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Makrinitsa...
the "balcony" of Peleon |
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"Brani",
is an area of special natural beauty. It is a square with a gully in the entrance of the settlement of Makrinitsa. Also, there is another area of special natural beauty, the central paved square of the village, the famous"bargain" with the unique water fountain of "the Lions",
decorated with rich stone sculptures, the old growth trees, the church of St. John and the amazing view of Volos.
Makrinitsa, "the balcony of Peleon"
It is 17 km far from Volos and 12km from the ski resort of Pelion and it is the perfect combination of the built and the natural environment.
The traditional Mansions such as Vaitzis, Hatzikostas, Vlachlis, Topalis which is operating as a Folk Art and History of Pelion museum, and many others, the picturesque churches, the fountains, the old hydro-mils
"ntristeles", the nowadays ruined and deserted tanneries that flourished the 19th century and functioned until the second world war, the stone arch bridges in Lestiani, in Loziniko, in Alevizi, in Kakona and the bridge of Karia, are some remarkable examples of the traditional architecture.
The touristic development of Makrinitsa began in the 60's, when the residents realized the need to maintain their character, to highlight their differences, their customs and traditions.
Numerous cultural and folklore events are taking place throughout the year.
 In Makrinitsa, there is the opportunity for many alternative activities for visitors.
Hiking: Large marked trails leads hikers through the forest and other beautiful locations such as Lestiani, Fytoko, "Kryo Nero", Flambouro Gerakias etc.
Mountain Biking: The fans of this beautiful sport can bike through several kilometres of rural roads by addressing surprises every time.
Riding: The riders will feel as modern centaurs at the vast meadows above Makrinitsa!
Skiing: The Pelion Ski Centre is located just 12 Km away and is expecting you to enjoy its tracks.
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The houses of Makrinitsa
The houses of Makrinitsa have the north-Greek style of folk architecture, such as the houses of Metsovo, of Siatista, of Kastoria, of Veria and Pelion. They were built mainly between 1750 and 1830.
They are stoned, two-storey or three-storey, with some small openings at the lofloors that give a fortress-like character to the structure, while the top floor, which usually extends over the previous one, is built with lighter materials and has many openings.
The roof is always wooden with coatings of slabs of Pelion. There are usually warehouses on the ground floor, cellars and other facilities of the house.
In the two-storey houses, the second floor is the main place of residence of the family all the year,
winter and summer. But in the three-storey houses, the middle floor is the place of residence for the winter, whiles the upper floor, the "Anogi", serves as a residential area in the summer and is the reception of visitors.
There, in Anogi, which is usually rich decorated, often a part of the floor is elevated, forming a sitting area separated by a wooden railing and turners from the rest floor, it has wooden benches with colourful bedding around the walls and from the around windows one can has a good view over the surrounding landscape.
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In many mansions we can find a second row of windows at the top floor, the skylights, with colourful glasses and complex draws that bringing a distinctive light inside, even when the shutters of the main windows are closed.
When, for technical or economic reasons, the people could not build them, replace them with fake skylights, which are paintings that imitate the skylights at the external walls above the windows. |
| Makrinitsa, like the other villages of Pelion, was originally developed around |
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Lechonia.
Thus, the 24 mountain villages of Pelion obtained a kind of |
| the Monastery of the Virgin Mary of"Acute Visit" that existed since 1204, which was built |
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autonomy, which were divided administrati-vely into Vakoyfia and Chasia. |
by Lord of Magnesia Constantinos Maliasinos and it was at the place of today's church of Virgin Mary of Makrinitsa.
Vlachs serfs and simple people gathered around the rich monastery, seeking to secure better living conditions.
The first houses that were built constituted the heart of the later town of Makrinitsa.
During the Ottoman domination, the Turkish conquerors did not reach the hills.
They preferred to stay at the
"Acropoli" of Volos, in Palia Poli, holding and controlling the rich lands of Ano Volos and
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Makrinitsa became the capital of Vakoyfia to the pre 1821 era, with a highly developed system of a local government of elders.
The impose of taxes in combination with the economic misery of the plain, the rebel movements and the bandit and pirate raids are the main reasons for the resettlement of Pelion and of Makrinitsa by the fugitives from the plain of Thessaly, of Evia, of Rumeli, of Moria, of Epirus and of other fugitives from islands. |
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In a census of 1615, Makrinitsa seemed to be inhabited by 147 farm families, while only 13 houses had recorded because the others were not worthwhile. But, by the mid of 18th century and throughout the 19th century, noble two-storey and three-storey houses and the most churches Makrinitsa were built.
In its prosperous period, Makrinitsa had reached a population of 5500 inhabitants. Apart from the agricultural production, also the local craft production of textiles was grew, the silk production, and later the tanning and as a consequence the trade with Greek cities and Europe.
During this period paved roads, paths, fountains, bridges, squares and schools had been built. |
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Accommodation proposals, entertainment and shopping in Makrinitsa |
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Accommod. in Makrinitsa 
Exploration
