One of the major cities of Thessalia and the capital of the prefecture of Magnesia, Volos has an ancient and rich history.

Volos is an ideal base for tourists visiting the Pelion mountain and the Sporades Islands throughout the whole year, but is also a busy commercial centre in its own right.

The archaeological excavations and findings prove that the region of Volos and ancient Magnesia was inhabited as far back as the 7th-8th millennium BC. The city of Volos has strong roots in Greek mythology. According to researchers, the ancient city of "Iolkos", which was the starting point for the expedition of the Argonauts, was actually located on the site or present-day "Dimini".

In the early Christian years and during the Byzantine period, Volos was developed because of its special geographical position and its natural harbour.

Growth continued during the period of the Ottoman domination, due to the financial development in the villages of Mount Pelion, and the export of local products.

In 1895, a railway line was constructed, which connected the city of Volos to Mount Pelion. Part of this line is still in operation today, after a long break, mainly as a tourist attraction. The design of the line was the brainchild of engineer Evaristo De Chirico, father of the artist and painter Giorgio de Chirico, whose birthplace was Volos.

At the beginning of the 20th century, there was strong industrial and commercial activity, mainly in the leather industry, textiles, tobacco, etc. During this period the Municipal Gym, the Municipal Theatre, and the Girl’s school under the Directorship of Alexandros Delmouzos were all established, while in 1904, the Labour Centre of Volos was established. The financial boom attracted people of different nationalities and religions and the Asia Minor disaster also brought large numbers of refugees who contributed to the economic growth.

During the postwar period, the urbanisation of Volos started, and the city became an urban centre, with a significant commercial port.

The city of Volos currently consists of four independent municipalities, Volos, Nea Ionia, Pagasae and Iolkos, with a total population of 123,000 people.

The University of Thessaly is located in Volos, and offers a variety of classes for graduate and postgraduate degrees.

The harbour connects Volos with the Northern Sporades Islands (Skiathos - Skopelos - Allonisos) as well as the islands of Lymnos and Mytilene (Lesvos). There is also a marina for private yachts.

The city was actively involved in the Olympic Games of 2004, as the home of the Gymnastic Championship. In 2013, Volos and Larisa will together host the Mediterranean Games.

Accessibility

Interurban bus (KTEL), from Athens, Thessaloniki, Larissa, Trikala, Karditsa, Ioannina, Kozani, Patra, Lamia.

Boat: Link with Northern Sporades (Skiathos - Skopelos - Allonisos), Lemnos, Mytilene (Lesvos).

Car

Train (OSE)

Events International Festival of musical theatre, in December - January.

International Festival of Classical Music.

The Business Panorama, an annual report of production in Magnesia, in September.

Sights

The Archaeological Museum of Volos.

The Art Centre «Giorgio de Chirico».

The Church of Agia Triada, with paintings by George Gounaropoulos.

The Museum of Industrial History in the group of buildings "Tsalapata" where we can find workshops, an exhibition and a shop with traditional products, a cinema hall and a cafeteria.

The Metropolitan Church of St. Nicholas.

The House with Rose, the home of painter Chrisoula Zogia.

The Folklore Centre "Kitsos Makris" with a collection of folklore exhibits, photographs and books.

The Entomological Museum of Volos with a collection of 35,000 insects.

The Museum of the newspaper «Thessaly».

The Railway Museum of Thesalia.

Text Niki Vafeidou