wellknown for their hospitality. Choose your ccommodation from a wide range of hotels: Admitos 24210-21117 (C category) Aegli 24210-25691 (B category) Anastasia 24210-60494 (C category) Argo 24210-25372 (C category) Avra 24210-25370 (D category) Phillipos 24210-37607 (C category) Galaxy 24210-20750 (C category) Electra 24210-32671 (B category) Iolkos 24210-23416 (C category) Iasonos 24210-26705 (D category) Kentavron 24210-40735 (D category) Kipseli 24210-24420 (C category) Nefeli 24210-30211 (B category) Park 24210-36511 (B category) Poleos 24210-26442 (E category) Rousas 24210-21732 (E category) Sandi 24210-33341 (C category) Admitos 24210-21117 (C category) Xenia 24210-37793 (A category) Volos Palace 24210-76501 (A category) 103

For more information you can contact the Hoteliers Union of Magnesia: 2421020273. All the hotels and camping areas in Magnesia can be found on the web site of the Hoteliers Union, The address is www.travel-pelion.gr. Association of Rented Room Owners of Magnesia 24210-93260, tel/fax: 24280-94559 CAMPSITES 24230-54144, 22286, 22267, 22036, 71209 PRICES The price of a double room in a seaside hotel on Pelion is between 40 to 80 euro (especially in August). In the mountain resorts the price is cheaper than in the winter months . For the first two months of the season the price of a double room is between 30 and 50 euros. Breakfast normally costs between 5 and 10 euro per person, depending on the category of the hotel you choose to stay in. Lunch usually costs between 8 and 15 euro. As regards rented rooms, the cost is usually about 20% lower than rooms in a hotel. The cost of a room in Volos is about the same as those in the resorts around Pelion. POST OFFICES The Greek Post office is located on the corner of 104

Dimitriados Street and Ag.Nichoalaou Street. 24210-60103, 25048 Ag. Gergiou Iolkou 247 24210-40943 Hadzimichali and Notara Street - 24210-65555 Letters can be sent both to address in Greece and abroad by placing them in the ELTA post-boxes. For letters to be delivered in Greece you do not have to visit the postoffice. In Ermou Street as well as in other less central roads you will find letter boxes which are painted a yellow colour and display the symbol of the ancient god Ermis. INTERNET ACCESS Information about the town can be had through the internet: USEFUL ADDRESSES: www.volos.gr www.argonet.gr www.pelionet.gr www.pelion.org www.magnesia.gr From the screen providing electronic information which you will find in the entrance to the Town Hall (infokiosk) you can get information about the local council, municipalities and communities, geographical information, leaflets, etc.

THE TIME VOLOS ANKYRA ATHENS

14:00 14:00 14:00

BERLIN BOSTON BRUSSELS BHUCAREST GENEVA HELSINKI COPENHAGEN LISBON LONDON LOS ANGELES MADRID MOSCOW NEW YORK WASHINGTON PARIS ROME SYDNEY STOCHOLM TOKYO

3:00 7:00 13:00 14:00 13:00 14:00 13:00 12:00 12:00 04:00 13:00 15:00 07:00 7:00 13:00 13:00 22:00 13:00 21:00

SAFETY Police patrol the town and surrounding areas for the safety of the public. The patrols take place throughout the day by uniformed and plain clothed policemen. Even though Volos is considered a quiet town there have been incidents of pickpocketing so it is best to be cautious.

CAR RENTALS For visitors who have chosen to travel without a car there are car rental agencies in the town.

A relatively small car (Cinqucento) would cost about 70 euros per day. The price increases according to the size of the car that you choose. ALAMO - 24 Argonafton Street - 24210-31284 AVIS - 41 Argonafton Street - 24210-22880, 29849, 32360 BUDGET - 5 Iasonos Street 24210-21535 THEOFANIDIS P. - 79 Iasonos Street - 24210-36238 HERTZ - 97 Iasonos Street 24210-22544 ROAD SAFETY As a tourist, your driving

licence is valid for a year. In Greece drivers drive on the right side of the road. The speed limit for the main roads is 80 kph. Seat belts are compulsory. Tourists visiting Greece for the first time should be extremely careful. The road signs and driving rules for safety are international so you will not have any problem in understanding them. Frequent breathalyzer tests are carried out and fines will be given if the alcohol content is more than 0.25 milligrams per every litre of air expelled. 105

Line 6- Customs office N.Pagases - Alykes Line 7- Customs office - Alli Meria Line 8- Customs office Dimini Line 9- Customs office Chiliadou Line 10- Customs office Mellisiatika Line 11- Customs office New cemetary Line 15- Anavros-Yianni Dimou-Old city shopping Centre You should be very careful when driving in the city. Drivers must not drive at high speeds. In the centre of the town during the rush hour there are usually traffic jams. GETTING ABOUT IN THE CITY The buses of the city allow you to get to everywhere you want in the centre of the city and the areas around it. By using lines 1,3 and 4 one can get to the more popular parts of the city including the suburbs. The city buses are blue, but some of them have advertisements on them and are a bit hard to distinguish. Use the city buses to get to any part of the city. Korai 56, tel.: 24210- 28632, 24232 The bus terminal is next to the bus station - KTEL. BUS ROUTES Line 1- Anavros - N. Ionia/ Petrou and Pavlou Line 2- Customs office - N. 106

Ionia/ AmbelokipiXirokambos Line 3- Anavros - N. Dmimitriada/ NeapoliKapakli- behind METKA Line 4- Customs office Katichori/ Agios OnoumfriosAnakasia- Ano VolosProphet Elias- KatichoriStagiates Line 5- Customs office Agria-Lechonia/ Platanidia

Fares For routes inside the town you need a blue ticket which costs 0,75 euro. For the outskirts of the town you will require a green tickets which costs 1.10 euro. For school children and families with many children the fair is 0,50 euro and you will need a red ticket or a brown ticket for the outskirts which costs 0,55 euro. For students travelling in the town a purple tickets is required and it costs 0,55 euro or a yellow ticket for the outskirts which costs 0,85 euro. Tickets are sold at kiosks and special KTEL ticket kiosks positioned around the town. NATIONAL BUS COMPANIES KTEL National buses, A. Zachou 5, tel.: 24210- 33253, 25527 On the site of KTEL of Volos you can find all the information that you need about the timetable and the routes towards Pelion,

Almyros, the area of Velestino, Athens, Thessaloniki, IoanninaIgoumenitsa, Patra, Kalabaka and Larissa. KTEL buses also travel to Albania every day. The prices of the tickets are reasonable, and are calculated according to the distance youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re travelling. Tickets for students are 25% cheaper. The timetable is strictly adhered to and the employees of KTEL guarantee your comfort and safety throughout the journey. e-mail: info@ktelvolou.gr

TAXIS The taxis of the city of Volos are coloured grey and have the cheapest fare in the European Union. The lowest fare is 2,85 euro. The customer has to pay 1,60 euro more if he has luggage or he calls for the taxi to come to where he is. When you have extra luggage you get charged 0,32 euro for each item. When you get a taxi from a station (bus station, train station, port or airport) the

extra charge is 0,80 euro. During night hours, from midnight until 5 in the morning you get charged double the normal amount. tel.: 24210- 27777

SHIPS Every day ferry boats and flying dolphins (hydrofoils) leave from the port of Volos to go to the Northern Sporades islands. During the summer there are more routes. Every Friday night you can travel with the "Milena" from the port of Volos to Mytilini, Limnos and the Northern Sporades. If you need more information call the Port Authorities of Volos. tel.: 24210-28888, www.port-volos.gr

HEALTH Our health is priceless and for this reason the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s authorities are always on guard so as to deal with emergency incidents effectively.

Hospital The General County Hospital, Achillopoulio is at 134 Polymeri Str. Doctors specializing in all fields are available at all times to meet the needs of the public. There is also an intensive care unit at the hospital. Tel.: 24210- 27531, 27535, 39225. For emergencies you can call 166. Almyros Health Centre: 24220- 22222 Velestino Health Centre: 24250- 22222 Zagora Health Centre: 24260- 22222 Argalasti Health Centre: 24230- 22222 Skiathos Health Centre: 24270- 22222 Skopelos Health Centre: 24240- 22222 Doctors Surgery of Patitiri, Alonnisos: 24240- 65208

PHARMACIES There are many of them in the city and you will find one open every hour of the day. On the front windows of those shops you will always find a list of the pharmacies that stay open all day.

