About the village
The region of Anakasia has strong elements of Pelion, it is situated west, before Ano (Upper) Volos, built at the foot of Pelion. Volos is only 5km away and nearby are the villages of Portaria and Makrinitsa. It is the seat of the Iolkos municipality that consists of other nearby regions worth visiting, Agios Onoufrios and Ano Volos.
The first villagers were Christian refugees from Demitriada during the 15th century. Regarding the origin of the name, many different versions appear over times. For example one version states that it derives from Akastos, son of Pelias,king of Iolkos. Another version states that the name came from the word “anakathisia” which means “High grounds where new settlers came” and a third version states that the “anagkasia (obligatory)” was the word responsible for the village, because during the Ottoman period, people of that region were obliged to pass from the village to pay taxes.
It may, therefore, be some disagreements about the name origin, however everyone agrees that Anakasia maintains a strong Pelion personality. Old mansions, cobbled paths, stone fountains and springs, place it among the most picturesque villages of Pelion.
The main attraction of the village is certainly, Theophilos museum, housed in the Kontos mansion, northeast of the central square. There you can admire the art of Theofilos Xatzimichail, from Mytilini. The walls of the mansion that serves as the museum since 1981 will enchant you with its wonderful murals themes taken from the Greek revolution, tradition and the ancient world. Among the paintings of the museum are motifs of flowers, birds and hunting scenes, heroes of 1821, ancient Gods and landscapes of Volos.
Another equally important attraction in Anakasia is the church of Agios Ioannis (Saint John the Baptist), which is the Cathedral of Iolkos. The history of the church is quite long, with many unpleasant moments since it was burned several times by the Ottomans and was rebuild again after every fire. It stands however proud and imposing, impressing at every glance. It is a three aisled basilica without a dome distinguished by the great murals, the large icons and the magnificent bell tower.
Just outside of the village is the church of Koimiseos Tis Theotokou (The Assumption) in the pine-covered hills of Episkopi. It is a Byzantine monastery, build in 1639, with paintings of the 18th century and was once the Episcope of Volos. From this hill you can enjoy beautiful views and get refreshed with pure clean air.
A walk in the nearby settlement of Agios Onoufrios is essential if you are in Anakasia. Pass through the Zafiriou mansion, build around 1895 and houses the municipal art gallery. Also in one of the banks of Krausidona river, admire the charming chapel of Agios Nikolakis ton Kremasto (St. Nickolas the hanging) which literally hangs above the riverbank, perched on a cliff.
Very close to the chapel of Agios Nikolakis, are the traditional Dristelles, (carpet cleaners) where you can watch the traditional process of washing.
In Ano Volos, go for a walk to the church of Eisodeion Tis Theotokou (Virgin Mary) where you will enjoy the magnificent view towards Volos and the Pagasetic Sea, and also from the church of Agia Triada (Holy Trinity)
If you get tired from your excursions have a resting stop at one of the squares at Krausidona, Anakasia, Agios Onoufrios or Agia Triada and enjoy your coffee or meal under the shady plane trees.
At the end of every August, in the square of Anakasia a traditional festival is held celebrating Timios Ioannis Prodromou (John the Baptist). At the festival many people attend, while other cultural events are being organized at the same time.
