DESTINATION PATRIDA, 2024 | Highlights Days 4-7 (Karditsa/Trikala- Cultural/Historical/Religious)

KARDITSA / TRIKALA HIGHLIGHTS
Days 4 - 7 (Cultural, Historical, Religious Sites)
Thermopylae:
Thermopylae means "hot gates", in reference to the presence of the hot sulphur springs in the area. It is primarily known for the battle that took place there in 480 BC, in which an outnumbered Greek force (including 300 Spartans) held off a substantially larger force of Persians under Xerxes.
For three days they held a narrow route between hills and the sea against Xerxes' vast cavalry and infantry force, before being outflanked on the third day via an obscure goat path named the Anopaea Pass. According to the Greek legend, a traitor named Ephialtes of Trachis showed the path to the invaders.
Municipal Historical Folklore Museum of Karditsa:
The Municipal Historical Folklore Museum houses countless exhibitions and relics, from the most notable eras in the history and development of the province Karditsa and wider-Thessaly prefecture.
The museum housed many relics of the legendary Nikolaos Plastiras- the Greek General and politician, who served twice as Prime Minister of Greece. A distinguished soldier known for his personal bravery, he became famous as "The Black Rider" during the Greco-Turkish War of 1919-1922, where he commanded the 5/42 Evzone Regiment.
We thank Prof. Fenia Lekka for her time and expertise, and the Union of Cultural Associations of the Prefecture of Karditsa Ένωση Πολιτιστικών Συλλόγων Καρδίτσας for arranging and securing our visit under the activities of the 56th International Cultural Festival “KARAISKAKIA”.
Morfotikos Sillogos of Georgiko:
The communal building doubles as both an activity and storage space, as well as housing an extensive collection of costumes and items from agricultural life throughout the 19th century. Countless authentic costumes, variations of the typical "Karagouna" womens' attire, farming and domestic tools, religious artefacts and even weapons and militaria used throughout the War of Independence in the 1800's through to WWI and WWII.
Vasilis Tsitsanis Museum | Κέντρο Έρευνας - Μουσείο Τσιτσάνη
The Research Centre / Museum, established to house the history and contribution of legendary Rembetiko (and early Laiko) composer/musician, Vasilis Tsitsanis, is located in the newly renovated and re-purposed building of the former Trikala Jailhouse facility.
The state-of-the-art museum is set up in a chronological order, concisely documenting Vasili Tsitsanis' contributions throughout his life. The exhibitions are highly interactive, and capitalise on technology by allowing visitors to use their mobile phones, scan QR codes and other target points, which yield information, songs, recordings and videos.
We would like to extend our appreciation to the Museum's Artistic Director/Curator, Mr ΣΤΕΛΙΟΣ ΚΑΡΑΓΙΩΡΓΟΣ for presenting a private guided tour of the entire museum.
Mavrommati- Birthplace of War of Independence Hero, Georgios Karaiskakis:
The village of Mavrommati has a local museum which houses the original and authentic, personal weaponry and militaria of Georgios Karaiskakis, with many items being priceless family heirlooms which have been handed down through generations, and now selflessly donated so that this collection may remain on permanent exhibition to all who visit.
We extend our appreciation to Mr Δημήτριος Γιώτης for the guided tour.
Holy Imperial Monasteries of Meteora:
The Meteora are a rock formation in the province of Trikala between the towns of Kalabaka and Kastraki in Thessaly, hosting one of the largest and most precipitously built complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries, second in importance only to Mount Athos.
Great Meteoron is the oldest and largest of the monasteries of Meteora. The monastery is believed to have been built just before the mid 14th century by a monk from Mount Athos named Saint Athanasios the Meteorite. Varlaam is the second largest monastery of Meteora. The name Varlaam comes from a monk named Varlaam who scaled the rocks in 1350 and began construction on the monasteries. Varlaam built three churches by hoisting materials up the face of the cliffs.
We thank the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Η Ελλάδα στον Κόσμο , through the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad, Prof. Γιάννης Χρυσουλάκης ΓΙΑΝΝΗΣ ΧΡΥΣΟΥΛΑΚΗΣ who arranged and secured our visit.
Furthermore, we conveyed to the relevant Clergy and authorities at both monasteries, that our tour had been formally recognised by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia , and that we humbly carried the blessing and prayers of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia- Primate and Exarch of All Oceania.
We are truly walking on the path of our ancestors, and our millennia of glorious history.