107

PARKING PLACES There are about 500 parking spaces in the city, which are controlled by the Municipality of Volos. Most of the parking spaces available are in Iasonos and Dimitriados streets up to Exoraistiki building. There are also spaces on Anth. Gazi Street, Glavani Street and Korai Street. The charge for these spaces is 0,50 euro per hour. There is a special sign that will inform you where those parking spaces are. You can get your ticket from parking machines. For your convenience you can use the parking of the Organization of the Port of Volos, which has spaces for 600 cars. You can park there for free for less than 10 mins. If you park your car there for more than ten minutes up to two hours you are charged 1,60 euro. After that for every extra hour you get charged 0,80 euro.

108

ELECTRICAL VOLTAGE The electrical voltage in Greece is 220 to 235 Watts. TELEPHONE-MOBILE PHONE COMPANIES In Greece you can find three mobile phone companies. Cosmote, TIM and Vodafon offer a variety of services to their customers and make their communication with others easier. For normal telephones the company in charge is OTE and other private companies. If you came from a country abroad and you want to use your mobile phone, you can pass by the offices of any company to have roaming installed in your telephone. In order to do that it is imperative that your mobile phone is not a card phone, because cards don’t work this way. In addition, when you use a card phone from abroad both you and the person you call are charged so it is not very cheap. If you want to make a phone call abroad you have to dial

the code of the country you are calling before the number. You can use a phone card at the phone booths, which costs from 3 to 30 euro (3,8,10,20,30 euro). MASS MEDIA Television ñAstra TV, tel.: 24210- 31434 ñTRT, tel.: 24210- 22210 Radio Stations ñRadio Ena, 102,5 F.M., tel.: 24210- 67888, 64034 ñOrthodox Martyria, 104 F.M., tel.: 24210- 52881 ñRadio Dolce, 89.5 F.M., tel.: 24210- 35635 ñ9.86 F.M., tel.: 24210- 26300 ñPower, 100.2 F.M., tel.: 24210- 26300 ñRadio D.J., 90.7 F.M. ñRadio Markoni, 9.61 F.M., tel.: 24210- 30961 ñAntenna 4, tel.: 24210- 35177 ñERA Volou, 101.2 & 100.7 F.M., tel.: 24210- 23275 ñMunicipal Radio Station of Volos, 104.6 F.M., tel.: 24210- 20021

ñRadio Vera, 91.8 F.M., tel.: 24210- 22210 ñStar FM, 95.3 F.M., tel.: 24210- 44307 ñMelodie, 106.8 F.M., tel.: 24210- 44113 ñTop FM, 106.4 F.M., tel.: 24210- 56930 ñAkroama, tel.: 24210- 38500 NEWSPAPERS ñThessalia, tel.: 24210- 23303-5 ñMagnesia, tel.: 24210- 85531-4 ñNeos Typos, tel.: 24210- 29131 & 29141 ñEleftheria, tel.: 24210- 21123 (Volos Offices) ñGnomi (comes out once a week) tel.: 24210- 20660 ñTachidromos, tel.: 24210 24024 ñMarconi Press, tel.: 24210 91960-1

MONEY People visiting Volos from other European Union Member Countries use the euro. A euro is equal to 100 cents. There are notes of 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 euro. The coins are of 2 and 1 euro as well as 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. Visitors are advised to be careful as a lot of forged bank notes are in circulation. Shops accept credit cards from all major banks. However, currency can be exchanged in all banks. Bank working hours: FridayThursday, 08:00- 14:00,

Friday, 08:00-01:30. WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU LOSE YOUR CREDIT CARD? If you lose your credit card or it is kept by the ATM inform the bank immediately and your bank account will be blocked for security purposes. USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS ñPrefectural Authority of Magnesia (24 hours a day) 24210-70951-9 & 75555 ñMunicipality of Volos: 195, 24210-21111 ñMunicipality of New Ionia: 24210-60196 ñMunicipality of Iolkos: 24210-42082 ñPolice: 100 24210-39049 ñA’ Police Department:24210-39045 ñDepartment of Security: 24210-39036 ñB’ Police Department: 24210-85815 ñTraffic Police: 24210-22222 ñTourist Police Department: 24210-39065 ñTraffic Police Department: 24210-76968 ñMarket Police of Volos: 24210-24210, 39051 ñPort Police: 24210-28888 EMERGENCIES Fire Brigade: 199 Emergency Services: 166 Hospital: 24210-275315,39225-9

28888, 38888

ñTaxi: 24210-27777 ñAirport of Nea Anchialos:

24280-77333 ñOlympic Airways-Travel Agency: 24210-20910, 24910 fax: 20912 Railway Station: 2421028555, 24056

LOST AND FOUND If during your stay in Volos you lose a personal item you can report it at the police station: 24210-76957 (69 G. Gartali Street – Rozou Street) You can also go to the consulates that are in the area of Magnesia. CONSULATES Belgium Consulate, 12 Glavan, Tel: 24210-23318 Italian Consulate, 2 Solonos str., Tel: 24210-38565 Dutch Consulate, 2 Solonos str., Tel: 24210-24356 German Consulate, Dimitriados - Gamveta str., Tel: 24210-25379 SMOKING Smoking is not allowed in public places. There are smoking and non-smoking sections in all places of entertainment, in line with the new anti-smoking laws. ROAD ASSISTANCE HELLAS SERVICE: 157 ELPA: 104 EXPRESS SERVICE: 154 INTERAMERICAN: 168 SOS SERVICE: 193

TRANSPORT ñPort Authority: 24210109

110

A TOUR OF PELION How to get to Pelion: By car: From Athens: 324 kms Thessaloniki: 216 kms By train: Athens- Volos 4.5 hrs. (Intercity) Thessaloniki- Volos 3 hrs. Skiathos 窶天olos: 1,5 hrs Hydrofoil Ferryboat: 3 hrs Skiathos-Ag. Ioannis: 1/2 hour by hydrofoil Direct routes from Larissa, Trikala, Karditsa, Lamia, Patra and Ioannina to Volos using KTEL buses.

111

A TOUR AROUND MAGNESIA

irection , the first place of interest the visitor meets is the church of Goritsa, the church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Further on you will meet the village of Agria (8 kms from Volos), a seaside village which boasts a long beach. This area is very fertile and has lots of olive and fruit bearing trees. From Agria a small road streching 12 kms leads to Drakia (17.5 kms from Volos, 500 m above sea level). Drakia is characterised by its dense vegetation, fast flow ing streams, well-made narrow streets and traditional tower style houses.

Sights Visit the Trantafyllou mansion built in the 18th century with its murals, carved wooden doors and ceilings. Events On the 23rd August each year there is a local celebra 112

tion. One will see traditional costumes and hear music played on traditional intsruments in the village square. This is one of the oldest celebrations on Pelion. The road continues from Agria through Kato and Ano Lechonia; the villages of flowers. Follow the road north of Ano Lechonia up the side of the mountain and you will come to the villages of Agios Vlassios, Milies and Pinakates. Admire the wellpreserved mansions in the area. 13 kms from Volos is the sea side village of Platanidia where one can enjoy fresh fish served at the local restaurants. Continuing along the road towards the south and before arriving in Kato Gatzea (17 kms) one comes to the pretty beach of Malaki. The beach is surrounded by olive groves. Further on is the village of Kala Nera (19 kms from Volos). This village is beside

the sea and is popular because of its long sandy beach and lively nightlife. Just beyond Kala Nera one comes to a road on the left leading to Milies (28 kms from Volos and 360 m above sea level). This is one of the most picturesque villages on Pelion. Some of the traditional houses in Milies renovated by EOT (The Greek Tourist Board) are used as Inns. Sights Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss the folklore collection and the railway station where the small steal train from Lechonia stops. Visit the famous library of Milies. A few kms further up the road is Vizitsa (32 kms from Volos, 4 kms form Milies, 450m above sea level). This mountain village, lost in a forest of plane trees, is famous for its traditional tower style mansions. Returning to the main road by the sea you

will reach the village of Koropi (Boufa), which is built on the site of the ancient town of the same name, well-known for the oracle of Koropeos Apollon. Further along the main road there is a small side road of 2 kms to the right which leads to Afissos (26 kms from Volos). This villageis built amphithe-atrically and has a wonderful beach. The main road separates at Afetes. One road leads to Neochori and on to Tsagarada passing through the village of Labinou with its magnificent view of the Aegean sea. The other road branches off to Argalasti (40 kms from Volos, 250 m above sea level).This small town is built on a fertile plateau and is well-known as an olive producing area. Smaller ro-ads lead from Argalasti to the seaside villages of Kalamos and Paou on the shores of the Pagasitikos Gulf and the

