Magnesia 310751 221553743 2008-06-25T00:55:30Z 89.216.134.98 :''This article is about the region of Greece. For other meanings, see [[Magnesia (disambiguation)]]'' {{Infobox Pref GR| name = Magnesia| name_local = Νομός Μαγνησίας| image_map = GreeceMagnesia.png| periph = [[Thessaly]] | capital = [[Volos]]| population = 210,330 | population_as_of = 2005| pop_rank = 10th| pop_dens = 79.8| popdens_rank = 12th| area = 2,636 | area_rank = 21st| postal_code = 37x xx - 38x xx| area_code = 242x0| licence = ΒΟ| provinces = 3| municip = 22| commun = 4| ISO = GR-43| website = [http://www.magnesia.gr/ www.magnesia.gr]| }} '''Magnesia''' ({{lang-el|Μαγνησία}}, ''Magnisía'', {{IPA2|maɣniˈsia}}), deriving from the tribe name ''[[Magnetes]]'', is the name of the southeastern area of [[Thessaly]] in central [[Greece]]. The modern prefecture was created in 1947 out of the Larissa prefecture. About 70% of the population live in the Greater [[Volos]] area which is the second-largest city in Thessaly and the third busiest commercial port in Greece. Much of the population lives near the [[Pagasetic Gulf]] and in the eastern part. The capital of Magnesia prefecture is the metropolitan city of [[Volos]] one of the most scenic and developed urban areas in [[Greece]]. Magnesia is located only half way between [[Athens]] and [[Thessaloniki]]. According to the most recent census carried out (2001), the population stands at 207,000. The capital of the prefecture is a metropolitan city consisting of three municipalities, the municipality of [[Volos]] with a population of around 95,000 (2001), the municipality of [[Nea Ionia]] with approximately 45,000 permanent and temporary citizens, and the municipality of [[Iolkos]] with around 3,500 citizens. Mount [[Pelion]], the mountain of the [[Centaurs]], generously offers natural beauty and spectacular views to its visitors. The peaks and the slopes of the mountain are decorated with small churches dedicated to [[saints]] and the [[Virgin Mary]]. In this quaint churches one can admire precious relics and post-[[Byzantine]] [[icons]]. The prefecture of Magnesia is as well proud of the [[Northern]] [[Sporades]] group of islands located at the [[East]] of mainland Magnesia. [[Skiathos]] island, famous tourist resort of the [[Mediterranean]] sea worldwide, along with the greenest island of the [[Mediterranean]] [[Skopelos]], the ecological [[Alonissos]] with the national park of [[Mediterranean Monk Seal]]s or [[Monachus monachus]], and smaller islets comprises the summer paradise for over 2,000,000 million tourists every year<ref>[http://www.anem.gr/ ANEM Tourist authority of Magnesia]</ref>. Magnesia is represented in the [[Greek Parliament]] by five members. ==Geography== [[Image:Volos Promenande 2.JPG|thumb|Promenande of Volos]] The perfecture of Magnesia with its distinguished natural beauties and the infrequent morphological alterations and oppositions undoubtedly charms visitors. Wooded mountain slopes with interesting flora, running waters, cultivable land, lacy beaches and picturesque bays, compose the natural landscape of the region that combines uniquely holidays by the mountain and the sea. The area's main element is the relief of verdurous [[Pelion]], which extends on the [[East]] area of the [[Prefecture]], close to the [[Aegean Sea]] and is ideal for holidays all year round. The main mountainous volume of Magnesia is [[Pelion]], which is also considered to be the Southeast part of mountain [[Maurovounio]]; togehter, they occupy the Eastern section of the Magnesia/[[Pelion]] peninsula. Mountain [[Maurovouni]] (1054 [[metres]]) is the Northeast mountain of the prefectre of Magnesia and extends to the prefectre of [[Larissa]], where its highest peak is found. [[Pelion]] extends entirely in Magnesia and occupies the homonym peninsula, which actually is the [[East]] breakwater of [[Pagasetic Gulf]]. The mountains high peak is [[Pourianos Stavros]] or Xeforti, (altitude 1624 [[metres]]). On the edge of Magnesia [[peninsula]] mountain [[Tiseo]] is found, which is considered to be the Southeast edge of [[Pelion]]. Another important mountain of the region is Othris, with its highest peak called [[Gerakovouni]] (1726 [[metres]]) and is the boundary