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REGION OF CENTRAL GREECE

 

PREFECTURE OF VIOTIA

The shores of the Euboean (Evoikos) and Corinthian (Korinthiakos) gulfs, the ski centre at Parnassos, the wealth of archaeological sites at Orhomenos, Chaironia, Plataiai, Thebes and elsewhere are guaranteed to hold your interest. The climate is dry and Mediterranean and the vegetation, with the exception of the fertile plains of Thebes and Kopaida, is rather sparse among the bare rocks. In ancient times Viotia (Boeotia) was called "tristhalatto" (three-seas) - a name mentioned by Strabo - because it was washed by the two halves of the gulf of Euboea and the Corinthian Gulf.


Livadia, the capital of the prefecture, is built between two hills on the sides of a gorge through which flow the springs of Erkina. On the top of one of the hills, Profitis Ilias, there is a well-preserved 14th century medieval castle. In ancient times Livadia was known under the name of Mideia and was the site of the famous Oracle of Zeus Trofonios. Scholars have identified the location of the sanctuary of Zeus and the Oracle as being on Profitis llias. Livadia is very fertile thanks to the abundant water in the region and the two springs known in mythology as Lethe (Forgetfulness) and Mnemosyne (Memory), in the north of the town at the site of Kria.
Easter here is celebrated with particular colour. The whole town becomes an open-air barbecue and everywhere spitted lamb, "kokoretsi" and "splinandero" (tasty kebabs made of the innards), and local red wine are served to one and all. Musical instruments, folk dances and all night revels complete the traditional Easter festivities at Livadia.

Chaironia (Heronia). A Village of great archaeological interest and Plutarch's birthplace lies near the battlefield where in 338 BC Philip of Macedonia defeated the allied forces of the other Greek city-states. At the entrance to town stands the Lion of Chaironia, symbol of courage and bravery.
Nearby one can see the ruins of the acropolis and theatre, while the small archaeological museum contains various objects found in the vicinity. (Chaironia and Orhomenos).
Orhomenos, one of the oldest and richest cities of ancient Greece, is today a low-lying, well-watered town. Worth visiting here are the Byzantine church of the Dormition of the Virgin (9th c.) and a vaulted Mycenaean tomb known as the "Treasury of Minyes". The ancient acropolis has ruins of temples, a theatre and other buildings. Don't leave Orhomenos without tasting its delicious trout, renowned throughout Greece, or its similarly famous fragrant melons.

Arahova is a mountain town little touched by modern development. At an altitude of 940 metres, its quaint houses are built up the slopes of Mt. Parnassos. This is a good place to buy hand-woven fabrics, "flokates" (rugs) and coloured shoulder bags, and you shouldn't miss trying the local specialities in one of the town's many taverns. Arahova lies 35 km. west of Livadia and is a usual stop for people headed for Delphi or the Parnassos ski centre. Most of the skiers, novices or experienced, spend their nights in Arahova.
If you happen to visit Arahova in the spring, try to attend the huge celebration that occurs on St. George's day on April 23rd. The entertainment lasts three days and includes a race for old men dressed up in local costume followed by feasting on roast lamb. Just 10 km. east of Distomo, a town with important archaeological finds and an interesting museum, which played an important role in the Revolution of 1821, one comes to the Byzantine monastery of Ossios Loukas, whose 11th century mosaics and frescoes are among the finest in Greece.
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