villages of Kalithea, Xinovrisi and Paltsi on the Aegean side of the mountain. Continuing south on the main road one encounters many small beaches on the way towards Milina; a small seaside resort. From Milina the road carries on to Trikery (82 kms from Volos). This is the last village along the Pelion peninsula. In the past the village could be reached by boats sailing from Agia Kyriaki to Volos. In the small tavernas in Agia Kyriaki one can enjoy fresh fish and sea food snacks. Trikery, Agia Kyriaki, Ai-Giannis, which is a very small fishing village on the island of old Trikery, were considered to be one community. Events Attend the traditional wedding held during the week of Easter and on the first of May. Traditional costumes are worn at these celebrations. To the east of Milina are the villages of Lafkos and Promyri

both surrounded by olive groves. The southern most village on the peninsula is the picturesque fishing village of Platania. Take the road upwards north-east of Volos and the first place you come to is the leafy suburb of Ano Volos (5 kms). To the east of Ano Volos is the steep hill of Episkopi. Close by are the small neighbourhoods of Anakasia and Alli Meria where the famous mural painter Theophillos did a lot of his work. Stop to admire the panoramic view of the Pagasitikos Gulf and enjoy a refreshing drink at one of the quaint cafes in the area. After Anakasia the road leads up to the main village of Portaria (30 kms from Volos, 600 m above sea level). This is a beautiful mountain resort popular with visitors to the area and well-known for the crystal clear water which flows form springs in and around the village. From Portaria there is a small road to the west which 113

leads to Makrinitsa (17 kms from Volos, 750 m above sea level). This picturesque village has an amphitheatrical appearance and offers magnificent views of Volos and the Pagasitikos Gulf. The narrow cobbled roads of the village lead to buildings of a unique style which, because of the steepness of the ground, appear to have three floors on one level and one on the other. Some of these have been renovated by EOT and are used as Inns. YOU SHOULD TASTE «Spetzofai» a dish made from sweet green peppers and locally made sausages or «fasolada» a traditional bean soup, both of which are served at the small tavernas in the village square. EVENTS Don’t miss the festival of «MAIDON» characterised by Dionysiac customs. Continuing along the main road from Portaria you will come to the village of Chania

114

(26 kms from Volos, 1200 m above sea level). The ski resort of Agriolefkes has a chalet, electric ski lifts, wide slopes and a begginers slope and all the facilities of a modern ski resort. From this point one has a magnificent view of both the Aegean sea and the Pagasitikos Gulf. From Chania the road

begins to descend, winding its way through forests of oak and chestnut trees on its way to Zagora (47 from Volos, 480 m above sea level), which is the biggest village on Mount Pelion and has an incredible view of the Aegean sea. SITES The well-know school of the spiritual fathers of the Greek revolution. The historic library with its rare books and handwritten manuscripts. The Byzantine churches of Agios Georgios and Agia Kyriaki. 8 kms east of Zagora is the village of Chorefto (55 kms from Volos). This extention of Zagora with its crystal clear waters and clean beaches is a popular place for both locals and visitors to the area. 6 kms to the north the road ends in the village of Pouri (63

kms from Volos, 400 m above sea level). From the three leveled square of the village known as the «Balcony of the Aegean» one can see across the water to Chalkidiki on a clear day. South of Zagora you will come to the village of Makryrachi (46 kms from Volos, 300 m above sea level). Its healthy climate is ideal for people who are looking for a peaceful place to rest. A deep ravine separates this village from Anilio, a typical Pelion style village. Continuing south, the village of Kissos, to the right of the main road, (52 kms from Volos, 550 m above sea level) is well worth a visit. It is one of the highest villages on this side of the mountain. From here a road descends to the sea side resort of Agios Ioannis (57 kms from Volos), where the lush green vegetation of the mountain blends harmoniously with the deep blue waters of the Aegean sea. Swim from the one end of the beach with its thick sand particles, to the other or enjoy fresh fish at one of the sea front restaurants. Returning to the main road you will come to Mouresi (59 kms from Volos, 370 m above sea level) built mphithea-trically in a forest of apple trees and chestnut trees.

get to the nice beach by descending a picturesque stone path. A short distance from Milopotamos is the magnificent beach of Fakistra.

YOU SHOULD SEE The carved wooden temple of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Just 5kms from Mouresi you can visit the beach of Damouchari, it is near Tsagarada, "the backbone" of Mount Pelion (54kms from Volos, 450m above sea level). It is one of the nicesest resorts in Greece with many hotels, plane-trees and chestnuttrees. The houses are sparsely-built and are surrounded by dense vegetation. The mansions, the cobbled squares, the picturesque cobble roads and a magnificent view of the Aegean are all characteristic of the area. A landmark of the region is the plane-tree in the central square, which is 1000 years old. Don’t forget to taste "spetzofai" and the traditional bean soup served at most of the tavernas. An asphalt road of 8 kms leads to the cape of Tsagarada, Milopotamos. You can

YOU CAN ATTEND... The festival of "The Almond Tree in Bloom", held every March. You can see the small copper industry producing items of folklore art. To the south-west of Volos, along the coastal road are the remains of Ancient Dimitriada (4 kms). An important town where Dimitrios Poliorkitis was born in the 3rd century B.C. At the large archeological site, archeologists have preserved the ruins of the palace and of a theatre of incomparable acoustics. Remains of the wall of the town are on a hill on the west side of the road. The "famous" columns, which are now kept in the archeological museum of Volos, were found at the towers of the Dimitriada Acropolis. To the east side, in the area known as Pefkakia, are a few remains of a Mycenean settlement which is considered to be the Homeric town of Nilia. After that the road passes by Nees Pagases (Alykes) (5 kms) which is a well-developed resort. It’s built on the site of Ancient Pagases which was a trading centre of the 5th century B.C. and cape of ancient Ferres. The tourist settlements of Marathos (13 kms) and Chrisi Akti Panagias 115

(15 kms) are well known for the clear blue sea and the fresh fish which is served at the small taverns along the seafront. Then, the main road passes through Nea Achialos (18 kms) which is a remarkable small town, built in a fertile region and on the site of Ancient Pirasos. This ancient town with its neighbouring town of Fthiotides Thives was an important trading centre of Pagasitikos. In its small Museum one can see Neolithic, Hellenistic and paleochristianic findings. Next you come to Mikrothives (25 kms) which took its name from Fthiotides Thives. On a hill near there, are the remains of an ancient church, a theatre and a shelter. In Almyros (35 kms), the agricultural centre of the region, you can see the Archeological Museum and you can visit the ancient town of Alos. YOU SHOULD VISIT The small forest of "Kouri", the remains of Ancient Alos and the Monastery of Panagia Xenia of Othri. Near the cape of Almyros is the village of Amaliapoli (57 kms) which is very busy during the summer. Sourpi, one of the biggest villages of Almyros and has dense olive groves and a wonderful beach at Nies. YOU SHOULD TASTE Local "kokoretsi" served at the taverns in the villages. Along the coast road which is especially picturesque and crosses the southern part of 116

Magnesia, it is worth stopping at Pteleos (60 kms) where you can swim from clean beaches and enjoy fresh fish served at the local restaurants. You can also visit Pigadi and Achilio (67 kms) an idyllic bay with a big beach which is an ideal place to escape to for the hot days of August. As well as the settlement of Ag. Dimitrios, which has a view to the Malliakos Gulf and beautiful beaches.

