4 SEASONS DESTINATION
Makrinitsa is one of the most popular tourist destinations of central Pelion, a breath away from the city of Volos. Known as "Pelion 'balcony because of unrestricted views that have from where to look, it is a village with restored mansions, accommodation taverns with delicious food and paths surrounded by nature. Makrinitsa is there to welcome you all year round.
A stop in the square must to see the panoramic view of the city of Volos, the Pagasetic Gulf and the mountains but also enjoy a coffee or lunch in the adjacent shops, under the plane trees of the square. In the central square you will also see the marble fountain with the 'Immortal Water', which adorn the four bronze lion heads gushing water and the Byzantine church of St. John the Baptist.
UNIQUE HISTORICAL BUILDINGS
Makrinitsa is a historic village "absolute protection" and the character of the architecture is unique in Greece. The houses are admirably and dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. Imposing towers and mansions, built with wood and stone, with robust walls, wooden sidirofrakta windows and roofs of slate placed scaly plaques. They are usually threestorey, with fortress-like configuration. Many have been converted into hostels after restoration, offering atmospheric stay visitors, while retaining the names of the original founders.
"Balcony of Pelion" to say and it will be the findings immediately, seeing the spectacular views of Volos and Pagasitikos as you wander the streets of. It is built in tiers so that the first houses in Koukourava district, lie at an altitude of 300 m., while the latter, in Kakouna district, at an altitude of 850 meters. the central "Peace Square" somewhere in the middle. A graphic arts network and cobbled streets connects 10 districts of which it consists.
On the main road through the village, jib tourist shops, selling herbs and folk art, until you arrive at the "Peace Square" with old plane trees, the church of St. John the Baptist (1792), the fountain of , the "Lions" or "Immortal water" and the best agnanti Volos. Behind the church you will see the café's popular painter Theophilos Hadjimichael where there is a fresco (1910) by Katsandonis after the battle in Tzoumerka.
In Vatsarea-Mavraki mansion west of the square, operates the Center for Environmental Education Makrinitsa, which implements programs aimed at awakening of environmental consciousness of citizens.
THE VILLAGE
From the main square you can follow the path downhill and uphill to enjoy a walk in the village and admire the mansions and chateaus to the Pelion architecture. Makrinitsa has declared a preserved settlement absolute protection since 1980.
It is worth visiting the Museum "Folk Art and History of Pelion." Hosted on Mansion Topali, three-story mansion, typical sample local architecture which is located just below the main square of Makrinitsa. Inside you will find local costumes, household utensils, jewelry, tools, etc.
DISCOVER!
If you find yourself in winter Makrinitsa is a good opportunity to ski in the ski resort in Hania. Ski "Agriolefkes' Center, at 1200 m., It has many slopes, chalet, equipment rental companies. Makrinitsa as the wider region of Pelion is famous for its cobbled streets and paths traversed by many visitors from Greece and abroad.
On the way to Portaria is the "path of the Centaurs" which you can walk and enjoy a relaxing stroll through the nature longitudinally running waters.
CHURCHES –MONASTIRIES
Behind the fountain, the path leads uphill to the Church of the Assumption, Cathedral of the village, built in 1767. It is decorated with rich stone reliefs, part of the older Byzantine monastery of Acute Episkepseos, built in 1204, and has a remarkable belfry with three bells who sent tribute to the Virgin, Makrinitsiotes tanners from Odessa to Russia. In the churchyard is the two-storey church of All Saints and St. Nicholas (which operated the Secret School), and Despotiko that was used to host the despot. The list of churches is long: Trinity (1836), St. Magdalene (1802), Agios Athanasios (1792), St. George (1795), Metamorphosis (1797), etc .. It is also worth climb from the parking to the over to the convent of St. Gerasimou (1792) in Moutsara district.
