KARDITSA

GENERAL INFORMATION

The prefecture of Karditsa covers the Southwestern part of Thessaly. It has approximately 130000 inhabitants, about a quarter of which reside within the capital city of Karditsa, built on the banks of the river Pinios. This region is characterized by high, steep mountains and cliffsides, which gradually descend to the vast plain of Thessaly where some of the finest cotton in the world is grown.

HISTORY-CULTURE

The fertile plains of the region were quick to attract settlers, and thus far archaeological findings have proven that civilization in this land began as early as 6000 BC. An ancient Greek tribe, the Aeoleans, flourished here for millennia. Their capital of Arni survived well into historical times, and was a significant city all through the course of the 4th century BC. Alas, by this time, the main body of the Aoleans had either been driven South ?a large faction called the Boeotians gave their name to the prefecture of Boeotia (Viotia)- or had been incorporated by the Thessalians, who had taken over the region since 1000 BC, and their own capital of Kierion gradually moved into the spotlight. As the military and political power of Greece diminished after long centuries of bitter civil strife, Karditsa suffered heavily from many foreigners. This began during the period of the Roman conquest, when it paid a high price in blood for its fierce resistance against the advancing Roman legions. The Greek rulers of Byzantium could do little to protect the fertile region from successive barbarian raids, which desolated the land and drove the populace to the highlands, far from the defenseless plains. Turks followed, and it was their oppressive rule which led to the Greek revolt in 1821, which gradually liberated most the nation. Karditsa had to wait until a second revolt in 1881 to finally reunite with Greece.      

SIGHTS

There is a multitude of archaeological sights spread all over the region, ranging from the depths of the Prehistoric era and following the course through classical antiquity and the middle ages to reach the relics of the past three centuries. More than 20 Neolithic settlements can be seen within the vicinity of the town of Palamas alone, while the sites of Arni, Asterion, and Limnaeon are primary among the many representatives of the classical period. The well-preserved Byzantine castle of Fanari and a large number of churches and monasteries, most rich in works of ecclesiastical art and often holding invaluable collections of books and exhibitive items, provide a vivid image of the middle ages. And if the work of man has been wondrous in the fields of history and culture, in Karditsa it has also been so with nature. Few works of man have created such a beautiful landscape of natural environment as is the lake of Tavropos (or Plastiras), the result of the dam built here in the 1950s. The scenery is complemented by picturesque stone bridges arching over countless rivers and streams, imposing mountains with dense forests, and tranquil valleys which gradually subside to the great plain of Thessaly. 

ENTERTAINMENT-SPORTS-SHOPPING

The city of Karditsa is a vivid urban center with exciting nightlife, full accommodations, cafes, taverns, and an interesting market. Similar facilities can be found in the towns of Palamas and Sofades, while the highland villages, especially those around the lake Plastiras, offer traditionally built rooms for rent and delicious food in the local taverns. Sporting facilities are many and of impressive diversity, encompassing any such activity that can take place on land. So, although Karditsa holds a just fame for relaxing vacations, those who seek excitement will be more than satisfied.  

ACCESS

Buses and trains arrive daily in Karditsa. Bus routes come directly from Athens and Thessaloniki, while the train comes from Volos. 

CONNECTIONS

The bus network connects the city of Karditsa with every major location within the Greek mainland. A well-developed road network facilitates movement by automobile.  

MUSEUMS

Karditsa offers an interesting folk art museum and a communal library, while another folk art museum with a collection of rich cultural content can be seen in Kanalia. Rentina hosts an ecclesiastical and a national resistance museum, and the museum in Anthiros holds a collection of diverse content, including items of ecclesiastical, historical, and cultural interest.   

ALTERNATIVE TOURISM

Canyoning, caving, archaeology, agrotourism, ecotourism, therapeutic, spiritual, gastronomy, sporting (canoe-kayak, trekking, horse riding, mountain bike, mountain climbing, parapente, adventuring, ski, snowboard). 

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS:

KARDITSA AREA CODE:  24410-

POLICE STATION: 24410-21777, 21502

MUNICIPALITY: 24410-71514, 71521, 24413-50700

TELECOMMUNICATIONS ORG.: 24410-91326, 71199, 71999

POST OFFICE: 24410-22701, 21567

TAXI STATION: 24410-23839, 21740

RADIO TAXI: 24410-73001-3

HOSPITAL: 24410-65555, 41836

BUS STATION: 24410-21411

RAILWAY STATION: 24410-21402

TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICE : 24410-42563