Litheos, the River of Forgetfulness

The Litheos River is more closely associated with the character and identity of Trikala than anything else. With its springs in the Antichasia Mountains at an altitude of around 500 metres, it flows for approximately 36 kilometres before joining the Pineios River just outside the city.

Its main springs are located in the area of Nea Zoi, where water emerges from a fissure in the rock, forming a small lake around it. Another branch rises near Platanos, while along its course the river is fed by smaller streams. In the past, the power of its waters was harnessed by several watermills, only a few traces of which survive today.

The Litheos Dam

A few kilometres from its springs, as it begins its journey towards Trikala, the river makes a “stop” at the brand-new dam, inaugurated in April 2026 — a full twenty years after construction began, while the initial study had been completed as early as 2004.

The reservoir holds approximately 2.5 million cubic metres of water and, beyond enhancing the landscape, plays an important role in protecting the surrounding area from flooding. A study for an irrigation network, which would allow the water reserves to be channelled to around 15,000 acres of cultivated land, is still pending. The project highlights the importance of the river not only as a natural feature, but also as a resource supporting the development of the agricultural economy.

Image

The River and Trikala

It is in the city of Trikala that the Litheos truly seems to be in its element. Flowing from north to south, it runs like a living vein through the urban landscape, bringing colour and vitality to the city. Its banks offer an ideal setting for a leisurely stroll, as well as a refreshing retreat that takes on a different character with every season. 

Ten bridges span the river, five of them pedestrian ones. The most famous and most photographed is the so-called “French” or Central Bridge, the historic metal footbridge built by French engineers in the 19th century and now a protected historic monument. Nearby stands the Bridge of Asclepius, with its small waterfall and statue of the legendary first physician of mankind.

The river’s relationship with the city is an ancient one, dating back to the time when Trikala was known as Trikke. According to Strabo, Asclepius, the god of medicine, was born near the Litheos. Just a few dozen metres from the riverbanks, the ruins of what the ancient geographer, philosopher and historian described as the oldest and most prominent sanctuary of Asclepius in the Greek world can still be seen. 

Image

The Meeting with Pineios

A few kilometres east of the city, near the village of Klokotos, the Litheos reaches the end of its solitary journey and meets its “destiny” — the Pineios River. From there, the two rivers continue their journey together towards their ultimate destination, the shores of the Aegean Sea. 

Ultimately, the Litheos is a river that connects the different faces of Thessaly: the mountains with the plain, rural life with the city, and the natural landscape with history. Above all, it is the river of Trikala — a place where water is not simply part of the landscape, but an integral part of the city’s identity.