of the prefectures of Magnesia nand [[Phthiotis]]. In its interior Magnesia has two plains. One found between [[Halkodonio]] and [[Othry]] is called [[Almyros]] [[plain]], while the other between [[Halkodonio]] and [[Pelion]] is called the [[Volos]]-[[Velestino]] plain. The hydrological network of the prefecture is not particularly rich and is characterized by the absence of big [[rivers]]. The waters coming from [[Pelion]] shape the torrents of [[Anavros]], Platanorema, [[Xirias]]. On the [[North]] section of the prefecture [[Lake Karla]] was formerly found , which has drained, and today an effort for its partial reconstruction takes place.On the bight of [[Sourpi]], next to [[Amaliapolis]] a remarkable coastal [[wetland]] is found, where various species of migratory birds are hosted.This [[wetland]] together with the aesthetic forest of [[Kouri]] - an infrequent [[lowland]] of [[Oak]] tree [[forest]] close to [[Almyros]] - is included in the list of the protected regions of the [[Europe]]an Network [[Natura 2000]]. The coastal line of Magnesia is characterized by the famous [[Pagasetic Gulf]], which is attributed to the sinking that occurred due to [[earthquakes]] that took place in the region. It is bounded by [[Phthiotis]] region in the southwest, the [[Larissa Prefecture|Larissa]] in the west and north and the [[Aegean Sea]] in the east. The lagoon of Lake [[Voiviis]] or [[Karla (lagoon)|Karla]] is to the north and is surrounded with farmlands to the west and mountains to the east. It is one of the prefectures that is bounded with only two prefectures. It should also be noted that the chemical element, [[Magnesium]], was named after the City of Magnesia by Sir Humphrey Davy in 1808 ===Climate=== The [[climate]] in [[Magnesia]] lends itself to tourism. the average [[temperature]] is 17 [[degrees Celsius]] and the average rainfall about 540 [[millimetre]]s per year. Heat waves and intense cold periods are rare. During the summer the temperature rises up to about 37 to 38 °C in August. The climate changes from place in the country; close to the [[Pagasetic Gulf]] conditions are a little humid, in [[Nea Ionia]] it is quite dry and in [[Velestino]] and [[Almyros]] is continental. ==History== ===Antiquity=== According to [[Hesiod]]'s (probably) "Eoiae" ([[Greek Language|Greek]] : Ηοίαι) or "[[Catalogue of Women]]"<ref>Hesiod (probably), "Eoiae" ([[Greek Language|Greek]] : Ηοίαι) or "[[Catalogue of Women]]", c.650 BC. </ref> on the origin of the [[Greeks]], Pandora (named after her grandmother [[Pandora]], sister of [[Hellen]] and daughter of [[Deukalion]] and [[Pyrrha]]) together with Zeus had one son [[Graecus]], while Zeus had two more with [[Thyia]], another of Deukalion's daughter: [[Magnes]] and [[Makednos|Macedon]] who together with [[Hellen]]'s three sons [[Dorus]], [[Xuthus]] (with his sons [[Ionas|Ion]] and [[Achaeus, son of Xuthus|Achaeus]]) and [[Aeolos]], comprised the set of progenitors of the ancient tribes that formed the [[Greece|Greek]]/[[Hellenic]] nation, with [[Magnes]] ruling the area and people under his name. Magnesia is also homeland of the mythical heroes [[Jason]], [[Peleus]] and his son [[Achilles]]. The word [[magnet]] comes from the Greek "magnítis líthos" (μαγνήτης λίθος), which means "magnesian stone". The names for the elements [[magnesium]] and [[manganese]] are also derived from this region, which in addition to the magnetic magnetite (an iron ore), produces certain ores of magnesium and manganese that were known to alchemists. The Magnetes contributed to the [[Greek colonization]], with their main colonies being established before the 7th century BC, under the names of Magnesia beside Sipylus in Lydia and Magnesia on the Maeander in Ionia. ===Christian Era=== Written witnesses and remains of the 5th century AD document the appearance of Christianity in Magnesia. The minutes of the 3rd Ecumenical Conference are co-signed by the bishop of Dimitriada Cleonikos. Five basilicas have been revealed in Nea Anhialos, showing that the area was undergoing a spiritual growth at that era. The visitor of the digging open area and the Museum in Nea Anhialos can verify the dynamic role of the Orthodox Church in that age. Later on, the