Summary
The capital of Thessaly, Larissa, is a vibrant university city off the conventional tourist pathway. With an impressive 8,000 years of history, the city is situated beneath an acropolis that features layers of ancient, Byzantine, and Ottoman remnants.
Hippocrates, regarded as the father of medicine, spent the last decade of his life in ancient Larissa. A modest monument stands at the site of his tomb, which was rediscovered in the 19th century.
In 2015, numerous artifacts uncovered at Larissa’s ancient locations were showcased at the well-respected Diachronic Museum.
Visitors can embark on an enlightening journey through the historical timeline of the city’s center, which includes an Ottoman-covered marketplace, a Byzantine basilica, and a remarkably preserved Hellenistic theatre from the 3rd century BC.
Let us examine the premier attractions in Larissa:
1. Diachronic Museum
In 2015, Larissa relocated its historical artifacts into a new museum nestled among pine trees on Mezourlo Hill in the southern part of the city.
The museum represents many years of planning, with the architectural competition commencing in 1984. The exhibition spans from the Palaeolithic era to the liberation of Larissa from Ottoman rule in 1881. A significant portion of the displayed items was excavated in Larissa, Karditsa, and Trikala during the 20th century and is organized by age and geographical origin.
Exhibits include fragments of buildings such as columns and capitals, steles, Byzantine icons, exquisite vases, jugs, reliefs, jewelry, funerary art, coins, and mosaics.
Visitors could easily spend several hours exploring Larissa’s ancient, medieval, and early modern history.
2. Ancient Theatre “A”
Larissa’s prominent feature is a theatre that was established in the early 3rd century BC, during the time when Thessaly was dominated by the Kingdom of Macedonia.
Located at the southern base of Larissa’s acropolis, the theatre is recognized as one of the most significant monuments of its era.
It was utilized for theatrical performances, musical events, religious ceremonies, as well as Thessalian political gatherings.
The architecture currently visible was developed during the Roman period when the theatre was converted into an arena accommodating 12,000 spectators, featuring ten stairways across eleven tiers and 25 rows of marble seating.
Above certain seating areas, inscriptions of names can be observed, presumably belonging to Thessalian dignitaries.
3. St Achilles Basilica
At the summit of Larissa’s acropolis lie the remnants of a sizable basilica that was constructed in the 6th century AD, over the tomb of St Achilles.
Although only the ground floor and foundational structures are intact, there are notable features to observe: the narthex boasts exquisite Byzantine mosaic flooring, while beneath it are two vaulted tombs still adorned with painted crosses.
Due to their depth, it is believed these tombs predate the church above them, and the tomb in the northern aisle is thought to have once contained the remains of St Achilles, who passed away in 330 AD.
4. Monument to Hippocrates
The father of medicine spent the concluding decade of his life in Larissa during the mid-4th century BC. In 1826, his tomb was serendipitously rediscovered following a flood, identified by an inscription in Ancient Greek.
A contemporary monument now stands adjacent to Alcazar Park on the northern periphery of Larissa, along the route to the village of Giannouli.
This memorial was erected in 1978 and features a sign in Ancient Greek that reads, “The father of medicine, Hippocrates.” Below the statue, where the tomb was originally believed to have been found, there is a small museum housing a replica of the slab covering Hippocrates’ tomb, along with Hippocratic writings on marble tablets and photographs of ancient medical instruments.
5. Alcazar Park
For over a century, individuals have frequented this serene location along the banks of the Pineios River.
One notable aspect of this environment is the refreshing effect of the river during the summer months.
This area was initially utilized for equestrian exhibitions from the late 19th century until 1937, after which it transformed into a zoo that operated until 1990. Presently, it serves as a well-maintained urban park, featuring a pond, tree-covered pathways, lawns, a café, an outdoor theatre, a playground for children, and a mini-golf course.
6. Bezesteni
Constructed in the late 15th century, the Bezesteni is situated north of the St Achilles Basilica at the acropolis’s highest elevation and is recognized as one of Greece’s most intriguing Ottoman monuments.
Measuring 20 meters in length and 30 meters in width, it once served as a covered textile market, housing 21 shops that were covered with tiles.
Among the four original portals, only the southern entrance remains, yet the intricate stonework in the arch is still evident.
It is also believed that marble blocks from the ancient temple of Athena Polias were repurposed for its construction.
Subsequently, the Bezesteni served as a fortress and the treasury for Ottoman Larissa.
7. Folklore Historical Museum
This museum is dedicated to the folk culture of the Thessaly region, spanning from the 16th century to the mid-20th century.