CHURCHES IN MAGNESIA These are testimonies to the christian presence in Magnesia from the 5th century B.C. In the minutes of the 3rd Ecumenical Synod in 430 A.C. is the signature of the Bishop of Dimitriada, Kleonikos. In N. Achialos five Basilicas have been discovered that reveal the relegious acme of the region during those years. Visitors to the excavations in N. Achialos and the museum can understand the important role of the Orthodox Church during these years. In the later years as well, the influence in religion, of the everyday and social life of the inhabitants of that area is clear. Mount Pelion is full of churches, monasteries and country churches which are master pieces of architecture and which protect the godliness of the old and the young generations, the traditional colour and style which is known as "Pelioritiko". On Pelion one will find the

monasteries of Saint Gerasimos in Makrinitsa, of Archangels Micheal and Gabriel in Ag. Georgios in Nilia, of Saint Lavrentios in the village of the same name, Of Prodroms Sikis and Saint Spyridonas of Promiri. The most well-known monastery in the region is the one of Flabouri, built in the 16th century by Simeon in a magnificent location above Veneto. In the area of Almyros on Othri one will find the monastery of Ano Panagia Xenia and the convent of Kato Panagia Xenia. These are both historical monuments of the 12th century and contain many murals, relics, heirlooms and well-stocked libraries. The icon of the Virgin Mary, which is the pride of the whole region, is

kept in the Kato Xenia convent. All the monasteries and convents in the area are open to the public. However, the monastery of Flabouri can only be visited by men. Every village, ravine and slope on Pelion is decorated with a church. All these churches built in the style of Bacilicas have exterior porches and interesting interior decoration attracting visitors and paritioners alike. All the churches in Zagora are works of art with their hand carved wooden alters which are of great value, post-Byzantine icons and valuable and holy objects. The alter of Saint Marina in Kissos is a remarkable piece of work. In Milies in the church of Archangels Michael and Gabriel, located in the village

square, there is a large alter and icons dating back to the 18th century. These icons have recently been restored. Beautiful hand carved alters can also be found in the church of the Sacred Cross in the Anemoutsa area of Agria, in Saint Dimitrios church in Agios Lavrentios, in Taxiarchis church in Tsagarada and in the Holy Trinity church in Anilio. The church of Virgin Mary in Makrynitsa, the Episkopi church in Anilio and the Holy Trinity church in Ano Volos are all worth a visit. One can visit the very old Oxia Episkepseos convent to admire the Byzantine objects or admire the murals painted by Pagoni in Saint Dimitrios in Neochori. Another beautiful small

church is the one of the Virgin Mary in Portaria which was built in 1273. The Mitropolis of Dimitriada tel.: 24210-47501, 47593

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THE HISTORY OF A TRAIN

"The small train that carries us from Volos to Milies on Mount Pelion is unique. Its old fashion carriages are a reminder of the good old days. it doesn’t have the punctuallity of the big express trains that start and stop like impatient horses 118

ready to bolt. It doesn’t even resemble a regular train. In fact, the way it moves gives the impression that it’s on a journey of leisure, moving slowly as if to enjoy nature and the spring sunshine, stopping whenever it wants to admire the view. At the

small stations along the route it creates a welcome atmosphere." It was with these words that, 70 years ago, Kostas Ouranis wrote about the famous train that passes through picturesque valleys and revines, and scales the

up and down Pelion again in 1986. Beginning at Lechonia the train climbs through olive groves and the small villages of Ano Gatzea, Agia Triada, Agios Athanasios Pinakaton and Argyrika, finishing its journey in Milies. It travels at a speed of 25 kms/ h. Passengers are treated to magnificent views from the top of the mountain down to the blue waters of the gulf. They can photograph the bridges built by De Kiriko, with their five wrought iron arches, flat tops and unique rounded rails, which can not be seen anywhere else in Europe. At the end of their journey visitors shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss a visit to the famous library in Milies, which was the creation of the teachers Gazis and Konstantas, and which houses centuries old manuscripts.

slopes of Mount Pelion offering a trully magnificent and unforgettable experience to its passengers. For 76 full years (1895-1971) the small train climbed Mount Pelion carrying people and goods and contributed significantly to the rapid develo-

pment of the villages in the area. Its creator was the Italian engineer Evaristo De Kiriko, who was the father of the famous painter Giorgio De Kiriko. It was commissioned by Thessalian Railways. The train started travelling

TIMETABLE Take advantage of your weekends and your three day holidays to take a train ride on Mount Pelion. The train leaves Ano Lechonia at 11:30 a.m. and arrives at Milies at 16:30 p.m. The price of the ticket is 12.90 euro for adults and 8.50 euro for children.

inf Information Office OSE, tel: 24210- 24056.

119

MUNICIPALITY OF AGRIA

Agria

AGRIA gria is 7 kms from Volos (10 mins.) Many tourists and locals alike visit the seafront taverns and the beach of Agria; especially the wonderful location of Soutrali. The natural beauty, the popular beaches, the distance from Volos and the opportunity for a really entertaining night life, make this area especially attractive. Some of the more popular events which take place in Agria are: the Fish Festival held for a whole week in August each year, as well as the Carnival festival which is held during the period before Lent. Many other events take place throughout the year.

120

There are lots of interesting places to visit in Agria including the church of the Holy Cross in Anemoutsa with its wood carvings, the old railway station which dates back to the beginning of the 20th century, the old factory buildings in which barrels for the processing of olives were made, and the buildings of the well-known local EPSA company, which produces soft drinks.The International Festival of Classical Guitar music has been held in the Municipality of Agria for more than 25 years. This Festivals give local residents and visitors of the area the opportunity to see artists of intenational acclaim and meet music lovers from

different countries.

inf Municipality of Agria: 24280 - 92352 Local Disatrict of Drakia: 24280 - 96000 Municipal Organisation of Health and Social Welfare: 24280 - 95352 Police station: 24280 - 92355 Taxi: 24280 - 92502 Post office: 24280 - 92599 Banks: ATM Eurobank (along the seafront of Agria) Athletics Organisation: 24280 - 56396

Agria

CHANIA Chania 20 kms from Volos (26 mins.) 1.200m above sea level one will find the village of Chania. An area which has enjoyed remarkable tourist development recently. You will find here the old traditional inns "Chania" which gave their name to this village. Chania is popular for winter sports especially skiing. Above the village at a height of 1.350m is the ski resort of Agriolefkes. There are two spacious ski lodges, two ski lifts, a doctorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; surgery and ample parking facilities. The Development Agency of

Magnesia (ANEM) which is responsible for the running of the ski resort, organises regular night parties at the resort throughout the winter months .

"spetzofai" (which is a traditional local dish made of sausages and peppers) and "fasolada" (traditional bean soup) which are some of the more traditional Greek dishes available.

The slopes at the resort include: 1) Panorama, 1045m long, elevation difference 300m 2) Thetis, 350m long, elevation difference 217m 3) Jason, 1030m long, elevation difference 337m 4) Centaur cross country run, 5kms long

inf

At Chania visitors must sample the black wine,

Ski resort tel: 24280-73719

DRAKIA The first buildings in this village were built by craftsmen from Epiros in 1655. In fact, the village square is thought to be the oldest on Mount Pelion. Visit some of the old mansions in Drakia such as that of the Triantafyllou Mansion with its 18th century murals, handcarved doors and engraved wooden ceilings. The church of Ai-Nikolas stands at the entrance of the village next to the small village square with its huge plane tree.

inf Local Council: 24280 - 96000 Health center: 24280 - 96022

Chania

121

MUNICIPALITY OF AFETES

Ă&#x2022;fissos

he Principal village of this area is Neochori which 35 kms from Volos.

NEOCHORI The boundary of Neochori stretches from the Pagasitic Gulf, on one side of the mountain to the Aegean sea on the other side. The village itself has a wonderful climate and a refreshingly cool village square which is built on different levels. The church of Agios Dimitrios (1768), in which one can see murals painted by Pagoni (1801), is to be found at the entrance to the square. A huge plane 122

tree provides shelter from the summer sun. Unlike a lot of villages on Mount Pelion the economy of the village is not based on tourism. The majority of residents living here work in the neighbouring quarry, which produces natural stone used for paving. Indeed, the stone form the quarry has been used to pave the village square in Neochori. The beach of Pantazis Sand is well worth a visit.

AFISSOS Afissos is 26 kms from Volos (35 mns).

This has got to be one of the most picturesque tourist resorts on Mount Pelion, tucked away in the olive groves. The sandy beaches at Afissos (Kalifteri and Abovos) are also surrounded by rich vegetation and the crystal clear water entices you to swim. According to mythology, the Argos, carrying Jason and the Argonauts, anchored in the port of Afissos to take on water supplies for their journey. Visit the shady village square in Afissos with its centuries old plane trees. Close to the square is the church of Timios Prodromos

∞fetes

which was built in a Bacilica style in the 19th century by Demo Zapanioti. Admire the murals and carved wooden alter. The Neoclassic style buildings, built at the beginning of the century can’t fail to attract the visitors attention. The beach of Abovos, which is considered to be one of the best in the Gulf has been awarded the blue flag by the Greek Association for The Protection of Nature. Buy pure olive oil from one of the two traditional olive presses, one of which is powered by steam. Whether you are looking for relaxation, family entertainment or a lively night life Afissos is the place to be.

exactly above Afissos and the view of the Pagasiticos Gulf from here is magical. You will be impressed by "The Square of Love", the church of Prodromos and the three arched stone bridges.

