Rapsani, the “wine village” of Olympus

Rapsani, this historic village whose roots trace back to Byzantine times (most likely the 10^th century), stretches leisurely across the slopes of Lower Olympus, offering wonderful views of the Aegean Sea, Kissavos, as well as the “exit” of the Tempi Valley. It is famous for its squares shaded by plane trees and its uphill cobblestone alleys and narrow lanes, offering a sense of tranquility along with a strong local character. 

It is one of the most renowned “wine villages,” not only in Thessaly but in all of Greece! Viticulture and wine production have been central to the local economy and culture for centuries. Rapsani, together with Pyrgetos and Ampelakia, forms the most important — both in quantity and quality — P.D.O. zone. of Thessaly. The three grape varieties used and blended in equal parts are Xinomavro, Krasato, and Stavroto. Aging is a crucial stage for Rapsani wines and takes place in large oak barrels. Almost every house in the village has its own old barrels in its basement. 

Wine and Vine Museum

At the heart of this tradition, the Wine and Vine Museum of Rapsani showcases the history of viticulture and winemaking in the region — from traditional tools and family-run micro-wineries to storage techniques and the folk knowledge developed over centuries. Its permanent exhibition unfolds the local wine culture, showing how wine has been and remains an integral part of the residents’ daily and festive life. You can visit it by appointment (T/ +302495 061259)

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A literary “baptismal font” 

Few know that one of the most important Greek authors owes his artistic pseudonym to a tree in Rapsani. Dimitrios Rodopoulos, widely known as M. Karagatsis, although born in Athens, had origins from the Peloponnese (on his father Andreas Rodopoulos’ side) and from Tyrnavos (on his mother Anthi Moulouli’s side). He spent much of his childhood and teenage years in Larissa, where his father worked.

Most of the summers of that time, he spent at the family’s country home in Rapsani. There, he would often sit and read under a karagatsi (elm) tree located in the courtyard of the Church of Saint Athanasios, where his bust stands today. Conferences, symposiums, and literary events are often organized in his honor.

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An architectural gem

About 3 kilometers from Rapsani, in a dense forest “opposite” the village, stands the Church of Saints Theodoroi, dating back to 1778 AD and once serving as the katholikon of the monastery of the same name. The stone-built complex, with 18th-century frescoes inside and distinctive defensive features in its masonry, is an important religious and historical monument of the region and a lovely spot for a small nature excursion. Its most impressive feature is its beautiful roof. You can reach it either via a footpath or a drivable dirt road.