FARSALA – The Homeland of Achilles Farsala is identified with its exquisite “soap-like” halva, but beyond that, it is one of the oldest cities in Europe with continuous habitation, as well as the homeland of the mythical hero, Achilles. The "ancestor," ancient Pharsalos, is considered the continuation of Mycenaean, Homeric Phthia, the homeland of Achilles and the Myrmidons, the ants that, according to myth, were transformed by Zeus into legendary warriors. The statue of the hero in the Town Hall square, the statue of Thetis holding Achilles as a baby by the heel at the sources of Apidanos in the city center, and the sculpture of an ant holding a spear and shield at the entrance of the city, remind us of the relationship between Farsala and its emblematic mythical hero and his loyal warriors. Image Ancient PharsalosPharsala, located at the strategically important passage connecting the plain of Thessaly with southern Greece, has been the theater of important battles throughout history. On the hill of Prophet Elias, after crossing the beautiful aesthetic forest of Farsala, you will find yourself at the ruins of the ancient and Byzantine Acropolis with its imposing walls. From here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the "wavy" plain that surrounds it, up to Mount Olympus and Mount Kissavos.In various locations, mainly in Varousi, the "old" city, significant archaeological finds from various eras have been brought to light, but the most impressive ones, an archaic vaulted tomb and a Mycenaean chamber tomb (6th-5th century BC), are located in the Western Cemetery of Ancient Pharsalos. The most important find, an offering in the vaulted tomb, the calyx-shaped, black-figure crater of the famous painter of the archaic period, Exekias, demonstrates that since ancient times, the inhabitants of the area considered themselves descendants of Achilles. Image Before leaving the city, it is worth taking a walk in its beautiful squares and searching in the "Turkish" neighborhood for the Karamichos Tower, an exceptionally well-preserved example of an 18th-century "koulia" or "tower house." Of course, lest we forget, it is impossible to leave Farsala without a large piece of fresh, warm, buttery halva, especially if your "Achilles heel" is traditional sweets. Image Outside the cityThe important archaeological sites are not limited to the city limits but extend throughout almost the entire area of the Municipality of Farsala. A short distance away is the archaeological site of Skotoussa and the Sacred Cave of the Nymphs and Pan in the Karapla cave. At a somewhat greater distance, east of the city, almost on the "borders" of the prefectures of Larissa and Magnesia, in the location known as "Kastro Kallitheas", near the village of the same name, is the ancient city of "Perioikidos Achaea Phthiotidos," Peuma. Further north, near the village of Eretria, in the Tsangli Magoula location, are the ruins of a prehistoric (Neolithic) settlement and an ancient castle. Image The interest of the area is not limited to archaeological sites. Newer monuments and other attractions enrich its travel map. A short distance north of the city, right next to the road coming from Larissa, is a neglected architectural monument, the bridge of Enipeas, formerly known as the "Pasha's Bridge." Until the 1990s, it was part of the Larissa-Farsala provincial road. It is a huge stone bridge (110 meters long, 5.5 meters wide) built in 1752, has seven unequal arches and has been declared a listed monument. Very close by is the old Farsala Railway Station (operated until 1998), which the very active "Friends" of have turned into an informal museum. For those who nostalgically remember their school years, the School Museum of Vrysia will awaken pleasant memories. Image The two konaks - farmhouses that survive in the area will transport you to the times before Kileler and Marinos Antypas, to the years of the landowners and the serfs. One, the Konaki of Charokopos (owned by Kyzeridis) is located in Polyneri and is preserved in excellent condition. In contrast, dilapidated but still majestic is the Konaki of Vasiliou in Palaiomylos. Image Just 10 km from Palaiomylos, very close to Asprogeia, you will find one of the most unique and impressive sights not only of Farsala but of the whole of Thessaly, the Tekes ("monastery - hermitage") of the Bektashi Dervishes. The signs read "Monastery of Teke Farsalon", the old name was "Ireni Tekes" ("Ireni" was the old name of Asprogeia), the locals know it as "Albanian Monastery", while you will also find it recorded as "Teke Durbali Sultan". Whatever you call it, it is an evocative place that echoes the mysticism of the Sufis, this tolerant and non-denominational Muslim dogma that was found in the "shadow" of Shiites and Sunnis, the two dominant branches of Islam.
