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Tourist Information

Volos, inhabited since the neolithic era, and known as Iolkos (Ιωλκός) in Antiquity, is linked to the myth of Jason (Ιάσων) and the Argonautic expedition, of which it was the departing port. 

It is built at the feet of mount Pelion, mythical home to the Centaurs and specifically the Centaur Chiron (Χείρων), perceptor of numerous mythical heroes (Achilles, Hercules etc). 

Volos waterfront and Pelion view (from Wikipedia, Copyright Nikolaos Vergos). 

argo_1.jpeg

Replica of the Argo ship. Copyright: volosinfo.gr

 

Museums

Athanasakeio Archaeological MuseumBuilt in 1909 with money donated by Alexios Athanasakis, of Portaria, Pelion, it is one of the oldest museums in Greece. The exhibition presents finds from all over Thessaly, covering a long period from the Neolithic era to the Roman period. The outstanding artifacts found in the Neolithic settlements of Sesklo and Dimini are on display in its rooms. 

Kitsos Makris Folk Art Center: It is housed in the residence of the folklore scholar Kitsos Makris and since 1989 it belongs to the University of Thessaly. It includes the Makri's folk collection, with unique in their kind exhibits, including 25 works by self-taught folklore painter Theofilos, 5 murals by Pagonides and works by the painter N. Christopoulos.

Tsalapata Brick Museum: The Museum is housed in the old Rooftile and Brickworks Factory of Nikolaos and Spyridon Tsalapatas. It presents daily life in the factory, as well as all the production stages of different types of bricks and tiles. Its objective is to showcase the historical identity of the town of Volos and to contribute to the preservation and promotion of its industrial heritage. 

Volos Entomological Museum: The only specialised Entomological Museum in Greece and one of the largest private ones in Europe, it includes more than 100 000 insects, primarily lepidoptera (butterflies). By appointment only. 
 

Things to see

Dimini and Sesklo: Two of the oldest and most important Neolithical settlements in Greece and Europe.

Nea Anchialos (Fthiotidai Thebes): Classical and Early Christian ruins.

Pelion villages : Perched on the mountain, filled with cobblestone paths, they are built with a regulated traditional architecture, including ornated windows and greystone roof tiles. Several of them are connected with a network of hiking paths. Do not miss Makrinitsa and Portaria, offering amazing view of Volos, as well as Vizitsa and Milies, housing the famous Library of Milies (with rare historical material from the Greek Revolution), and a rich folklore museum.
 
The Pelion Historical Train: Originally operating with a steam engine, due to which it is nicknamed Moutzouris (Smudgy), it linked Volos to the Southern Pilion village of Milies, transporting passangers and merchandise. Now, it is a tourist attraction, departing from the Ano Lehonia train station, to Milies once per day on weekends. Arriving at Milies, you can witness (and help) turn the engine on the station turntable.
 

Tourist Brochure.pdf

 

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