interference of spiritualism in the daily and social life of the inhabitants is obvious. Pelion is full of temples, monasteries and small churches, many of them are architectural masterpieces that have rescued the respectability of the old and younger generation and the traditional style that is well known as "Pelioritica". In the area of Pelion the visitor can find the monasteries of Saint Yerasimos in Makrinitsa. The Holy Archangels in Agios (Saint) Georgios Nilias, Osios Lavredios in the homonym village, Saint John the Baptist in Siki and Saint Spiridon in Promiri. The most famous is the Monastery in Flamouri (top picture on the right), built in the 16th century by Osios Simeon, the so-called "barefoot and mono-cloth" in a fabulous location above Veneto. In the Almiros area and on the mountain of Othris two other monasteries were built, one inhabited by monks in Ano Pagania (Virgin Mary) Xenia and one buy nuns in Kato Panagia Xenia, historical monuments of the area from the 12th century, full of wall paintings, treasuries and library. In Kato Panagia Xenia monastery, the icon of Virgin Mary, mostly honorable by all the people of the area, is kept. All the monasteries are of archeological, historical and artistic interest, they are accessible (the one in Flamouri only by men) and information is offered by the Holy Bishopric of Dimitriada at 24210 47501 and 24210 47593 phone numbers. Every village, every valley, every slope in Pelion is crowned by its church. Beautiful basilicas with narthices, rich inside deco- ration, with unique temples gather the faithfull and the beauty hunters. In Zagora, every church is an artistic monument, with wood caved temples, with portable meta-Byzantine icons, with valuable holy articles. In Kissos the temple of Santa Marina (second and third picture on the right) is unique. In Milies the Holy Archangels church in the village centre possesses a valuable temple and 18th century icons, that have been restored lately. Famous temples can be found also in the Holy Cross church of Anemoutsa in Agria, in St. Demetrios church in Saint Lavredios village, in the Holy Archangels church in Tsagarada, in the Holy Trinity in Mouressi, in Saint Demetrios church in Makrinitsa, to Episkopi and to the Holy Trinity church in Ano Volos is worthy for somebody to remain ecstatic in front of the magnificent Byzantine sculptures of the ancient monastery of Acute Visitation, as well as to Santa Marina in Kissos and to Saint Demetrios in Neohori to enjoy the Pagonis wall paintings. Additionally one can visit the Virgin Mary chapel in Portaria, built in 1273. All these sites provide opportunities for spiritual and psychical uplift, at the same time self-isolation and meditation, wonderful views and calmness. ===Modern era=== The modern Magnesian capital is the city of [[Volos]], and the homonymous [[Prefectures of Greece|prefecture]] includes the [[Almyros]] plain, [[Nea Anchialos]] archaeological excavations, the Pagasetic Gulf, the [[Pelion|Mount Pelion]] peninsula and the Northern [[Sporades]] islands. The prefecture was flooded on [[October 10]] [[2006]], one of the prefecture's worst recorded floods. The flood devastated crops and groves and nearly 100,000 homes. The city of Volos was flooded. A railroad bridge connecting Volos and Larissa collapsed when the central stone support was ruined by a combination of rocks, mud and debris carried by a swollen river. Several mudslides were reported. ==Municipalities and communities== {| class="wikitable" ! Municipality !! YPES code !! Seat (if different)!! Postal code !! Area code |- | [[Afetes]] || 3708 || [[Neochori (Magnesia), Greece|Neochori]] || 370 10 || 24230- |- | [[Agria]] || 3701 || || 373 00 || 24280- |- | [[Aisonia]] || 3702 || [[Dimini]] || 385 00 || 24210 |- | [[Almyros]] || 3703 || || 371 00 || 24220- |- | [[Alonissos|Alonnisos]] || 3704 || || 370 05 || 24240- |- | [[Argalasti]] || 3706 || || 370 06 || 24230- |- | [[Artemida, Magnesia|Artemida]] || 3707 || [[Ano Lechonia]] || 385 00 || 24280- |- | [[Feres, Magnesia|Feres]] || 3726 || [[Velestino]] || 375 00 || 24250- |- | [[Iolcos|Iolkos]] || 3711 || || 385 00 || 24210- |- | [[Karla, Greece|Karla]] || 3712 || [[Stefanovikio|Stefanovikeio]] || 375 