LABINOU Built near the beach at Labinou is the monastery of Panagia Labidona. Folklore has it that a ray of light sent from God (Labidona) led a sea captain to a safe port where he subsequently built a monastery.

inf Municipality offices, tel.: 24230-55650 Local Councils: Afetes, tel.: 24230-22181 Kalamaki, tel.: 24230-55137 Labinou, tel.: 24230-55107, 62038 Neochori, tel.: 24230-55045 Sykia, tel.: 24230-54832 Doctor’s surgery, tel.: 24230-55068

Labinou

AFETES (NIAOU) The original name of this village, Niaou, is said to have come from the surname of one of its the residents. However, it could have come from the Slavic root of the word which means animal pen. The village is located 123

MUNICIPALITY OF ARGALASTI

Argalasti

ARGALASTI 40 kms from Volos (50 mins). This principal village is well known for its buildings of architectural interest. Embedded into the walls of many constructions in the village one will find pieces of ancient and Medieval buildings. This special style adds something to the atmosphere of the village. Visit the monastery of Saint Nickolas and enjoy the magnificent view. Close to the village square is the church of Apostles Petros and Pavlos built in 1886. Perhaps the most impressive part of the church is the marble bell tower (1913). It has a 10 m. square base and a height of 25 m., two Russian bells and a Swiss clock face. It is in fact, a copy of the bell tower of Agia Fotini in Smyrni. The ruins of Byzantine buildings as well as ancient objects have been found in the area. Pieces of these can be seen in the tradi 124

tional houses in and around Argalasti.

XINOVRISI 48 kms from Volos (65 mins). This village owes its name to the acidic water, which comes out of springs close to the sea. Many findings dating back to the Medieval Period have been found here. In the region known as Syrioti there are still visible signs of a Medieval castle. Visit the church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary built in 1778, with its three domed Basilica. The beach of Potistika is a miracle of nature. It is very clean and wide. It is the

Xinovrisi

closest beach to Volos on the Aegean side of the mountain and there is a tarmac road leading to it.

METOCHI Metochi is well known for its Pelioritiki traditional style architecture. It was considered to be a suburb of Argalasti but today it is the second municipal district of the Municipality. Its economy is based on its agricultural products, more specifically the olives and the oil it produces.

KALAMOS 47 kms from Volos (60 mins). It takes its name from the distortion of the word

"kanalos", in other words the canal which is formed naturally where a small stre-am flows into the sea. Another interpretation is that the name comes from the "kalamia" or the reeds which grow along the banks of the stream. The beach of Belian, next to Kalamos is well worth a visit.

PALTSI 53 kms from Volos (70 mins). Paltsi is a summer holiday resort which is famous for its magnificent beach and the crystal clear sea. Remains from the Paleochristianic period and traces of the middle ages have been found near the monastery of

Paltsi

close proximity to the ancient town of Spalathra. The cultural foundation of G. Aggelini - P. Chatzinikou and the Development Society of Chorto organise cultural events throughou the summer months. MELANI The beach of Melani takes its name from the dark colour of the sand.

MONI PAOU The Monastery of Agios Nikolaos built in the 15th century was partly destroyed by the Turks in 1843. The side walls of the church are decorated with wonderful post-Byzantine murals. The picturesque beach of Mikri Paou is a delight in itself.

KALITHEA Marvel at the beautiful old houses which date back to the time of the Turkish occupation. Visit the small church of Agia Paraskevi.

inf ÂŞelani

the Archangels Michael and Gabriel (1776). The monastery is the work of Stergios Basdekis.

CHORTO

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47 kms from Volos (60 mins). Continuing along the road from Argalasti towards the sea one will encounter the picturesque and peaceful port of Chorto. It is thought to be a very old port because of archeological findings in the area and its

LEFOCASTRO Visit the ruins of nine Byzantine churches, the arched bridge built in 1891 and the fountain with its two cups and two inscriptions built in 1777. One of the cups is inscribed with the name Ahmed Aga the Turk who donated the money to have it built, and the other with the engraving of a double headed eagle. Lefocastro is the perfect place for a relaxing holiday away from it all.

Municipality of Argalasti tel. 24230-54219, 55655 Local Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s: Xinovrisi, tel. 24230-54571 Metochi, tel. 24230-54313 Health Centre tel. 24230-54611-2-3 Police, tel. 24230-54236 Telephone Company, tel. 24230-54399 Post Office, tel. 24230-54252 Electricity Company (Power Failure), tel. 24230-54216 Argo Campsite, tel. 24230-54144 Pony Trecking, tel. 24230-54131 www.argalasti.gr

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MUNICIPALITY OF ARTEMIDA

lexonia

he principal town of the area is Ano Lechonia which is 11.7 kms from Volos. All the villages in the Municipality reach down to the sea: Platanidia, Malaki, Chatzivaggleis, Karnagio, Soutrali, Neos Apostolos.

ANO & KATO LECHONIA Visit the castle style buildings of Kokoslis and Olympiou as well as other neoclassic style mansions which date back to the Turkish occupation of the area. Places of interest: The bridge of Ricona The church of Saint Giorgio The mansion of Sarafi (1896) The tower of Olympiou The Kontos building The fountain of Mouriani with its lion sculpture (1906) The Georgoudi oil press (1900) The old silk works The neoclassic style house 126

of Hatzikyriazi-Kassiopoulos The small church of Ag. Anargyri

AGIOS VLASIOS In Paleocastro near Ag. Vlassios you will come across the gully of the Koufala river, banked by plane trees and climbing plants. Close to this place are two stone arched bridges and a trout farm. The square of Ag. Vlassios is often referred to as "The Balcony of The Pagasitikos" because of the beautiful panoramic view that it provides one with. Visit the pottery museum of the

Anetopoulos family which houses exhibits from all around Greece. AGIOS LAVRENTIOS 20 kms from Volos (20 mins). Turn right off the main road and you will come to the village of Agios Lavrentios. One of the prettiest villages on Pelion it has managed to maintain its traditional colour. The gushing water of the Vrichona river adds to the beauty of the area. One of the most interesting sites in the area is a cave whiÂŞalaki

â&#x2C6;&#x17E;g. Vlasios Old Traditional house in Agios Lavredios

inf Municipality of Artemida tel. 24280-93249, 93512, 93207 The Municipal District Agios Vlassios, tel. 24280-86996 The Municipal District Agios Lavredios, tel. 24280-96200 Police, tel. 24280-93333 Local Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s: Kato Lechonia, tel.: 24280-94493 Agios Lavredios, tel: 24280-96475

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ch is thought to be the home of the mythological creature known as centaur Chiron. The village of Agios Lavrentios takes its name from the monastery which was built by Roman monks in the 4th crusade. It was rebuilt in 1378, the time when the village became inhabited.

PLATANIDIA 14 kms from Volos (18 mins). Clean beaches, the close proximity to Volos and the wide choice of eating places put Platanidia at the top of the list of places to visit by both locals and visitors of the area.

Doctor Surgeries: Agios Vlassios, tel. 24280-93247 Ano Lechonia, tel. 24280-93204 Agios Lavrentios, tel: 24280-96222 Athletic Assosiation, tel. 24280-93515 Cultural Organisation, tel. 24280-83962, 93512

There are no banks in this area

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MUNICIPALITY OF ZAGORA

ZAGORA 47 kms from Volos (60 mins). Houses in the area have been built using traditional methods and many of them are decorated with mock painted windows and carved wooden doors. Both the old and new houses have traditional stone roofs. Zagora is in the middle of a forest. It is an ideal place for fishing or for those seeking a relaxing place where they can enjoy the beauty of nature. Zagora itself dates back to ancient times. Ruins and artifacts found in the area bare witness to the existence of ancient settlements. According to archeologists these settlements belong to the Homeric period. Throughout Medieval and earlier years Zagora was the centre of much development. Some of 128

the more important sights in the area are the School of Riga, in which Riga Ferreos studied, the well-known library with its collection of rare books and the churches of Agia Paraskevi, Ai-Giorgi, Agia Kyriaki and Agios Nikolaos. Try the locally grown apples "firikia" known by the trade name Zagorin and produced by the Zagora Corporation.

