FARSALA – The Homeland of Achilles Main Image D-Farsala-(1).jpg Body 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 Pharsalos Pharsala, 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 city The 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.
TSAGARADA – Four Neighborhoods, Infinite Beauty Main Image D-Tsangarada-(1).jpg Body One of the largest, most beautiful, and most popular villages of Pelion is offered in a "4-in-1" package! The four districts of Tsagarada (Agios Stefanos, Agia Kyriaki, Agia Paraskevi, Taxiarchs) are quite far from each other and could be "independent" small villages. The residential fabric is quite "loose" and stretches for almost 4 kilometers. Image The "central" square of the village is considered today to be that of Agia Paraskevi, with the homonymous church and the impressive thousand-year-old plane tree. A cobblestone path that starts from here leads to two imposing buildings, the Achillopouleios and the Nanopouleios school, which were founded by Egyptians from Tsagarada. Another cobblestone path leads to the other, "lively" square of the village, in Taxiarchs, passing by another historic building, the Kartaleio elementary school. In Taxiarchs Square, you will see the impressive church of 1786 and a beautiful fountain with four spouts. Not just a mountain Tsagarada has two exits to the sea. One option is the famous beach of Mylopotamos, which is divided into two bays separated by a rock, but connected through a natural "tunnel." In winter, the raging sea almost "swallows" the beach. Image The other outlet is the inaccessible, "exotic" beach of Fakistra, You will need to leave your car on a plateau where the road ends and walk for a while to approach it. From the point where you leave the car, another path will lead you to the "Kryfo Scholeio" (Secret School) of Fakistra, where in two neighboring caves you will find the hermitage of a monk, who taught letters to the children of Tsagarada during the Turkish occupation, but also a beautiful underground chapel, the Panagia the Megalomata, where barely two people fit. Three timbers and 5-6 icons make up the humble iconostasis of this temple. A third outlet to the sea can be combined with hiking. From Tsagarada starts one of the most beautiful paths – cobblestones of Pelion that ends at the coasts of the Aegean, in Damouchari. Image A great loss Until 2021, at the southern end of Tsagarada, stood one of the most beautiful stone arched bridges of Pelion, built in 1787 by Zoupaniotes masters. This bridge stood in an idyllic ravine, framed by centuries-old plane trees. Unfortunately, the fall of a tree from a severe storm led to its collapse, leaving behind only memories and the hope for restoration.
MILIES – The Cultural Heart of Pelion Main Image D-Milies-Piliou-(1).jpg Body Milies is considered the cultural center of Pelion, as it was the birthplace of great Teachers of the Nation, such as Anthimos Gazis, Grigorios Konstantas, and Daniel Filippidis—personalities who contributed decisively to the dissemination of letters and the ideas of the Enlightenment. It was also here that the banner of the Revolution of 1821 was raised for the first time in the region, making the village a symbol of freedom and resistance. This banner and many other historical relics can be seen in the "Psyches Akos" Library, which houses rare books, manuscripts, and editions that testify to the intellectual wealth of the village. It is one of the oldest libraries in Greece and is inextricably linked to the intellectual flourishing of the region. Image The Mountzouris No visit to Milies is complete without a ride on the legendary Pelion Train, the famous "Mountzouris". The route from Ano Lechonia to Milies, against the backdrop of the gorges, bridges, and forests of Pelion, is one of the most romantic and picturesque experiences in Greece. The manual change of direction of the steam engine is not only a sight but also an unforgettable experience for the visitor. Image One village, two "neighborhoods" The traditional settlement of Milies is essentially divided into two parts. The first includes the area around the historic railway station, where the old, ruined buildings of the watermill, the guesthouse, the restaurant, and the three-story hotel of Athanasios, all testimonies of another era, dominate. Image The second and most vibrant point is the central square, a jewel with traditional cafes, stone-built houses, and the imposing church of Pammegiston Taxiarchon. The church stands out for its incredible acoustics and for its frescoes, among which you will see an extremely rare depiction of the zodiac! Image A wonderful cobblestone path connects the two neighborhoods of the village and is an ideal route for a leisurely stroll. Walking it, you will enjoy images from a place that respects its past and remains alive through its nature, tradition, and people. See Milies on the map, here
