About the village
Ano (Upper) Gatzea is a scenic settlement of central Pelion, built at an altitude of 100m and surrounded by olive grooves. It’s a charming place ideal for walks and for reaching out nearby villages.
Start your walk from the outstanding church of Euagelistrias, a three aisled basilica of 1933 with an exceptional interior. Continue your visit to the village’s old railway station and walk along the rail where the famous Pelion train Moutzouris travels. On the village outskirts, you will find the three bridges from where the train passes constructed by the Italian mechanic, Evaristo De Chirico.
At only 2.5 km from the village, you will find the impressive monastery of Agia Triada (Holy Trinity), near the homonymous settlement. It is build on top of a hill full of olive trees at an altitude of 240m and with great view towards the Pagasetic Sea. It dates from 1816, belonging to the Mount Athos monastery of Megistis Lauras, and currently operates as a male monastery. The fact that the monastery is walled and has a tower on its north side makes it look like a castle, however its impressive characteristic is the big cross standing 12m tall and is clearly seen from sea level. The church inside is dedicated to Agia Triada and the monastery celebrates on Whit Monday. Within the monastery are three chapels: Agios Athanasios, Panagias (Virgin Mary) and Agion Myroforon.
Before leaving the village, visit the Olive Museum, located in a stone building near the railway station square. There you will have the chance to see various items and tools used for the collection, process and trade of olives that central Pelion is famous for.