CHOREFTO 57 kms from Volos (70 mins). This is a suburb of Zagora and has one of the most beautiful beaches on the western side of Mount Pelion. The old and newly built houses all maintain the traditional Pelioritiko style with their stone roofs. This is an ideal place for those who want to fish or just relax in beautiful surroundings.

AG. SARANTA The nicest places are those that havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been exploited yet. This certainly applies to Ag. Saranta. Enjoy a swim in the crystal clear waters of the Aegean sea. The Library of Zagora

Zagora Pouri

inf Municipality of Zagora tel. 24260-22520 Municipal Districts: Makryrachi, tel. 24260-31343 Pouri, tel. 24260-22160

POURI An impressive green ravine separates Zagora from Pouri, which is the last village along the road of East Pelion. From the village square one can enjoy the view out over the Aegean Sea. One can visit the beach of Omvrios but only with four wheel drive vehicles, as a road has not been constructed yet. Once you get there you will be more then compensated for the difficult journey down. Those who enjoy camping will certainly find the prefect spot here to pitch their tent.

found on the edge of the village square. Makryrachi is well known today for the variety of flowers, which are produced in that area.

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Health Centre of Zagora, tel. 24260-22222 Office of Tourist Information, tel. 24260-22988 Police, tel. 24260-22529 Telephone Company, tel. 24260-22199 Post Office, tel. 24260-22682 Taxi, tel. 24260-22608 Electricity Company Power Failures, tel. 24260-22558 Library, tel. 24260-22591 Agrotiki Bank (in Ag. Kyriaki) , tel. 24260-22500 Cultural and Athletics Organisation, tel. 24260-23560

Chorefto

MAKRYRACHI Makryrachi was well known during the Turkish occupation for the silk produced here. About two kms south of the village is Anilio and the church of Agios Athanasios built in 1785 which can be 129

MUNICIPALITY OF IOLKOS

ANAKASIA 5 kms from Volos. To the Municipality of Iolkos belong the municipal districts of Ano Volos and Ag. Onoufrios. It was not long ago since the painter Theophilos walked along the cobbled roads of Anakasia. The area is full of old mansions and picturesque cobbled roads. Places to visit: The Kontos Residence, which is home to the museum of Theofilos and is located in the square of Anakasia; Saint Nikolaos "Kremastos" a church which is "perched" on the banks of the 130

Krafsidonas river. The Episkope, the main cathedral of Volos. The hill, on which the church is located, offers visitors fresh air and a pleasant view. You should pass by Dristeles and witness the traditional procedure of washing rugs. You should also visit the squares of Krafsidona, Ag. Onoufrio, Anakasia, Panagia and the Holy Trinity. These squares are decorated with planetrees and can be reached by bus. You can have a cup of coffee or enjoy a nice meal under the cool shade of the trees.

inf Municipality of Iolkos tel. 24210-72911, 72915 Municipal Districts: Ag. Onoufrios, tel. 24210-42084 Anakasia, tel. 24210-72773 Ano Volos, tel. 24210-49104 Agricultural Centre of Ag. Georgios Iolkou, tel. 24210-42222 Anakasia Local Council, tel. 24210-72773

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THE VILLAGE OF ANAVRA

navra is located on the west side of Mount Othri, at a height of 900m above sea level, 72 kms away from Volos (75 mns) and on the borders of the prefectures of Magnesia, Fthiotida, and Larissa, it has about 1000 inhabitants. Visitors will be

delighted by the natural environment, with its dense vegetation and clear waters. The Epineas River, which is tributary of the Pinios river, starts at the springs of Anavra and passes through the village for two kms. According to mythology

that Anavra is connected with livestock activities. Almost all the inhabitants are employed in farming. The region has developed a lot during recent years. In the area one will find the Folklore Museum of Farming Life.

inf Community Offices, tel.: 22320-91210, 91382, 91204 Communal Library, tel.: 22320-91210 Doctors Surgery, tel.: 22320-91222 Folklore Museum of Farming Life, tel.: 22320-91210

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MUNICIPALITY DISTRICT OF MAKRINITSA

The village square

MAKRINITSA 17 kms from Volos (25 mins). It has been characterised as "The Balcony" of Mount Pelion. The visitor will realise the reason why visiting the village square is worth while, as soon as he sees the view of Volos stretching out to the sea. There you will find "The Pantheon" where you can enjoy a nice dinner, a coffee, a soft drink and of course donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to taste the locally made jam. The architecture is mirrored throughout all the villages on Mount Pelion. Apart from the natural beauty of the area and the hospitality of the inhabitants, Makrinitsa is also steeped in 132

history and each year the custom of Maides is held. These are reenactments of Pagan-Dionysian ceremonies. Visitors to Makrinitsa will be thrilled at the events taking place at the time these ceremonies are held especially if they are there on 15th August for the celebration in

Portaria. The church of Ai-Giannis Prodromos, which was built (1792) is located in the central square. Next to it one can see the marble fountain with its "immortal" water. A few metres further on is the church of the Assumprion of the Virgin, a Basilica style church built in Traditional old house in MakrInitsa

MakrInitsa

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1767, decorated with stone engravings on the exterior walls. Other churches in the area are those of the Convent of Agios Gerasimos and the small church of Profet Elia. In the cafe just below the square you will see murals painted by Theophilos. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to visit the Community Museum. In Markrinitsa one

can also find bars, cafes, restaurants and shops selling gifts, jams and herbs.

KOUKOURAVA 12 kms from Volos (15 mins). Koukourava is located just below the village of Makrinitsa.

The church of Ai-Giannis Prodromos

inf

Municipality District of Makrinitsa tel. 24280-99140 Municipal Information Office, tel.:24280-99150 Museum of Folklore Art, tel. 24280-99505 Municipal Library, tel. 24280-90010 Telephone Company, tel. 24280-99299 Police (Portaria), tel. 24280-99105 Museum of Folklore Art and History of Pelion, tel. 24280-99505 Centre of Environmental Education, tel. 24280-90010 Doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surgery, tel.: 24280-99106 Pharmacy, tel.: 24280-99692 Information Office, tel.:24280-99150 133

MUNICIPALITY OF MILIES

Milies, The famous little steam train â&#x20AC;&#x153;Moutzourisâ&#x20AC;?

MILIES Milies is one of the most picturesque principal villages on the mountain. Old mansions, cobbled roads, bubbling brooks flanked by the green-grey hues of the olive groves all come together to make up a picture of rare beauty. Since the summer of 1996 "Moutzouri", the famous little steam train, has been making its way up and down the mountain from Lechonia to Milies. Near the old railway station in Milies is a cave where the legend has it that Centaur Chiron and his students lived. It also said that the wedding of Pileas and Thetida took place in Milies. In ancient times the famous sanctuary of Koropios Apollona was to be found in this area. In 1800 the famous teachers of the school of Anthimos Gazis, Grigorios Konstantas and Daniel Philippidis founded the 134

school of "Psichis Akos". From which many manuscripts and can now be seen in the library of Milies. AG. GEORGIOS, NILIAS 22 kms from Volos (30 mins). Built 620m above sea-level Nilia is one of the most beautiful and richest villages on Mount Pelion. It has a nice view of the Pagasitikos Gulf and a wonderful climate. Saint George of Nilia is an excellent mountain retreat. You can swim at the beautiful beaches of Kato Gatzea, Sikia and Malaki, which are all lined with trees. You can visit the churches of Saint George, Saint Athanasios and the Virgin Mary as well as the Monasteries of Archangel Michael and Gabriel, of the Transfiguration and of the Holy Trinity. In the church of Saint George admire the bell-tower made of stone and the about fifty stone carvings.

The basilica of Saint Athanasios (1795) was built by the architect Dimos Zipaniotis. The Monastery of Arhangels Michael and Gabriel has been a convent since 1976. The monastery of the Holy Trinity has been inhabited since 1988 by a fraternity of monks. At the community museum you can admire the sculptures and engravings done by Nickolas. You can also visit the ecclesiastic museum of the region. Visit the locations "Balkonia", "Rachi", "Kromida" and "Saint Elias".

KALA NERA 19 kms from Volos (25 mins). Kala Nera is a village near the sea with a beach "on the green side of the Pagasitikos Gulf". This resort is ideal for family vacations. The road to the village runs between the olive groves and the forest of pear trees, which goes down to the sea.