00 || 24250- |- | [[Milies]] || 3715 |||| 370 10 || 24230- |- | [[Mouresi]] || 3716 || [[Tsagkarada]] || 370 12 || 24260- |- | [[Nea Anchialos]] || 3717 || || 374 00 || 24280- |- | [[Nea Ionia, Magnesia|Nea Ionia]] || 3718 || || 383 & 384 || 24210 |- | [[Portaria]] || 3719 || || 370 11 || 24280- |- | [[Pteleos]] || 3720 || || 370 07 || 24220- |- | [[Sipiada]] || 3721 || [[Lafkos]] || 370 06 || 24230- |- | [[Skiathos]] || 3722 || || 370 03 || 24240- |- | [[Skopelos]] || 3723 || || 370 03 || 24240- |- | [[Sourpi]] || 3724 || || 370 08 || 24220- |- | [[Volos]] || 3709 || || 380-382 || 24210 |- | [[Zagora, Greece|Zagora]] || 3710 || || 370 01 || 24260- |- ! Community !! YPES code !! Seat (if different)!! Postal code !! Area code |- | [[Anavra]] || 3705 || || 350 10 || 22320-9 |- | [[Keramidi]] || 3713 || || 385 00 || 24280-7 |- | [[Makrinitsa]] || 3714 || || 370 11 || 24280-99 |- | [[Trikeri]] || 3725 || || 370 09 || 24230-91 |} ===Former communities=== *[[Agios Georgios Nileias]] *[[Agios Vlassios (Magnesia), Greece|Agios Vlassios]] *[[Ano Lechonia]] *[[Pinakates]] See also: [[List of settlements in the Magnesia prefecture]] ==Archaeological sites== *[[Pagasae]] *[[Iolcus]] *[[Demetrias]] *[[Nea Anchialos]] ==Media== [http://www.trttv.com/ TRT TV] [http://www.astratv.gr/ ASTRA TELEVISION] ==Transport== *[[Greek National Road 1]]/[[E75]], SW, W, NW *[[Greek National Road 6]], Cen., NW *[[Greek National Road 30]], W, Cen. ===History=== The first paved roads appeared in the 20th century as part of the program to have all city streets paved. The prefecture was to be linked with the railway in the late-19th century. In 1964, the GR-1 superhighway was opened to traffic and also additional roads were to be paved. The secondary ones were paved in the 1960s and the tertiary ones were paved in the late-20th century. The [[prefecture]] is directly linked to the rest of [[Europe]] through [[International Airport of Central Greece]], located in [[Nea Anchialos]] in a small distance from Volos. Until today charter flights links the region and brings tourists to the wider area, mainly in [[Pelion]] and [[Meteora]]. The new infrastructure includes a brand new terminal ready to serve 1500 passengers per hour and new airlanes. ==Persons== *[[Jason]], ancient hero *[[Peleus]], ancient hero *[[Rigas Feraios]], the first [[Greeks|Greek]] revolutionary and poet, national hero *[[Giorgio de Chirico]], (1888-1978) *[[Anthimos Gazis]], (died 1828) *[[Alexandros Papadiamantis]], (1851)-(1911) *[[Theophilos]], artist, (1871)-(1934) *[[Sofia Vembo]], (1910-1978), musician, artist *[[Tzimis Armaos]], (Volos--[[Athens]]1999), world champion wrestler *[[Vangelis Papathanassiou|Vangelis]], composer, born 1943 *[[Phaidon Gizikis]] ([[June 13]], [[1917]] - [[July 17]], [[1999]] in Athens), Greek politician *[[Laurentis Macheritsas]], composer, musician *[[Paraskevi Tsiamita]], 1st World Champion 1999, Seville, Spain, [[triple jump]] *Olga Vasdeki, 3rd World Champion 1999, Seville, Spain, [[triple jump]] *Vasilis Polimeros, 3rd Olympic Champion 2004, Athens Greece, [[Rowing (sport)|sculling]] *Nikos Skiathitis, 3rd Olympic Champion 2004, Athens Greece, [[sculling]] *[[Lavrentis Dianellos]], a [[List of Greeks|Greek actor]] ==See also== *[[List of traditional Greek place names]] ==Notes== {{reflist}} ==References== *Hesiod (probably), "Eoiae" or "[[Catalogue of Women]]", c.650 BC. *ANEM Tourist authority of Magnesia ==External links== *[http://www.magnesia.gr Homepage of the Magnesia prefecture] *[http://www.neaaghialos.com Nea Anchialos Municipality] *[http://www.cs.purdue.edu/homes/enh/PILIONWWW/pages/magnesia.html History of Magnesia] *{{CathEncy|wstitle=Magnesia}} {{Thessaly}} [[Category:Magnesia|*]] [[Category:Prefectures of Greece]] [[Category:Titular sees in Europe]] [[ca:Magnèsia (Tessàlia)]] [[de:Magnisia]] [[el:Νομός Μαγνησίας]] [[es:Prefectura de Magnesia]] [[eo:Magnisio]] [[fr:Nome de Magnésie]] [[ko:마그네시아]] [[it:Magnesia (Grecia)]] [[la:Magnesia (nomus Graeciae)]] [[nl:Magnesia (departement)]] [[ja:マグネシア]] [[nn:Magnisía]] [[pl:Magnezja (Grecja)]] [[pt:Magnésia]] [[ro:Prefectura Magnesia]] [[ru:Магнисия]] [[simple:Magnesia]] [[sr:Префектура Магнезија]] [[sv:Magnesien]] [[tr:Magnezya]]