
TRIKALA - THE GREATNESS OF NATURE
The prefecture of Trikala is located in the center of Greece with the capital city of Trikala which is crossed by the river Litheos with the bridges that connect the two parts. It is a mountainous prefecture with the imposing peaks of Pindos, and the unique natural phenomenon of the rocks of Meteora. Trikala was awarded as one of the 21 smartest cities in the world. It is a city with a rich cultural heritage that is hosted in museums and galleries, with picturesque neighborhoods like the old ones. Trikala was the birthplace of important personalities of ancient and modern Greece, such as Asklepios, the first Greek physician.
A trademark is the Fortress which houses the clock with panoramic city views and an open-air theater. The Byzantine Castle was built by Justinian on the ancient Acropolis during the 6th AD. century. The Hill of the Prophet Elias, is a green lung overlooking the city within walking distance of the city center. On the hill is also the Environmental Education Center and the Zoo. The old town consists of the districts of Varousi and old Manavika. Varousi is distinguished for the beautiful mansions with the elaborate architectural rhythms and the long eaves. The old Grocery Store is the neighborhood of the old town with the uniform architecture.
The Mosque of Osman Shah, who was a nephew of Suleiman, is located near the river Litheos and behind the mosque is the mausoleum. The mosque is a monument protected by UNESCO and serves as an event space. Osman Shah's Hammam is built along the Litheos River, near the Kursum Mosque where the city's prisons are housed. It can be visited and on the upper floor of the building is housed the Tsitsani Museum hosting a museum collection and elements for the great Greek composer. Matsopoulos Mill is a historical industrial park and cultural center in which the famous Christmas theme park "Mill of the Elves" is organized.







































The Asklepieion is an ancient place of healing dedicated to the god of medicine Asclepius. Roman baths, mosaics and ruins of the Hellenistic period have been found at the site. The Municipal Historical Sports Museum has been operating since 1998 in Kastrakideio, a neoclassical building in the city center whose exhibits have been collected through donations from citizens, present the sports history of Trikala from 1896 until today. The municipal gallery in the neoclassical building of the Dorothea school consists of the room of Menelaos Katafygiotis, which houses his paintings and sculptures, the room of Dimitris Gioldasis with his paintings and the room with works of various artists.
At 25 km from Trikala is Kalambaka and the impressive Meteora with the imposing rocks that reach 400 meters. Kalambaka is located under the sacred rocks of Meteora which are a rare geological beauty while it is the largest and most important after Mount Athos monastic complex in Greece. In Meteora there are 30 monasteries that have existed historically, the 7 that have been operating since 1988 are included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. According to one theory, the creation of the rocks is due to the sea that receded and rocks that appeared for millions of years.
The cave of Theopetra in Mouta consists of a room of 500 sq.m. with limestone rock formations. The cave is the only one in all of Greece with man-made embankments. Near the village of Sarakina, on the river Pinios, at the beginning of the 16th century, the large characteristic arched stone bridge was built. The Church of the Assumption in Kalambaka is a three-aisled basilica decorated with frescoes dating to the 18th century. The holy monastery of Georgios Mandilas of the 14th century is built on the rock where the monastery of Agios Georgios is located and has a rich history. The hermitage of Doupiani is the place where the monks lived isolated on the rocks where they prayed all alone. K
astraki in Meteora is a traditional village characterized as a preserved settlement, with the characteristic picturesqueness of the imposing rocks behind it. Raxa presents exceptional natural beauty with the plane tree in the village square being unique for the whole of Thessaly as its many years of life have declared it a monument of nature. The Ziria Ski Resort at 1500m. is the main destination of Mountainous Corinth. Includes a beginner ski slope with instructor and advanced slider and chalet with unique views of the plateau. On the mountain there are many forest roads, for walks, mountaineering and a center of horseback riding and mountain activities.
Pertouli is one of the most beautiful villages of Pindos, built on the mountain slope, with traditional houses, picturesque shops and hostels. Stone fountains usually have a local name or an event or person. The ski center is located at an altitude of 1340 m. which has very organized facilities, for every degree of difficulty, a school, a ski shop, a doctor's office and a chalet. The slopes are three, it has three lifts and there is the possibility for activities such as horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, 4x4 and rafting.
Elati is a unique destination built on the slopes of Koziakas, a mountain opposite Meteora. It is a unique choice for hiking trails, and is a favorite destination of nature lovers and skiers. Paleokarya in a ravine of unique natural beauty presents the arched bridge 26 m. At the Portaikos dam with an impressive waterfall 12 m. Neraidochori is a beautiful resort from antiquity that according to legend at night appeared fairies and at the mountains. Neraidochori is also the gateway to Aspropotamos.
Typical products are dairy products with feta and cheeses such as kasseri, kefalotyri, gruyere, mizithra and anthotyro. Wine production is a tradition with varieties of red, white, rosé wine and tsipouro that are exported around the world. Spoon sweets are a trademark while crackers are the most famous traditional dishes of the region which are exported to foreign countries, such as Germany, Belgium, Cyprus and the Balkan countries. The handmade halva is produced according to the traditional recipe from 1898. The pickle is also produced due to the abundance of vegetables in the area. The famous sausage gets its taste from the addition of leeks and aromatic herbs of the area.