Prefecture of Magnesia

The prefecture of Magnesia covering an area of 2,636 square kilometres is an ideal destination for both summer and winter vacations. The coastal and beauty of the scenery, in combination with the several archaeological sights make Magnesia an appealing region. At the coastal villages you will be able to take pleasure in swimming, sunbathing and a number of water sports in the summer months, while during winter time, in the mountainous villages and on Mt. Pelion, you will have the chance to enjoy hill-walking, skiing.

History

Archaeologists have unearthed Neolithic artefacts from various sites around the prefecture, which give evidence that Magnesia was one of the first regions in Greece. The remains of ancient cities around the modern day city of Volos also prove the importance of the region during Mycenaean times. From the port of Volos, Jason and the Argonauts set sail on their epic voyage in search of the “Golden Fleece”.

Homer also mentions that many of the cities of the region took part in the Trojan War, these cities fell into decline at the end of the 4th century BC, and the region lost its importance. However, during the 5th century BC many of the cities near and along the Pagasitic Gulf, once again grew in importance.

During the Turkish invasion of Greece, the region became the cradle for the resistance movement for the Greek nation; in the city of Milies, the freedom fighters hoisted the Greek flag to mark the start of the revolution to free the country of the Turkish invaders. In 1881, the region became part of Greece.