Historic squares, churches and stone-paved lanes are at the heart of Makrinítsa’s townscape. As you plan your stay, you can discover different facets of the town: the fountains along the paths, the architectural history of its churches, and traces of older trading and craft traditions. The landscape around Mega Rema adds another distinctive touch.
Squares, Fountains and Churches
Makrinítsa’s central square is known as “Bazaar.” It is home to a fountain called “Lions.” Brani is another square at the entrance to the town. West of the square stands the Church of Saint John, built in 1806 and richly decorated with stone reliefs. East of the main square is the Church of the Virgin Mary, whose construction dates to 1767.
The Church of Saint Athanasios also dates from 1792. The Church of Saint Magdalene is in the Koukourava district and was built in 1802. These dates place the buildings in their historical context, while their locations in squares and named districts help visitors find their way.
Local History and Koukourava
The original settlement of Makrinítsa was established in the early 13th century around the Monastery of Theotokos Oxeias Episkepseos, also known as Makrinitissis. The monastery no longer exists. Makrinítsa flourished later, in the 18th and 19th centuries, thanks to trade and tanning. The Vaitzi Mansion in the Koukourava district dates from 1761.
Koukourava is the lower district of Makrinítsa. The Skoteiniotis Tower and the water-powered Dristela mill are located there. The district also has ruined tanneries, which flourished in the 19th century. The ruins of the tanneries in Makrinítsa indicate that they remained in operation until the late 1950s. These structures connect the town’s built heritage with its recorded history of trade and crafts.
Customs and Museums
The Mayides procession follows Makrinítsa’s paved paths to the central square. Singing, dancing, drums and zournas music accompany the custom. In 2022, it was added to Greece’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The Mayides tradition is therefore a distinct cultural highlight alongside the churches and historic buildings.
The collection of the Museum of Folk Art and History of Pelion includes folk murals from Pelion mansions dating from the 18th and 19th centuries, household items, equipment for distilling tsipouro, icons, engravings and small objects of ecclesiastical art. It also includes traditional Pelion costumes and tools for spinning and weaving. The museum is currently closed for roof repairs; check for a possible reopening before planning a visit. The Byzantine Museum offers educational programmes for students. For the latest information on the availability of these programmes, it is best to contact the museum directly.
Walks and Landscape
The traditional stone-paved lanes are ideal for walks. More than 50 fountains line the paved paths and serve as stopping points for walkers. The fountains, as well as the squares, shape the character of the lanes. Mega Rema is a particularly beautiful gorge in Makrinítsa, with a well-preserved bridge in the area.
For orientation, Makrinítsa is 17 kilometres from Volos and 12 kilometres from the Pelion Ski Centre. These distances provide two reference points for the town’s location without specifying a particular route or travel time.
Discover more destinations: Almyros, Agios Lavrentios, Tsangarádha, Notio Pilio, Liri, Kalamos, Velestinion, Xorychti.
For the broader travel overview: Magnesia.
