Verdikousa, the “Village of Large Families”

Verdikousa, the “Village of Large Families”

When we talk about large families in Verdikousa (or “Verdikousia”), we’re not referring to households with 4 or 5 children. Several families have more than 10 children, and the “record” is 16! There are residents of Verdikousa who have over 40 grandchildren! Some attribute this phenomenon to the fact that a significant portion of the population follows the Julian calendar, associating the “Old” calendar with the “old” customs of large families.

The village lies at an altitude of 850–930 meters in the Antichasia Mountains and belongs to the Municipality of Elassona. It is located 25 km from the town of Elassona. The main occupation of the locals is in the primary sector (agriculture, livestock, logging, etc.), and many of the local products—beans, chestnuts, apples, and cherries—are considered to be of exceptional quality. Also famous is Nivato, a local creamy goat cheese.

A brief historical overview

Verdikousa is believed to have been founded during the Byzantine or early Ottoman era after the merging of smaller settlements. According to the most widely accepted theory, its name derives from the Latin words “verde” (green) and “gussa” (ridge). During the Ottoman rule, it served as a passageway for rebel fighters moving from Mount Olympus to the Pindus range. The village’s tradition of resistance continued during the German Occupation, as the Antichasia mountains were one of the key “rebel strongholds.” As a result, the village was destroyed by the German forces, and many residents lost their lives.

Verdikousa today
Despite the wave of emigration in the second half of the last century, mostly to Australia and Germany, most people eventually returned. The village is very much “alive,” with over 1,000 permanent residents.

Visitors can begin their stroll from the beautiful main square, with its tavernas and cafés, and continue on to Platania and the old stone-built primary school. In and around the village, there are numerous churches and chapels, the most important being the Church of Prophet Elias. On July 20th, the day of the Prophet’s feast, Verdikousa hosts its largest celebration, attracting thousands of visitors every year. Just outside the village lies the Old Monastery at Metochi and the Stavros area, where the cross of Kosmas of Aetolia stands. In the “Pyrgos” area, you can also find the Cave featuring an icon painting of Prophet Elias.

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“Above” the village spreads the impressive beech forest of Mamali, which, especially in autumn, offers uniquely beautiful scenery. A network of trails, kiosks, and fountains creates the perfect environment for nature lovers. The forest covers an area of 15,000 acres and is a protected area, included in the NATURA 2000 network, as it is home to many wild animals. At the mountain’s peak, besides the magnificent view, visitors will find an old Turkish border outpost (“Kazarma”). During the summer months, the Mamali forest hosts the three-day camping festival “Mamali Enduro Camp”, a major event for all the people of Verdikousa—and beyond!