Kala Nera

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The water, which is of great quality and good for the digestion, gushes from the many fountains in the villages. From Kala Nera you can walk along one of the many quaint pathways that lead up to Milies and Vizitsa. The location of Kala Nera is ideal for the visitors who wish to visit Mount Pelion and the N. Sporades islands. Small fishing boats do regular crossings. Apart from swimming in the crystal clear sea, there are

many opportunitiess for fishing, sailing, windsurfing and water skiing.

KATO GATZEA 17 kms from Volos (22 mins). The region has nice beaches and is surrounded with olive groves.

VIZITSA 31 kms from Volos (40 mins). It is located between Milies and Saint George. The old houses appearing like towers, give a different

tone to the area. Samples of folk architecture bring back memories of a glorious past. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to visit Vizitsa even if only for a coffee. Such a popular place is it that you may even run into a TV star or two!

KOROPI or BOUFA 22 kms from Volos (30 mins). It is well-known for the oracle of Koropeou Apollon. Of particular archeological interest is the site of "Dio Alonia", where the temple of Koropeos Apollon was and which dates back to the 5th century B.C. The area has wonderful beaches and pleasant cafes like Kadi, where one can enjoy not only a coffee or a soft drink but a complete meal as well.

PINAKATES 28 kms from Volos (30 mins.) and well-known for its traditional colour. The central fountain with its Ag. Georgios Nilias

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Kato Gatzea

koropi or Boufa

inf Municipality of Milies: 24230-86204, 86890, 86891

two columns on high bases, two heads of lions and semicircular wash - stands is a real ornament for the region. Vizitsa

Municipal Districts: Pinakates: 24230-86740 Ag Georgios Nilias: 24230-93100 (In winter this office is located in Ano Gatzea 24230 22283) Vizitsa: 24230-86333, Kala Nera: 24230-22200, Local Councils: Ag Georgios Nilias: 24230-94808 Kala Nera : 24230-22135 Vizitsa: 24230-86480 Pinakates: 24230-86740, 86767 Tsitsilianio Hospital of Kala Nera: 24230-22222 Telephone Company (Kala Nera) (Kala Nera): 24230-22212 Taxi (Kala Nera): 24230-22100

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Doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surgery Ag. Georgios Nilias:: 24280-93166 Museum of the Sculptor Nikolas: 24280-93100 Community Museum of Milies: 24230-86602 Library of Milies: 24230-86260 Doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surgery of Milies: 24230-86666 Police station of Milies: 24230-86222 Cultural center of Milies: 24230-86204 Taxi of Milies: 24230-86342 Post Office of Milies: 24230-86210 Athletic & Cultural Organisation: 24230-86890 Exhibition center and Workshops of tradiotinal products: 24230-22937, 23216. Banks ATM, Citybank of Milies

THE VILLAGE OF KERAMIDI one should make a point of visiting the three village squares with their magnificent plane-trees. The beaches of Kamari and Ai-Gianni offer a place for relaxation and peace. eramidi is a pleasant village, 44 kms away from Volos (50 mins). Built in the heart of nature 330m above sea level. It has three centuries of history and was established during the Turkish occupation by the repressed inhabitants of surrounding villages who were trying to escape to a safe area. Kamari is an extention of the village by the sea where one can enjoy a refreshing swim and underwater fishing. A short distance from Keramidi

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one will find the ruins of an archeological site. In amongst these ruins is that of a fortified castle located in Ai-Giannis and which dates back to the Hellenistic or Macedonian period. The ancient town of

Kastania is thought to have been located here and is mentioned by Herodotos as the place where Xerxisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; fleet was destroyed. It is certainly a place to enjoy nature at its best and

inf Community, tel.: 24280-73752 Doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Surgery, tel.: 24280-73755

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MUNICIPALITY OF MOURESI

∞g. Ioannis

sagarada its principal village, it is 55 kms away from Volos.

TSAGARADA It’s 47 kms from Volos (60 mins). Tsagarada is one of the most beautiful villages on Pelion. The mountain setting in combination with the sea Lambinou

offers visitors a pleasant stay. Of special interest is the arrangement of the village which is split into four separate quarters. Some of the more interesting sights are the churches of Ag. Paraskevi, the Archangels Michael and Gabriel and of Saint Stefanos. The enormous plane-tree in the central square of Tsaga-

rada has been the landmark of that region for many years. Continuing one’s trip to the south, you meet the village of Xourihti. The older inhabitants say that this village was named so because it is built on a slope and is exposed to the wind. The next village is Labinou, a peaceful village, which has not been affected by tourism. 300 metres away from the beach of Lambinou you will see the Monastery of Panagia Lambidona.

MOURESI 50 kms from Volos (65 mins). It’s built amphitheatrically between forests of appletrees and chestnut trees. The wooden carved alter of the Assumption of the Virgin Church is of great interest.

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AGIOS IOANNIS, AGIOS DIMITRIOS

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50 kms from Volos (65 mins). Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a wonderful village with dense vegetation. More recently this place has become known as a nautical region. Before the construction of the road, produce could only reach the village by ship. Today, the small village is one of the best organized tourist centres on Mount Pelion with numerous facilities and comforts for every type of tourist. From Agios Dimitrios, the view towards other regions of Pelion is almost magical. You will admire the traditional houses and the colourful churches. Along the pictures quecobbled roads are many traditional taverns which offer delicious food and local wines.

DAMOUHARI Damouhari means "for the

Damouchari

sake of love" or "give me favour", a prayer said in difficult times for Venetian seafarers, who lived in this area,. The castle that they built protected the warehouses against invasion by pirates and was the only safe place in this area for the tired seafares. The same warehouses were used by locals to store the products that they traded, until cars arrived in the villages and put an end to transporting goods by sea. The ruins of these buildings add to the beauty of the location and blend with the

buildings of the hostel "Damouhari". The location is ideal for your vacation and swimming in the deep-blue waters of the Aegean.

MILOPOTAMOS 60 kms from Volos (90 mins). A few kms from Tsagarada, one descends to the magnificent beach of Milopotamos. The beach is full of tourists during summer. The beach is separated by rocks into three parts. With its light-blue waters, it is an ideal Milopotamos

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inf

Kissos

Municipality of Mouresi, tel: 24260-49811 Information office, tel: 24260-48993 Tourist Information office, of Mouresi, tel: 24260-48992 Tourist Information office, of Ag. Ioannis, tel: 24260-31218 Police, tel: 24260-49222 Post Office, tel: 24260-49215 Taxi, tel: 24260-49250 Pharmacy, tel: 24260-49464 Pharmacy Kissos, tel: 24260-31929

place for idyllic vacations.

fdfdss KISSOS 55 kms from Volos (65 mins). The church of Agia Marina built in the 17th century has a handcarved alter, icons and ethographies by the painter Gianni Pagoni. Near the church, there is a small museum of icons and woodcarvings of Byzantine art. The famous Greek teacher, Rigas Ferreos, taught here in Kissos during the Turkish occupation. There is a bust of him displayed in the school here.

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PAPA NERO In Papa Nero the mountain almost "cradles" the sea. The beach is a paradise; one of the nicest in our country.

FAKISTRA On the isolated beach of Fakistra, the visitor can relax and get away from everyday problems and enjoy swimming in the clear sea. If you find yourself there, visit the cave if Panagia Megalomata which is full of stalagmites and a few metres further on the cave where, during the Turkish occupation, the "Secret School" of Tsagarada was held.

Municipal Districts: Tsagarada (call the municipality’s number and then *137) Agios Dimitrios, tel.: 24260- 31204-5 Anilio, tel: 24260- 31328 Kissos, tel: 24260- 49413, 49812 Xourihti, tel: 24260- 49258 Mouresi, tel: 24260- 49413 Banks: Machines ATM Eurobank, tel: 24260- 49238, 49385 Doctors’ Surgery, tel: 24260- 31210 (Kissos) Doctors’ Surgery, tel: 24260- 49208 (Tsagarada) Doctors’ Surgery, tel.: 24260- 31950 Agios Dimitrios Local Councils Mouresi, tel.: 24260-49975 Ag. Dimitrios, tel.: 24260-31236 Kissos, tel.: 24260-31291

THE VILLAGE OF TRIKERI

TRIKERI uilt on a hill,Trikeri has big stone houses and churches with cobbled yards. 85 kms from Volos (110 mins). The cobbled road of the village leads to the big square with its plane-trees. It is an isolated village and because of this, is ideal for peaceful holidays. It is connected to Volos and old Trikeri by boat. Old Trikeri is a quaint island just off the mainland. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s covered in olive trees and there are small stonebuilt cottages. Regular visits from fishing boats ensure that the taverns on Trikeri have a constant supply of fresh fish. You should visit the church of Evaggelistria. The monastery there was built in 1835, after the vision

that led a monk to discover an icon of the Blessed Virgin on that spot. You should visit the small islands of Mikra opposite the village. To the north-west side of Paleo Trikeri is Pithon. No one is allowed to build there because since 1935 it has been designated a National Park.

