Night Halt in Larissa during Road Trip through Greece
During our road trip through Greece we made a night halt in Larissa. We could have seen more of Larissa in Greece but for the winter timings. It was just around 4 in the evening when we reached Larissa after the road trip from Vergina.
In the last week of December, sun bids an early goodbye; as early as 5 – 5.30 in the evenings when the tourists are still in the mood of exploring more. Ticket counters at heritage sites are shut, not a single soul around and night lights illuminate the mute crumbling structures. I visited in December 2014.
Night Halt in Larissa
After seeing the world heritage sites in Thessaloniki and Vergina, our next destination was Meteora which is yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Distance from Vergina to Meteora is 240 km which could easily take 3 hours. And with evenings setting in as early as 5, we had no wish to drive in darkness and miss the road trip sights. We had to pause for the night and after some study made the night halt in Larissa.
Larissa is the capital and largest city of Thessaly region of Greece. It is the capital of the Larissa regional unit. In Greek mythology Larissa is a nymph who was daughter of Pelasgus who was son of Triopas, king of Argos.
Ancient city of Larissa in Greece meant citadel.
Heritage Sites of Larissa
We try to peep over the walls and try to make some meaning of the outline of the structures we see. I have the pics of the remains of foundations of ancient structures in Larissa, some structures belonging to Bezesteni which is a monument of big historical value.
Bezesteni is the most important Ottoman monument of Larissa, a market in the 15th century. “Bezesteni” I later read, means ‘fabric market’ and it comes from the persian word ‘bez’ which means cotton and the word ‘bezzaz’ means ‘textile merchant’.
The markets were used to buy and sell gold, silver jewelry, precious stones. They maintained the legacies of citizens and other important documents. This is the only one that I saw of all the heritage sites there.
Heritage Sites of Larissa
Bezesteni important Ottoman monument of Larissa
Interesting Things to do in Larissa
There are interesting things to do in Larissa if you have one whole day to spend in the city. I have mentioned here those spots that Larissa is famous for and we missed seeing and doing.
- Acropolis on the hill of Áyios Ahíllios (Saint Achilles, the patron saint of the city). This is a location which has been continuously inhabited since the Neolithic period.
- The ruins of the ancient theater.
- 15th century Turkish market, constructed with the remains of older structures
- The Alkazár Park stretches along the Pinios (or Pineios) River.
- Walks across the river, surrounded by big, evergreen trees.
- At the outskirts of the city, on the road to Týrnavos, is the monument of Hippocrates, the father of medicine. The tomb of the great scientist was discovered in 1826.
- Municipal Art Gallery with 781 exhibits all with English descriptions.
- It is also called G I Katsigras Museum after the surgeon who donated all his collections to museum in 1981.
- Diachronic Museum of Larissa with outstanding exhibits of archaeological finds from middle Paleolithic to late Byzantine period.
Where to eat when visiting Larissa
Larissa has many tavernas (restaurants) dishing out authentic Greek cuisine.
Koutouki Restaurant in Larissa – At the tavernas “Koutouki” there, we had one of the finest dinners in Greece. Here is the picture of sweet dish we had at the taverna! Just writing about the food is making me hungry, I wish I could go there again.
Where to stay when visiting Larissa
There are plenty of good hotels in Larissa in luxury, mid range and airbnb categories.
Hotel Asteras – We stayed in mid range budget hotel in Larissa at Hotel Asteras. It is located within the pedestrian precinct in the heart of Larissa, in between the 2 central squares and fountains. Rooms were comfortable with free WiFi. We got free private parking too.
Hotel Asteras night halt Larissa Greece
Location and How to Reach Larissa
Being a major transport and service hub for Thessaly the main railway route connecting Athens and Thessaloniki passes through this city of Larissa.
Athens to Larissa is 354.6 km, time for travel: 3 hours 45 min
Thessaloniki to Larissa distance is 151.6 km, time for travel: 1 h 45 min
Pin this for later
Lovely photo’s… and fitting the thema
This log can you be used nicely for the thursday challenge this week.
Beautiful photos and I can imagine the time of day as we also love Greece and travel there extensively. Look forward to reading more of your travels.
Beautiful post and Lovely pictures.. Greece is one of my Favourite spots too 🙂
the stone building with no windows.
That looks so great! So many interesting things about Greece that you have shared, that it makes me want to go there 🙂
Thanks for all the info!
Loved the 3rd foto…
And last one looks yummm…
(looks like Gulab Jamun!)
great pics
I was a history major with an emphasis on ancient cultures. I would love to see Greece for myself. – Margy
Great shots and interesting information. Wonderful place to visit.
Beautiful pics and great info….
wow
wow U r inspiring me to plan a trip to Greece 🙂
Nice pics. The sweet dish looks yummy. What is it called?
Great information and beautiful pictures. Informative post!
That's what we call, nicely described..
The stone structures/ruins looks attractive. Nice to see the efforts in keeping what's left, intact.
I've been enjoying seeing Greece with you through your blog.
Thank you Indrani.
Interesting ruins. The food looks delicious.
Thanks for sharing this post, Indrani. Most interesting! Have a great day. Jo
Sounds like you had a wonderful time in Greece except for the early nightfall. I know when I go to Africa near the equator the night comes too early for me!
An Informative and interesting Article…. Well said!
You certainly made the most of your time in Greece.
Good one…
Hey Indrani, Nice pics and great info…
Lovely shots!!!
Amazing shots Indrani. Need to tell Desh to plan a vacation to Greece soon 🙂
Lovely shots of your Greek adventure.
I am loving the Greece trip with you.
I like the look of those loukoumades. Yum.
The ones that you have captured are good and the list of places that you missed will certainly help the readers to plan for a proper visit, what an insight!
Gotta go there someday.
Thanks for the post, added to my knowledge.
I have enjoyed your trip to Greece SO much and, as I've told you, it has been a trip back in time for me!! Thank you so much for sharing, Indrani! Hope you have a great new week!!
the old stones are so neat.
Hello Indrani, more wonderful scenes from Greece. I am sure the tavernas were a delicious attraction.. The last shot does look yummy! Thanks for sharing your trip! Have a happy week!