Thessaly lies almost at the center of Greece covering 11% of the country’s ground. The endless plain of Thessaly, mount Olympus, the highest in Greece, the imposing bulks of Meteora, mount Pelion and Peneus river characterize the Periphery of Thessaly. Due to its geographical location at the center of Greece, Thessaly has always been important for the country’s history.
The term Thessaly means the wider periphery, which extends at the eastern side of Central Greece. Northwards Thessaly borders with the Peripheries of the Western and the Central Macedonia, southwards with Central Greece, westwards with Epirus, while eastwards it is washed by the Aegean Sea.
Administratively Thessaly is sub-divided into 4 prefectures: Magnesia, Larissa, Trikala and Karditsa. Each one of these four prefectures has its own history and unique natural beauties.
Magnesia Prefecture is comprised of the North Sporades islands (Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos, Kira Panagia, Yioura, Psathoura and other smaller islands). Capital of the prefecture is Volos, a significant commercial and industrial center. The beautiful mount Pelion and its picturesque villages are worth to be visited.
Larissa Prefecture lies in the eastern side of Thessaly plain. The prefecture is run by River Peneus, while Larissa is its capital. Some of the most significant cities are Elassona, Tirnavos, Farsala, Agia, etc. The Tempi mountains attracts thousands of tourists.
The capital of Trikala Prefecture is the city of Trikala. Kalambaka is another city with important tourist attractions. It is built amphitheatrically at the left bank of Peneus river. The imposing Meteora attract many tourists all year round.
The capital of Karditsa Prefecture is the city of Karditsa. The Plastira Lake and Smokovo baths (therapeutic water for respiratory problems) are some of the places you ought visiting while being in the area.
50% of Thessaly is mountainous - semi mountainous and the rest 50% lowland. The Thessaly plain is the biggest in Greece. Peneus river, the third biggest in size river, runs through Thessaly.
Some of the most significant mountains of Greece belong to Thessaly, such as: Olympus, the south part of Pindos mountain chain, the north part of Agrafa, Ossa, Pelion and Othris.
Thessaly produces pulses and grains, fruits, vegetables and weed. Many people also work with animal husbandry.
Thessaly has a significant mythological tradition. According to Greek mythology, the first settler of Thessaly was Thessalos, son of Hercules and Halkiope. There is another mythological narration saying that Thessalos was the son of Iasonas and Midia. Thessaly was named after Thessalos, who later became the prefecture’s king.
During ancient times Thessaly was named Pelasgia, Aeolis and Pandora. The Thessalis, who conquered the region during the Trojan war, gave it its current name.
In ancient times, Thessaly was ruled by powerful families.
During Byzantine era, Thessaly was part of the Byzantine state and was repeatedly invaded by barbarians, Goths, etc.
During the Turkish rule, 24 of Pelion villages, which were relatively autonomous, evolved to important commercial centers. At the same time, Pelion became an important center of the Greek Enlightenment.
Thessaly was annexed to Greece in 1881. In 1910 the farmers of Thessaly made a rebel in order to abolish the share of properties to land-workers.
The excavations in Thessaly have brought into light important findings that date back to the 3000 BC.
A dome-shaped grave was found in Diminio and an ancient cemetery in Pagases. Remains of an ancient acropolis were found in Sesklo, similar to that found in Dimini.