It features over 20,000 artifacts, documenting pre-industrial life in this part of Greece and showcasing skills and crafts such as weaving, embroidery, wood carving, pottery, along with religious and secular silverwork.
Additionally, the museum hosts an extensive archive of black-and-white photographs, traditional costumes, prints, and painted artwork.
8. Ancient Theatre “B”
To the west of Ancient Theatre “A” lies another theatre from Larissa’s Roman period.
Regrettably, the slope of this theatre was leveled in the 1950s prior to its rediscovery in 1978. In its prime, it would have presented an impressive sight, with an orchestra measuring nearly 30 meters in diameter and 14 stairways leading up the seating tiers.
Only the two lowest rows of seats have undergone restoration; however, the foundations of the stage area, which rise to about 60 centimeters in height, can still be seen.
9. Municipal Art Gallery
In 1981, the eminent surgeon C.I. Katsigras generously donated his art collection to the city, leading to the establishment of the Municipal Art Gallery.
His collection, assembled during the 1950s and 60s, includes prominent works by notable figures within the 19th and 20th-century Greek art scene.
As an introduction, the collection features artworks by Georgios Jakobides, Nikolaos Gyzis (associated with the Munich School), Konstantinos Volanakis (renowned for Greek seascapes), Demetrios Galanis (a close associate of Picasso), and Konstantinos Parthenis, an early modernist.
The museum includes a café and presents a schedule of free workshops and lectures.
10. Byzantine Baths
Early Christian bathing complexes have been uncovered in two locations within the center of Larissa.
Located at Lamprouli Square, northeast of St Achilles Basilica, there exists a set of two baths dating back to the 6th century AD, likely connected to the church.
A larger and slightly older site can be found at Blana Square, comprising three rooms and constructed in the 400s.
Similar to the baths at Lamprouli Square, these were part of an early Christian basilica and would have ceased operation with the completion of the Byzantine citadel by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century.
11. Pappas Mill
This former industrial flour mill, established in 1893, is worth a visit during the summer months. The Pappas Mill features an architecturally striking four-storey façade, which unfortunately was destroyed by fire in 1920 but resumed operations in 1921. Since the 2000s, the mill has been transformed into a cultural center housing art studios, a dance school, as well as a theatre and puppet theatre.
It also serves as the headquarters for Larissa’s philharmonic orchestra and hosts an outdoor cinema that screens films in the summer.
If you visit on a typical afternoon, you may relax at the outdoor seating of the bar and enjoy a refreshing beverage in this historical setting.
12. Ottoman Baths
An interesting site that may be overlooked if not recognized is the Great Hammam from the Ottoman period in Larissa.
This structure dates back to between the 16th and 18th centuries and is located at the intersection of Venizelos and Filellinon Streets.
It is notable that the hammam ceased to be used as a bathing facility long before Larissa was liberated at the end of the 19th century and is currently occupied by commercial enterprises.
The building has an elongated shape, with its most striking feature being the main dome, which has a diameter of 13 meters.
13. Votive Stele to Poseidon
Located east of Larissa’s acropolis, at the junction of Demeter and Nikis Streets, is a votive column from the 4th century BC, which was discovered in situ during an excavation in 1955. This column, carved from white marble, stands 2.63 meters tall and has a diameter of half a meter, topped with a pediment.
The succinct three-word inscription honors Poseidon, the god of springs in Ancient Thessaly.
In 2010, it was determined that the column warranted relocation to Larissa’s Diachronic Museum, with a precise replica created to replace it in its original location, along with informational content detailing its significance.
14. Yeni Mosque
The archaeological museum of Larissa was previously housed within this 19th-century structure located on 31st of August Street.
Characterized by its minaret and three pointed domes (qubba), the Yeni Mosque conducted religious services until 1924. Subsequently, it transitioned to a cultural facility, initially serving as the municipal library, and later, after the war, as the Archaeological Museum.
As of 2018, plans exist to renovate the historic mosque into a multimedia museum featuring exhibitions focusing on Larissa’s monuments and culture.
15. Local Cuisine
For those seeking simple and delightful options, psistaries and souvlatzidika are highly recommended.
Psistaries specialize in grilled meats, charged by weight and accompanied by salad and French fries, while souvlatzidika is well-known for serving the beloved fast food souvlaki, typically consisting of grilled pork in pita bread with onions, tomatoes, and tzatziki.
The flagship spirit of the Thessaly region is tsipouro, a brandy distilled from pomace, the residue left after grapes have been pressed for wine.
This beverage can be found on the menus of tavernas and mezedopolía (meze restaurants), offered in two varieties: pure and anise-flavored.
Social occasions often involve a toast with tsipouro, typically accompanied by cheese, olives, nuts, dried fruit, and halva.
