The Traditional Village of Makrinitsa
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Makrinitsa, Thessaly, Greece
Makrinitsa, Thessaly, GreeceTHE VILLAGE OF MAKRINITSA
This is where I am taking you next .
Although it is so close to Volos the climate is much cooler out here. The change is recognized in the foliage which is predominately apple trees, blackberry bushes, walnut and fig trees. It is touristy the year round and has maintained the traditional look of the original and very impressive architecture of Pelion. From a distance the whole village looks like hanging from the green slope of Pelion. The colour of the houses makes a contrast to the green of the area. The village overlooks the city of Volos and people have given it the nick name –The balcony of Pelion.
The style of architecture is similar to the houses of northern Greece and was brought here by refugees who came from Epirus the years of the Ottoman occupation. These people were artists in stone themselves and they are the ones who built the beautiful arched bridges and all those cobblestone paths and churches we come across as we travel throughout Pelion. There is also the Egyptian style of architecture and this is with simpler lines and symmetrical windows, iron balconies and marble details.
Imposing noble mansions are scattered throughout the village. Years back these buildings belonged to wealthy locals. Nowadays some with new owners have turned them into beautiful Guesthouses. The fact that I am invited inside by owners makes me happy but out of discretion I don't take pictures or if I do I ask for permission . The ground floor and base is entirely made of stone and the walls are thick to help keep out the heat of the summer and the cold of winter. Getting upstairs to the other two floors the interior is a combination of stone and wood and most of them are furnished in traditional rustic country style.
I have come across family heirlooms that decorate rooms and also antiques and flea market finds. Sofas and chairs are mostly covered by fabrics and accessories that decorate these interiors are usually handcrafted items such as pottery, wooden crockery and baskets. I am impressed when I see windows decorated by hand-made family embroidery, pieces coming from the bride’s underwear or outfit that once belonged to Mothers or Great Grandma’s.
Cars are prohibited inside the village and only the ones with supplies can get inside only for a while and then drive off. There is a huge parking lot at the entrance of the village for this reason .
The cobblestone alleys are luckily only for pedestrians making the walk more enjoyable. At the entrance of the village there are beautiful little shops selling local products and small restaurants and coffee shops in flowery gardens.
We were here late last night and I could not take proper photos or enjoy a walk through its paths. I am here today though to take a long walk through the entire central village as I am impressed with the cobblestone paths that differ a lot from the usual. These refugees who made them must have been amazing artists. Throughout the village I come across traditional water fountains with the one at the square being the most impressive.
Come along for a virtual tour to the most beautiful part of the village the tranquility of which is truly unique.
Other Entries
-
Jul 221 day prior
PORTARIA, Greece -
Jul 23earlier that day
Portaria, Greece -
Jul 23
Makrinitsa, Greece -
Jul 23later that day
Portaria, Greece -
Jul 23later that day
Portaria, Greece -
Jul 23later that day
Portaria, Greece -
Jul 241 day later
Mouresi, Greece -
Jul 241 day later
Tsagkarada, Greece -
Jul 241 day later
Tsagkarada, Greece -
Jul 241 day later
Tsangarádha, Greece -
Jul 252 days later
Tsagkarada, Greece -
Jul 252 days later
Tsagkarada, Greece -
Jul 263 days later
Tsagkarada, Greece -
Jul 263 days later
Milina, Greece -
Jul 263 days later
MILINA, Greece -
Jul 263 days later
Milina, Greece -
Jul 263 days later
Milina, Greece -
Jul 263 days later
Milina, Greece -
Jul 263 days later
Milina, Greece -
Jul 263 days later
Milina, Greece -
Jul 274 days later
Agios Lavrentios, Greece
2025-05-22