About the village
Although not being one of the most known villages of Pelion, Agios Georgios Nileias will surprisingly impress any visitor. It is a small but nevertheless beautiful and one of the richest head villages of Pelion. Houses are built amphitheatrically along a forested side of the mountain with undistracted views towards the Pagasetic Sea. Also, it is the highest village of Pelion built at an altitude of 620m and with some houses reaching even 700m, always assuming that Chania is not officially a village but a settlement.
Its large history starts during the 15th century after being built by shepherds. It is said that a portrayal of Agios Georgios (Saint George) was found at a bush and that was the reason to build a church with the same name and around it the village, developed. It faced great economic growth from the late 19th century till the Second World War from olive and apple production and trade and from currency that was reinserted by villagers living in Egypt. The name “Nileias”, which defines the location was attributed after the liberation of Thessaly and belonged to the new municipality of Nileias however it was dissolved in 1914.
The green areas and lush vegetation around the village, consisting of beech, chestnut, plane, apple, cherry and olive trees, the crystal waters, the fountains, the many streams, paths and nature trails leading to forests and surrounding areas and the well preserved houses of traditional architecture look like they have come out of a fairy tale.
Walking around the village, you will discover many sights worth visiting. One of them is the magnificent stone church of Agios Georgios, which has also named the village. The church that stands today (the third consecutive temple at the same place) was built in 1974; its roof is covered with slates and has a great stone bell tower clock and about 50 old stone reliefs. At the basement of the church operates a very remarkable ecclesiastical museum where you can see a large collection of old religious artifacts and relics. Outside of the church you will find a memorial monument, dedicated to war heroes, which is curated by sculptor Nicholas Pavlopoulos, and also a wonderful playground with wooden toys.
If you are a fan of religious monuments don’t limit your visit to Agios Georgios. In and around the village are several interesting churches such as the monastery of Taxiarches build in 1309 and operating today as a nunnery. Inside this temple exists a museum, with religious relics, religious paintings from the 16th century and a chalice from 1490. Do not miss visiting the church of Agios Athanasios build by Dimos Zapaniotis in 1795 that has a very interesting wood carved temple from the 18th century, the church of Koimisi tis Theotokou (The Assumption) of 1744 and finally the monastery of the Agias Triados (Holy Trinity)
Agios Georgios is a typical Pelion village, so the renowned mansions are present here as well. Within the village, lots of old mansions exist, such as the Ioannidis mansion of 1888 that is marked as a work of art, Derelis house and Tzortzis. All mansions have handsomely decorated interiors with painted ceilings and walls.
In the village square there are traditional taverns where you can taste local dishes and also a marble fountain with a lion head to quench your thirst. Across the square we found the Art Museum of sculptor Nikolas, which welcomes you with a bronze statue of the sculptor in its courtyard. At the museum you will have the opportunity to admire the large art collection and the most representative works of the local sculptor Nickolas Pavlopoulos, which includes sculptures and engravings of his works from various periods.
Have a walk thought the outdoor theater “Aloni” with its stone terraces, located just outside the village on the old threshing floor. Founded in 1995 it aims to contribute in the cultural development of Pelion, every summer theatrical plays and concerts are organized.
While based in Agios Georgios, you can visit the nearby villages Pinakates, Vizitsa and Milies that are situated to the east in the road after or Agios Vlasios, Lechonia and Kato Gatzea, that are situated in the road towards the village.
If you’re a fan of alternative tourism, Agios Georgios offers many activities. Hiking in the woods in unexplored kalderimi paths and trails is the best anyone can experience. From there four signed trails begin. Also try horse riding and mountain biking in the village's roads and keep in mind that you can enjoy swimming in Kato Gatzea, in Sikia and in Malaki that are located close to Agios Georgios.
