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Europe for Citizens Programme, action 1, measure 1.1
Municipality of Amfikleia - Elateia
General Description
The new Municipality of Amfikleia – Elateia is situated in the Regional Unity (Prefecture) of Fthiotis. The Municipality belongs to the Region of Central Greece, 50km far from the region capital, Lamia, and 170km far from Athens. The municipality is accessed by car, through the national road network, either by train through the national rail line and the Station of Tithorea. The city of Amfikleia is situated to the foothills of Mount Parnassus, and especially the hillside named “Plai”.
The new Municipality, as it emerged after the implementation of the Project “Kallikratis”, consists of the below three Municipal Units:
Municipal Unit of Amfikleia
Municipal Unit of Elateia
Municipal Unit of Tithorea
The overall population of the Municipality, whose seat is in Kato Tithorea, amounts to 10.940 habitants (2011 National Cencus), with a total area of 533.269 acres.
Brief History
Amfikleia is the third and newer name of the homonymous city, before receiving the name Dadi, during the Middle Ages. Probably the word Amfikleia is the female correspondent of Amfiklos and Amfiklis, since the name Amfikleia exists as a female name. The first part of the word “amfi” means around, and the second part means derives from the word “kleos” which means glory, fame, beauty. Therefore, the toponym Amfikleia means the famous, prestigious and glorious city.
The city of Elateia is the first site, where the wayfarer begins his tour to the area of Locris and its ancient times. Elateia is a modern town with interesting historical and religious monuments, enchanting the visitors of all seasons.
The town of Tithorea began its long history since 2000BC. The first name of the town Tithora – Tithoraia has gradually been mutated to Tithorea, owes his name to the homonym peak of Parnassus, according to Pausanias. It has been one of the most important Phocean cities, which dominated for decades on the valley of Kifissos. During the Byzantine Period, Tithorea has been an important commercial and administrative centre with many Christian churches.
Tourism
The traditional settlement of Amfikleia, which is situated to the upper square of the town, has many beautiful mansions and stone-made houses, many stone alleys and old but well preserved stone-made, public fountains, almost each in every neighborhood.
The ancient acropolis of Amfikleia is situated to the current cemetery. Further up the mountain there is the medieval church of Agios Ioannis, near the scout camps, about 9 - 10km from Amfikleia, inside a green scenery of fir and pine. Nearby there is the gorge of “Barsamo”, which shows strong echo phenomena.
Parnassus is one of the most beautiful mountains of Greece, full of trees with dense vegetation and rare natural beauty that charms the visitor. The period from December until May, in altitude 1.600-2.250m (site Kelaria and site Fterolakka) is placed the Parnassus Ski Center, the largest and most organized ski center of the country, 17km far from Amfikleia. The major part of Parnassus consists a protected area with rare species of fauna and flora.
Mount Oiti is one of the biggest mountains of Roumeli, lying on the verge of the regional units of Fthiotis and Fokida. The area of Oiti is proclaimed National Park, area Natura (GR2440007), and is arguably the most beautiful IN Greece. The fauna and flora of Oiti is particularly rich, including widespread species.
The monumental carved, chambered tombs of Elateia and the greater region with multiple burials and rich grave goods, give the signal of the late phases of the Mycenaean Civilization and the Early Iron Age. On the Acropolis of ancient Elateia and the space around it, are visible the scattered remains of the buildings and the ancient city.
In the town Modi of Tithorea there is the ancient Quarry. It is placed in Maliorouka of Modi, it is a monument of ancient construction and mining technology, which perfectly preserved traces of the tools by which the stones were broken. In the area of Tithorea there is also the cave of Odysseas Androutsos. The hero of the Revolution of 1821 erected here his “headquarters”, in the homonymous cave. The olive oil of Modi is famous from the Roman times, when it was in the oil supply to ancient Rome.
CULTURE
The Municipality of Amfikleia – Elateia preserves all the traditions of region Roumeli, as the “lakkoi” at Easter, the feast of the Ascension (feast of the farmers) and the traditional Christmas. Noteworthy are the Halloween (Apokries) in Amfikleia by lighting huge bonfires and parade of masquerades. Unique nationwide is the feast of bread, which is organized by the Folk Dance Association of Amfikleia every two years.
Bread Museum. The unique Bread Museum in Greece and one of five across the Europe. Inside the museum you can see:
The history and the different types of bread
The preparation cycle of bread
The integration of bread in daily life
The traditions around bread
The largest collection of bread
Authentic exhibits, witnesses of the cultural heritage
Thematic exhibitions
Folklore Museum and Museum of Occupations. Inside the same space that is situated the folk club of Amfikleia, it is also placed the Museum of Occupations, a rich collection of objects and tools from the past, some of which were lost in time. Most of the exhibits are a donation of the inhabitants of Amfikleia.
In early June two day events are taking place in Tithorea, in memory of the death of Odysseas Androutsos.
LOCAL PRODUCTS
Olives – Olive oil
Chickpeas - Beans
Honey
Forage products
Bakery products (bobota, ftalia, ladopsomo, proventes, kouloures)
AREAS OF INTEREST
Local products
Winter Tourism
Alternative Tourism (hiking, gliders, religious tourism)
Tourist Development of the traditional settlement of Amfikleia
Tourist Development of Tithorea
Environment
City Website
http://www.dimos-amfiklias-elatias.gr
Further Information:
fthanap@otenet.gr
Ms Bania Ellie
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Best regards,
Slovenian Information Office for Europe for Citizens Programme
www.ezd.si |
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