Makrinítsa: Village Square, Churches and Stone Lanes

Makrinítsa brings together stone-paved lanes, fountains, churches and historic mansions. It also features the Mega Rema gorge and the Mayides custom. If you’re looking for a hotel for your stay, these different aspects of the area can help you prioritise your own interests: architecture and local history, walks or cultural traditions.

Square, Fountains and Lanes

The central square of Makrinítsa is known as “Bazaar”; the “Lions” fountain also stands there. More than 50 fountains line the cobbled lanes and serve as stopping points for walkers. Brani Square is at the entrance to the village. Together, these named squares and fountains provide specific landmarks in the village landscape. The traditional stone-paved lanes are suitable for walks.

Churches and Mansions

The Church of Saint John stands west of the central square. It was built in 1806 and is richly decorated with stone reliefs. The Church of the Virgin Mary, dating from 1767, is east of the main square. The different construction dates offer a glimpse into the history of the religious buildings around the square; the stone reliefs give the Church of Saint John its own architectural distinction. The Church of Saint Athanasios in Makrinítsa dates from 1792.

Several other historic buildings are located in the Koukourava district. The Vaitzi Mansion dates from 1761, and the Church of Saint Magdalene from 1802. The Skoteiniotis Tower also stands there; Koukourava is the lower district of Makrinítsa. A water-powered mill called Dristela is also located in this district.

Local History and Museums

The original settlement of Makrinítsa was established in the early 13th century around the Monastery of Theotokos Oxeias Episkepseos, also called Makrinitissis, which no longer exists. Makrinítsa flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries thanks to trade and leather tanning. The tanneries in Koukourava prospered in the 19th century; their ruins indicate that they operated until the late 1950s.

The Museum of Folk Art and History of Pelion is currently closed for roof repairs. Its collection includes folk murals from Pelion mansions dating from the 18th and 19th centuries, household items, equipment for distilling tsipouro, icons, copper engravings and small objects of ecclesiastical art. It also includes traditional Pelion costumes and tools for spinning and weaving. If you’re planning a visit, check whether the museum has reopened. The Byzantine Museum offers educational programmes for students; check directly with the museum for current availability.

Mayides and Mega Rema

The Mayides procession follows the cobbled paths of Makrinítsa to the central square. It is accompanied by singing, dancing, drums and zournas. In 2022, the custom was added to Greece’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Alongside the buildings, the area’s inherited culture and music are distinct themes.

Mega Rema is a particularly beautiful gorge in Makrinítsa; a well-preserved bridge is also located in the gorge area. The gorge and walks through the lanes offer different ways to explore the area. For orientation, Makrinítsa is 17 km from Volos and 12 km from the Pelion Ski Centre.

Discover more destinations: Koropi, Kritharia, Drakia, Neochori, Sourpi, Tsangarádha, Afissos, Marathias.

For the main travel overview: Magnesia.