The
Thessalian basin was created at the end c the 3rd period of the
Caenozoic era (60 to ' thousand million years ago). The basin
originally contained a large lake, the waters of which wen confined
by the surrounding mountain ranges. The geological activity which
created the Tempt Valley, allowed the waters of the lake to exit
into the sea. This natural irrigation of the area left behind
the lakes of Voiviida (a.k.a. Caria), Nessonida, and c large plain,
which has been the basis of the area's agriculture for centuries.
Surrounded by mountains of renowned beauty, Thessaly stands out
by the uniqueness of its nature and the vastness of its geographical
variation. The Northern Sporades island complex, [Skiathos, Skopelos,
and Alonnisos being the larger islands), Mount Pelion, Mount Olympous,
Mount Kissavos, and the Agrapha mountain range, are all areas
of immense and celebrated beauty. The area also enjoys high historical
and mythological repute. Mount Otympous has been made famous because
of its role in ancient Greek mythology , that is, being the home
of the twelve Olympian gods (Zeus, Hera, Athena, etc.). Mount
Pelion was supposed to have been home to the Centaurs, and the
school of the most famous Centaur of all, Heron, a school through
which all the ancient heroes of Greece had passed, Hercules and
Theseus included. Lolkos, an ancient cite located at the bottom
of the mountain is also the home city of Jason and departing cite
of the Argonauts. Historically, the area is not famous for legends
alone-The greater Thessalian area is home to a very large number
of archeological cites, some of which enjoy worldwide fame and
are of immense importance. With the earliest sights dating from
the time of the early cave man, and a number of unique Paleolithic
and Neolithic sights, ancient Greek and Roman excavations become
almost common. The area is not short on Byzantine and Medieval
cites either. Byzantine churches such as those found at Meteora
are a worldwide attraction. In particular, the vertical rocks
on which the monasteries are build, constitute a unique geological
phenomenon of unequaled beauty and interest.
Everyday life itself is traditional with settlements and villages
composed of neoclassical houses constructed in the last two or
three centuries, and connected by rock covered streets and alleys
that seem to have been Drought out of the past Pelion is home
to a number or such traditional villages, and the Abeliacia and
Metaxori areas are also well known for exactly this type of traditional
village. Throughout the year a number of important festivities
take place, In every city and town, denoting the rich cultural
and social background of the people. Heritage, customs, traditions,
and the local folk are honored and religiously observed, providing
the visitor with an immense amount of colorful and interesting
events, and activities to watch, or participate .
In
Thessaly one can observe the unique phenomenon, that of Meteora.
Being an inexplicable geological phenomenon of pristine beauty,
Meteora is also one of the most important monuments of the Greek
nation, and of the Greek Orthodox church as well.
