MYTHOLOGY

Magnesia was named after the first inhabitants of the region, among which were the ancient Magnetes, descendants of Aiolos, god of the winds, and bold seafarers of that time.

According to Greek Mythology, Magnesia is related to the Kingdom of Pelias, Admetus and Alcestis, to the wedding of Pileas, king of Mirmidons and father of Achilles, with Nereid Thetis, to Filoctetes, Eumelus and the rest of the leaders of the cities of Magnesia which participated in the Trojan War, as it is mentioned by Homer, as well as to the legendary journey of the Argonauts to Kolchis.  

It is from ancient Iolkos that the heroes of Greek Mythology under Jason’s leadership set off for their long journey to Kolchis in search of the “Golden Fleece”.

Mountain Pelion was the summer residence of the Gods of Olympus and it was the water of the famous Fountain of Velestino “Ipereia Krini” that Gods preferred to satisfy their thirst. Age-old Pelion, as it was called by Shakespeare, was the homeland of Centaurs and the wise Chiron, who was the teacher of Achilles, Hercules and Asclepius, father of Medicine.


HISTORY

The region was inhabited in the early prehistoric period. The remarkable – οn European level- archaeological findings of the Neolithic Period in Sesklo (7.000 B.C.) and Dimini (5.000 B.C.), where a significant civilization was developed, the Mycenaean sites in Palia, Pefkakia, the famous “Iolkos”, are historic monuments of international interest.

During the Mycenaean period (14th-13th c. B.C), Magnesia’s growth reaches its peak with the development of Iolkos settlement.
During the post-Mycenaean period Magnesia is subjugated to the Thessalians until King Philip II of Macedonia puts an end to their occupation.
The Macedonian King Dimitrios called Poliorcetes (“The Besieger”), establishes in 293 B.C. the city of Dimitrias near the location called today Alikes, which knows great prosperity.

During the early-Christian years (4th-6th c.), the Christian city Phthiotid Thebes was developed.

Magnesia, Volos, Athanasakeio Archaeological Museum, Velestino (ancient Pherae)
Temple of Thavlios Zeus

During the Byzantine Period, Magnesia underwent a lot of invasions by foreign people. Since the 12th century Almyros has been transformed into a powerful trade centre. In that period the first monasteries were built in safe locations of Pelion Mountain, while the settlements that were created around the numerous monasteries developed during the Turkish rule into important villages, that knew considerable economic and cultural growth during the 18th c.

Magnesia took part in the Revolution of 1821 (in May 1821 the Revolution is officially declared in Milies) and in the liberation movements of the years 1854 and 1878. The region was incorporated in the independent Greek state in 1881.

The installation of refugees in Magnesia after the Destruction of Asia Minor played an important role in its evolution.

CULTURE

Magnesia offers the visitor the challenge to meet both the ancient and modern civilization. The museums, art galleries and modern exhibition halls, the archaeological sites, the magnificent churches of Byzantine and post-Byzantine period and monasteries of unique architecture are undeniable witnesses of this cultural wealth.

Here, tradition holds a unique position and remains intact in the course of time, undamaged by tourism development. The rich local customs, the traditional religious festivals, the modern artistic events, give the tourist the chance to combine a classic holiday with various interesting activities.