AGIA KYRIAKI There are many "kaiikies" (small fishing boats), which move on the "quiet" waters of the port.

inf Trikeri District, tel.: 24230- 91223 Police station, tel.: 24230- 91220 Doctors Surgery, tel.: 24230- 91221 Post Office, tel.: 24230- 91399 Cultural Centre, tel.: 24230- 91123 Centre of Youth and Athletics, tel.: 24230- 91123

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MUNICIPALITY OF PORTARIA

Central square of Portaria

ortaria is the main village of the area, while in the municipality there are three other districts. (Alli Meria, Katichori and Stagiates.

PORTARIA 14 kms from Volos (18 mins). Portaria, is an outstanding village with a view of the Pagasitikos Gulf. It’s full of trees and flowers. It’s also the nearest village to Volos. It is only a few kilometres away from Volos, but its location keeps it away from the disturbing noise of the traffic, and makes it ideal for a peaceful break. The fascinating natural environment with the beautiful peaks of Pelion and the waters from the springs compose a magnificent location. At Karavos there are wate 142

rfalls, and the spring is ten minutes away from there. A few metres above the village the walker meets the Byzantine monastery of Prodromos. You can also visit Panagia Portarea with its murals from 1581 and the old church of Agios Nikolaos (1856). The cultural activity of the village is remarkable. Each year, after the 15th August it becomes the centre of revival for the custom of the Pilioritikos Wedding. The preparation of the bride and the groom with the participation of the villagers, lasts for three days. The wedding is held with the cooperation of the Athletic and Cultural Associaton "Orminio". You may find the waterfall "Karavos" which is next to the central road. The waters come down from the spring called "Mana". You

may light a candle in the church of Agios Nikolaos, in the central square. Don’t forget to pass by "Xenios", where coffee and various specialties are served. The view of the city, especially at night, is magical and will remain an unforgettable sight for the more romantic of you. Also, don’t forget to visit the Women’s Association of Portaria in order to buy all sorts of homemade sweets. For presents or for a souvenir from Portaria visit "Iris", where you will find great paintings and other hand-made creations. Stay at: Kritsas Hotel: 24280-99121 The hotel has all the modern comforts (central heating, T.V., phone with ISDN line, Internet connention, breakfast room and room service). For the experts

The museum of Portaria

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of taste, there is a restaurant on the ground floor serving traditional pies and dishes from Pelion. Helen’s hospitality will remain unforgettable. The Portaria Hotel: 2428099014 (H/B (category B) Holidays mean a comfortable and pleasant environment, quality food, entertainment, friendly service a choice of trips; this is the philosophy of "HOTEL PORTARIA". It has 58 rooms and suites each with central heating, air-conditioning, music, a telephone, television and a mini-bar. There is a restaurant with a fireplace, a conference room for 10 to 250 people, a gymnasium, sauna, hydromassage, turkish bath and a swimming pool.

the river Anavros, whose bed is full of plane-trees. In the upper part of the village is the neoclassic building of "Chatziargyris". Then there is the listed building of "Veletza’s Oven" with murals by the painter Theophilos. In the centre of the village there is a big paved square, with an old planetree in the middle. This is a natural balcony, from which one can enjoy the view of the city of Volos and the Pagasitikos Gulf while sampling local dishes.

STAGIATES ALLI MERIA 3 kms from Volos (5 mins). A very green place with picturesque locations, recreation grounds; Alli Meria is the ideal place for relaxation and amusement. It is divided by

A small deviation from the central road will lead you to Stagiates. In the area there is square with big plane-trees and a wonderful view of the Pagasitikos Gulf and Volos. You should attend the "Celebration of the Sausage" which takes place every August.

KATICHORI 12 kms from Volos (15 mins). The village is built near a gully with dense vegetation and flowing water. It keeps its "colour" with the stone houses and the old churches. You should attend the "Celebration of Raki" that takes place in August each year. The inhabitants of Katichori carry out the reenactment of the distillation of raki, in

special tanks. You will witness the boiling of special ingredients in two large boiling pots. It is from these ingredients we get Raki.

inf Municipality of Portaria, tel: 24280- 99920 Municipal Districts: Alli Meria, tel: 24280- 46414 Katichori, tel: 24280- 99101 Stagiates, tel: 24210- 42937 Doctors’ Surgeries: Portaria, tel: 24280- 99106 Police, tel: 24280- 99105 Post Office, tel: 24280- 99104 Municipal Library, tel: 24280- 99920 Banks: Commercial Bank- cash point Athletic and Cultural Organization, tel: 24280- 99927 Local Councils Alli Meria, tel: 24210-46414 Katichori tel: 24280-99101

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MUNICIPALITY OF SIPIADA

t’s 57 kms from Volos (75 mins) and 16 kms from Argalasti. It’s a peaceful picturesque location with a shady central square where the visitor can enjoy the coolness of the plane-trees. The natural beauty of the area, which combines the sea with the greenery makes a great impression on the visitor.

MILINA 50 kms from Volos (65 mins). Contrary to thewhat it was in past, Milina today is a Mikro

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centre of tourism with a cosmopolitan life, especially during the summer, in which period it is full of Greek and foreign visitors. Apart from its development as regards tourism, Milina can offer visitors serenity and many picturesque quiet places, with an excellent combination of sea and mountain scenery. The visitors can go from Milina by boat to the small islands of Alatas and Prasouda opposite, as well as to the Creek of Valtoudi. There, they will find the re-

mains of churches from the Byzantine period.

PLATANIA, PROMYRI, KASTRI They are 67 kms from Volos (90 mins). Platania is an ideal resort for peaceful, family holidays. The houses in this area are all built near the river. The poplar trees, the planetrees along the beach and the low hills are interestings sights for the tourists. There are often crossings from Platania to the North Sporades, with the Flying Dolphins Hydrofoils. There are organised tours boats to the nearest beaches with the small fishing. Platania is the seaport of Promyri, a place wellknown for its calm and serene atmosphere. one of the nicest sights of Promyri is the women’s convet of Agios Spyridonas. The convent is a real castle set in dense vegetation.

The coastal region of Kastri is more popular among the visitors because it combines the unique charm of the vegetation with the crystal waters of the sea. Next to Platanias, to the west, is the beach of Mikro, a pleasant and particularly quiet beach.

Milina

KATIGIORGIS

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Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exactly opposite Skiathos Island. You should choose Katigiorgis for swimming in the deep blue waters and sunbathing on its idyllic beaches. A trek on horseback through the forest with its pine-trees will remain unforgettable. The strange rocks at Mourtias beach are a special feature of the area that will delight you. The beach of Tzasteni is well worth a visit too. Alternative Tourism The area of Pelion offers unique experiences to those people who like walking and prefer alternative tourism. The tourist offices of Mag-

nesia often organise trips of one day or more. These trips combine walking and exploration with various sports like cycling on the mountain, seacanoeing, ho-rse-riding or diving. The people who organise these trips guarantee the safety of the tourists as there are es-corts in jeeps. Stroll around Mount Pelion, go on foot from Agios Ioannis to Damouchari, from Chania to Kissos and from Milina to Platanidia. During the walk enjoy the rich beauty of the rugged coast line. You can also rest under the shade of the plane-trees and feel one with nature. Tzasteni

Those who love water, may choose rowing. Take a single or double seat canoe and go on a trip around the beaches of Pelion.

inf Municipality of Sipiada tel.: 24230- 65065 Municipal Districts: Lafkos, (Principal town) tel.: 24230- 65210 Milina, tel.: 24230- 65210 Promiri, tel.: 24230- 71205 Tourist Office, tel.: 24230- 65236 Centre of Agricultural Development, tel.: 24230 - 71353 Municipal Library, tel.: 24230 - 65302 Cultural Centre, tel.: 24230 - 65642 Doctorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Surgery, tel.: 24230 - 65275 Post Office (Milina) tel.: 24230 - 65275

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