Varousi, an old, affluent district in Trikala, central Greece, where aristocrats built their homes. Varousi, built on the outskirts of the Byzantine castle, is the most historic district of Trikala. Varousi stands out for the special architecture of the old two-story mansions, with the loggias, the long eaves and the bright colors. Merchants and manufacturers who traveled abroad often brought ideas and materials, infusing a sense of culture into their stately homes.
A walk around Varousi, situated next to Trikala’s iconic Clock Tower, takes visitors back to an era when time moved at a slower pace, keeping intact a greater level of essence. The name of this Trikala district is derived from the Turkish word varos, meaning suburb and suggesting the area beyond the town’s medieval fortress. The word had also acquired the meaning of Christian district in many areas subject to Ottoman rule. The Varousi alleys became particularly well known through references in songs by 20th century Greek music icon Vassilis Tsitsanis, from Trikala. Some of the city’s most historic churches are located in the Varousi district. Their history stretches back a long way, to the Byzantine era. Agios Ioannis, from the 14th century, is the oldest of these churches, Agia Episkepsi is dated back to 1543, and, from the same century, Agios Dimitrios, constructed in 1580, features 17th century murals. Its altarpiece was reconstructed in 1839. The year during which Agion Anargiron church was originally constructed remains unknown, but the place of worship was fully renovated, with icons, in 1575. This church, it is believed, was built over the archaeological site of ancient Trikke. It is also worth mentioning that older Trikala churches are less conspicuous as they do not feature architectural elements that set them apart. The Christian community had no leeway for religious freedom during the early period of Ottoman rule. The Byzantine castle of Trikala, also known as a fortress, was built over the ruins of the ancient city Trikke by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century AD. The structure was used as a fortress during the period of Ottoman rule, when it was restored. Its iron gate is situated at the first of three tiers. The structure is free to enter. A café operates inside the castle, which offers direct access to the old district Varousi, via a descending route.
Meteora in Trikala is one of the most outstanding monuments of the world, protected by UNESCO, and the most important in Thessaly. It is the most notable monastic centre of Greece, after the Holy Mount Athos. In the 11th century, the first hermits came to the peaks of the imposing rocks and built the “Skiti” of Doupiani. In the 14th century, St. Athanasios Meteoritis formed the first organized monastic community on the rock of Megalo (big) Meteoro. Twenty-four monasteries have spread over the rocks since then, in more than 600 years. Today only the monasteries Megalo Meteoro, Varlaam, Agia Triada, Agios Stefanos and Agios Nikolaos Anapafsas Rousanou exist and are still in use. Every day visitors from around the world come together to meditate and pray. They learn the lifestyle of the monks, admire the indescribable nature, the artistic architecture and study the historical relics.
The area is characterized by the monasteries built on high rocky pillars. By centuries of wind and water erosion (the Plain of Thessaly was once an inland sea), the rock formations have received their specific appearance. From the 9th century, the natural sandstone towers were climbed by hermits. They created their own environment and only occasionally came down. From the 11th century onwards various areas expelled monks to this area.
In the mid-14th century the first monasteries rose on the peaks. In 1336, the monk Athanasios from Mount Athos, on the Great Meteoron, the highest (623 m/2044 feet) and most important monastery was founded here. Twenty-three other monasteries would follow. With nets, ropes and wooden ladders up to 40 meters in length the monks transported needed goods and people upstairs. In its heyday, there was an autonomous community of 24 monks and monasteries in almost complete isolation from the rest of the world. Since 1490 the abbot of the Great Meteoron was also the head of the entire monastic community of Meteora. In the 17th century, however, the decline of monasticism in Meteora began. In the 18th century the monasteries were used as a refuge for the Greeks who wanted to evade taxes imposed by the Turkish rulers. During the 19th century the Meteora monasteries were used to escape advancing rebels, and during the Second World War and the Civil War (1945-1949), the then remaining monasteries suffered much damage.
The ski center of Pertouli in Trikala is located in the area of Pertouli’s Meadows at an altitude of 1.200 meters. In order to get to the ski resort you cross Elati village and continue to drive for another 7 km. Pertouli Ski center is one of the most accessible ski resorts of Greece and suitable for all members of your family due to its smooth slopes. There are three tracks, the red, the blue and the green one, which is educational. The red track has a length of 1.500 meters and a two-seater aerial lift, the blue track has a length of 400 meters with a sliding lift and the green educational track has a length of 80 meters and is served by a baby lift. The ski center offers free parking area for all, a big chalet for coffee and lunch at resort’s bottom and a small one on top.
You can rent ski equipment, snowboard or snowmobile and sled and spend the whole day enjoying the white nature around. Close to the ski center (less than 1 kilometer) you will find Kerketio Extreme Sports. If somebody wants to enjoy nature and live unique experiences all year round, should definitely visit this activity center. Here you can ride calm and trained horses in amazing routes, ride ATVs on forest paths or, during winter months, enjoy a snowmobile ride, under the guidance of the experienced staff. At the same time you can test your archery skills or go cycling in the green landscape. For those who just want to relax in this peaceful place, you can visit the café on their premises and enjoy hot beverages, traditional pies, delicious pastries and various snacks in a warm and welcoming environment.
For sale in the district of Varousi in Trikala, a two-storey building with a basement consisting of a basement of 147.69m2 with auxiliary use, a ground floor of 147.69m2 with residential use and a first floor of 159.05m2 with residential use. The condition of the property is incomplete at the stage of completed masonry and exterior plastering. Year of manufacture is in 2010. Price 375.000 euros.
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