LIVADI OLYMPOU - A Vlach Pride Although it is built at 1200 meters on Mount Titaros, its full name is Livadi Olympou, because it offers an impressive view of the "mountain of the gods". But for the locals it was, is and will be their beloved "Vlacholivada". Spread amphitheatrically on the slopes of Titaros, Livadi impresses the visitor from the first, distant glance. The large slope of the village offers unobstructed, satisfying views of Olympus, from almost every neighborhood. It seems to have been there forever, but it is relatively "new". History has it that the village was founded "only" in the 17th century by Vlach livestock farmers, who came down from even higher, following, according to legend, a mare that was looking for a warmer climate to give birth. Apart from being "new", Livadi is also very "lively" with over 2000 permanent residents, most of whom are proud Vlachs who stubbornly continue to speak their language.The most eminent compatriot was Georgakis Olympios. A member of the Filiki Eterias, Armatolos of Olympus and close associate of Alexandros Ypsilantis, he met a glorious death in September 1821 in Moldovlachia when, taking part in the Struggle in the Paradanubian regions, he blew up the gunpowder warehouse of the Sekkou Monastery to prevent it from falling into the hands of the Ottomans. His paternal home has been transformed into a folklore museum where you can learn a lot about his history and the old way of life in Livadi. Image Gastronomic JourneyYou will learn even more if you visit the Women's Cooperative "O Sofras" and the homonymous tavern. Here you will taste traditional flavors, nettle pies, stewed zygouri, yaprakia, handmade trachanas and their famous "good" xinotyri cheese, the "kasou nti bounlou". Beyond the impressive gastronomic journey, the women of the cooperative will take you on a mental journey with their descriptions of the great festivals of the Holy Spirit, the Prophet Elijah and the Fifteenth of August and will tell you about the special customs of New Year's, with the bells that drive away evil spirits, the meat pie they eat instead of vasilopita and the special Vlachian magiritsa, the "bazavousa". And of course they will praise the excellent local products, mainly cheeses and meats, which bring crowds of people to the village every weekend.In the vicinity of the village, it is worth visiting three important monasteries, of Agioi Anargyroi, Agia Triada and Prophet Elias with this last one offering the most beautiful view of Olympus. Going up towards the peak of Titaros (1839 meters), if you are lucky you will see herds of wild horses galloping freely. Perhaps some of them are descendants of that first mare that brought the first inhabitants to Livadi.
