Vizitsa could be an open-air museum of Pelion architecture as about twenty restored three-story mansions from the late 18th to the mid-19th century survive. Built with local stone and slabs, with hayatia (covered balconies), odades (reception rooms), wooden floors, wood-carved decorations, and with elaborate courtyards, whether walled or not, smaller outbuildings such as an oven, a house for the overseer, and a stable, the mansions of Vizitsa uniquely emphasize the culture and the unique tradition of the place. The painted map in the outdoor parking lot will inform you about their location and how to find them.

The "critical" moment for maintaining the architectural character of the settlement was in 1976 when the Hellenic Tourism Organization (EOT) included, with the consent of the owners, several of the buildings in a restoration and preservation program, turning them into traditional guesthouses, which took the names of their old or newer owners such as Kontou, Karagiannopouly, Vergou, Kyriakopoulos, Dimou, Geroulanou.

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Square for an award

From the outdoor parking area, an uphill cobblestone path leads to the "heart" of the village, its wonderful square, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in Pelion. The plane trees offer ample shade during the warmest months of the year and scattered fountains contribute to their coolness, while taverns and cafes will cover your most "earthly" needs. The square was declared a monument in 1967 and the rest of the settlement followed in 1976. Stone alleys spread out radially that will lead you to the various neighborhoods of the village, but also even further, to the verdant slopes that surround it. 

Returning to the parking area, you must not miss a visit to the church of Zoodochos Pigi. The church, a stone-built, three-aisled basilica, has a long and "turbulent" history. It was built in 1725, destroyed by the Turks in 1821, rebuilt just two years later, but suffered serious blows from the earthquakes of 1864, 1955, and 1957 and finally closed. It was restored in 2001 and has been operating normally ever since. The ancient wood-carved iconostasis in unusual blue tones is impressive, as are the small domes, which hide inverted jars that improve the acoustics.

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Very close to the church you will find the store of the Agrotourist Women's Cooperative of Vizitsa - "Esperides", where you can purchase delicious handmade treats, spoon sweets, tsitsiravla, pickles, pies, syropiasta, trachana, stafidopsoma, amygdalopites, tsourekia, etc.  In their welcoming workshop, you will learn their secrets. The women of the cooperative often undertake to "set up" tables, presenting the famous Pelion cuisine to official guests. They always make their village, but also the whole of Pelion, look good!

Brief historical review

Although Vizitsa is now one of the most well-known destinations of Pelion, it was once a "humble" district of Agios Georgios Nileias. Its first inhabitants are estimated to have settled here around 1650 AD. and must not have been more than 30 families. Fearing pirates, they remained on the unseen side of the mountain, and only when that fear subsided did they spread further east. With the opening of the central road in the 1970s, the village expanded southwards reaching a number of houses that today exceeds 300.

Yes, Larissa is the "capital of the plain" and the capital of Thessaly. Yes, it is a significant economic, commercial, and administrative center. Yes, it is also the "coffee capital." But it is so much more than that! With a dynamic blend of ancient history, modern urban life, cultural activities, remarkable infrastructure, and vibrant nightlife, Larissa rightfully earns its place on the travel map of Greece.

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A Starting Point in the Depths of Millennia

The history of Larissa dates back to the prehistoric period, with evidence of habitation from the Neolithic era. In antiquity, it was a powerful center of the Pelasgians and later the Thessalians, exerting significant military and political influence. During the Hellenistic and Roman periods, the city flourished, boasting impressive infrastructure like the First Ancient Theater, which still stands today, showcasing its grandeur. Through Byzantine and Ottoman times, Larissa continued to play a vital role, evolving into an administrative and commercial hub.

Beyond the iconic First Ancient Theater in the heart of the city, visitors can marvel at the Second Ancient Theater, the ruins of the Byzantine castle on the hill of the Fortress, and notable modern landmarks like the Mill of Pappas.

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A City to Live In

Strolling through Post Office Square, Central Square, or the pedestrian streets of the historic center highlights the charm of modern Larissa, blending the old with the new while offering a safe environment for families with young children.

Larissa is one of the few Greek cities where green spaces and open areas are fully integrated into the urban fabric. Alcazar Park, located along the banks of the Pineios River, is a green oasis featuring walking and cycling paths, playgrounds, and open-air cultural spaces like the beloved Garden Theater. The Pineios River, flowing through the city, provides unique natural scenery and a relaxing atmosphere, serving as a meeting point for all ages.

The presence of the University of Thessaly infuses the city with youthful energy. Thousands of students from across Greece live and move through its streets, filling its cafes, bars, and taverns with life. The nightlife is vibrant and diverse, offering options for every taste, from cozy wine bars and live music venues to clubs with loud music and themed events.

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Culture Everywhere, Every Day

Larissa never stops producing and hosting culture. The Diachronic Museum of Larissa showcases the region's history from prehistory to modern times with unique exhibits. The Municipal Art Gallery – G.I. Katsigras Museum houses an impressive collection of works by Greek painters, while the Folklore and Historical Museum offers a journey into the folk culture of Thessaly. The Mill of Pappas, a renovated industrial complex, has been transformed into a cultural center hosting theatrical performances, concerts, exhibitions, and creative workshops.

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Additionally, the city hosts numerous festivals throughout the year. From the Pineios Festival, held every summer along the riverbanks with music, theater, and ecological activities and the ever-growing LAcomics Festival, which has become an established institution after seven editions, to the International Film Festival Artfools and the Student Festival of Ancient Theater, Larissa becomes an open stage for arts and culture.

Conference and Sports Tourism

Larissa is evolving into a conference tourism hub, hosting significant scientific and professional events thanks to its infrastructure and modern hotel accommodations. The prominent School of Health Sciences (with six departments) of the University and the city's connection to Hippocrates, the "father of modern medicine" who passed away in Larissa, create the ideal environment for medical conferences.

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At the same time, its modern sports facilities make the city ideal for organizing and hosting sports events at both national and international levels.

The easy accessibility of the city makes it an ideal destination for a long weekend. It combines culture, gastronomy, entertainment, and natural beauty. It can also serve as a "base" for excursions and day trips to Meteora, Pelion, Mount Olympus, and Lake Plastira.

Larissa is not just the agricultural heart of Greece. It is a city that moves, creates, and evolves. It is a blend of history and modernity, tradition and youthful creativity, vibrancy and hospitality. It is a city that offers visitors more than they expect, breaking stereotypes and showcasing its unique character.