“Write something about Larissa! We are coming for the weekend and we want to know what we will see and where we will go!!”
How many times have we heard this line? Well, it's time to become...tour guides in our city!
If you haven't visited the capital of Thessaly in years, you'll be surprised by how much it has changed! If you've never been, it's worth spending a weekend there. You'll find that there are so many things to do that you're sure to never get bored!
Squares, pedestrian streets, the Fortress Hill and the river invite you to stroll carefree through the city, while a series of museums will make your stay in Larissa, if nothing else, extremely interesting!
What to see
Outside the city center there are three excellent museums that you should definitely visit:
– The latest acquisition of Larissa is located on its southern outskirts and is none other than the Timeless MuseumIt is the only one of its kind in Greece with its exhibits starting from the Paleolithic era (10,000 BC) and reaching up to the Ottoman period. It is certain that with the 3000 exhibits and the “modern” way the exhibition has been set up you will be impressed!
– Nearby is the Municipal Gallery – Museum G.I. Katsigra. A modern building houses 780 important works – paintings, engravings and drawings – while you will also see the office of the famous archaeologist of Troy and Mycenae, Heinrich Schliemann. According to experts, the Katsigra collection is ranked as the most important after that of the National Gallery.
– In the Haravgi district there is a particularly remarkable museum, Folklore – History, which numbers a total of over 25,000 objects. The space emphasized the collection, documentation and display of daily life in the pre-mechanical and early industrial period of the wider city area.
In center of the city you will see:
– The jewel of Larissa and its point of reference is now the A. Ancient theaterDespite the fact that it is still in the restoration phase, the monument, which once had 10,000 seats, captivates with its magnificence!
– Opposite the First Ancient Theater, if you look up, you will see a dome projecting above some shops. This is the Large Ottoman Bath of the 15thth century AD. In winter you can have your drink in there!
– Further west and a short distance away you will find the Second Ancient Theater which was used for theatrical performances and other events when during Roman rule the First Ancient Theater was converted into an arena for duels.
– Then climb up to the hill of the Fortress, which was a “melting pot” of cultures with a series of Byzantine and Ottoman monuments. The shops and taverns with old signs transport you mentally to the past… At the fortress you will see the Early Christian Basilica of Agios Achillios, the Bezesteni which was the covered market from the 16ththe century and later and the early Christian bath of Lambroulis Square. Before leaving the fortress hill, don't forget to enjoy the view of the Pinios River in front of the Metropolitan Church of Agios Achillios.
– The Pinios It has been an integral part of the city from antiquity to the present day. It is worth walking along its banks where you will meet dozens of people walking and exercising, while nearby is the Alcazar Park and the historic stadium of the same name.
– The Pappas' Mill, just below the Fortress, is an imposing building that was built in 1893. Today it houses the highly noteworthy Museum of Grain and Flour and a series of cultural activities.
– The Yeni Mosque in Blana Square is a building from the early 20th centuryth century which is worth your attention. The city's archaeological museum operated there until a few years ago, until the findings were transferred to the Diachronikos Museum.
Don't miss out.
Walk along the elegant pedestrian streets of the center (Venizelou, Megas Alexandrou, Kouma, Asklipiou, Ermou, Papakyriazi) and in the squares that are bustling with life at all hours of the day (Central, Post Office, Blana).
Food – entertainment
In Larissa, your problem will be the abundance of choices! With approximately 1600 businesses involved in the sale of coffee, it has not been unfairly described as "the city of coffee". After all, this is where the well-known company started. Mikel (which evolved into a colossus) as well as the emerging Bruno and De-ToxThe best brunch in town can be found at Las RamblasAn excellent all day choice is Scale with carefully selected products, musical events and tasting evenings, in front of the first ancient theater.
For gourmet food in a beautiful setting, choose Akamatra, the Bosphorus and Grandma RossaYou will find exquisite meats at Fir, the Adamo and outside the center in DueYou will try traditional tsipouro appetizers at Matilda and in Tassos, while one of our all-time favorites is Bukowski, a special gastro pub and the sophisticated bistro BarricouA true multi-space is the Fortress, on the hill of the same name, with a restaurant, bar and playground. If you're in the mood for excellent cocktails, you'll want to head to the award-winning Kubrick while for after party fun all roads lead to Hammam.
What else can you do?
If you have more days at your disposal, Larissa can be a base for excursions all year round! In the summer you can enjoy the crystal clear waters of the nearby beaches των Δήμων Αγιάς και των Τεμπών, ενώ το ίδιο κοντά είναι και τα παράλια της Pieria με τον πασίγνωστο Πλαταμώνα. Σημεία ιδιαίτερου φυσικού κάλους είναι τα γραφικά Ambelakia and the valley of Tempi, while the villages of Megalovryso and Metaxochori on the outskirts of Kissavos. Within an hour's drive, but in opposite directions, are two of the country's most popular destinations: Pelion and the Meteora (although to get a better view of the area we would suggest you spend the night there to visit the Fir).
Closing
So if you're looking for something different city break within the country, Larissa will pleasantly surprise you! The only thing that is certain is that you will not get bored and you will find enough things to do in a weekend. And the two-day period may not be long, but it is enough to feel the unique pulse of the capital of the plain!
