Transcript SIGHTSEEING TOUR IN LARISSA •During the first partner meeting , we the Greek team proposed visiting and touring the following places because we.

SIGHTSEEING TOUR IN LARISSA
•During the first partner meeting , we the Greek
team proposed visiting and touring the following
places because we believe that they are
representative cases of the time and the way of
housing in the region of Thessaly and especially
in the town Larissa. On the 1st day of the meeting
during a tour, teachers were guided by the
professor Mrs. Victoria Dimitriou visiting the
following monuments
. Yeni Mosque
•Yeni Mosque is located in 31 Avgustu Street next to the Square Mplanas. His founder and his exact chronology of its construction are unknown. According to the architecture of building and to its
neoclassic decorative elements, it is dated around 19th century. It is the newest of the mosques that existed in Larissa during the period of Ottoman possession ([Yeni] = means new). It was used to
be a place of praying for the Muslim community until the year 1924; when exchange of populations started. From 1939 until 1941, Yeni Mosque hosts a small archaeological collection and the
library of municipality. The archaeological collection has been looted partially during the years 1941-44. The building suffered damages from the earthquakes of years 1941, 1955 and 1957. It was
repaired off-handedly and it was decided to be transformed into an archaeological museum. The earthquakes of 1980 caused once more damages in the building. From 1983 – after the above
repairs until today, it is accommodated in this, the Archaeological Museum of Larissa .
• Early Byzantine Public Baths
•Early Byzantine Public Baths have been revealed in various locations at the historical
centre of city. Entire complexes have been preserved in a very good condition at the
Square Mplanas and at the Square Lamproulis.
•The bath at Square Mplanas is constituted by three single spaces and it is dated at
5th century A.D. Its size and its adjacency with the Basilica at Kiprou Street
encourages its cross-correlation with the ecclesiastical architectural complex of the
Basilica. It is speculated that it ceased its functions afterwards it was constructed the
Early Byzantine fortification.
•The bath at Square Lamproulis is found north-easternly to the Basilica of Saint
Achillios and it is likely to be included under the wider architectonic complex of
buildings which is related with Basilica. It is a small bath with two single spaces and it’s
dated at 6th century
•A’ Ancient Theatre of Larissa
•A highly notable and large theatre on Greek ground, the First Ancient Theatre of Larissa was built on the slope of Frourio
hill (or 'Fortress' hill), at the fortified citadel of the ancient city. The excavations for the revelation of A Ancient Theatre started
at 1910; (under the coordination of Ephor of Antiquities Apostolos Arvanitopoulos), they were continued in 1968, while from
1977, XV Prehistoric and Classic Antiquities Public Curating Service of Larissa made a systematic effort. The upper part of
the theatre was very little visible until the mid nineteenth century. Sightseer Ussing who visited, Ottoman- occupied, Larissa
in 1846 and in 1857 described only its row of seats. The ancient monument came to light after continuous expropriations.
Unfortunately, other commercial buildings around it (home, shops, and laboratories) left their marks to the main body of the
theatre, as it was revealed afterwards.
•A’ Ancient Theatre of Larissa was built during the years of sovereignty of king of Greek city- State Macedonia, Antigonos
Gonatas (first half of 3rd century B.C.). It appears to follow the example of Dionysian Theatre of Athens. That’s why; it was
constructed in distance from the Ancient Market but with an orientation to it. According to archaeological discoveries,
Ancient Market is placed roughly in the extent of current squares, «Kentriki» and «Taxidromiou».
•d. Early Byzantine Basilica at the Hill Frourio
•It is a three nave basilica temple dedicated to Saint Achillios; we lead to such a conclusion after studying epigraphic testimonies. It
was built the 6th century A.D. on the top of Saint’s grave. It is maintained in the level of foundations and it is adorned with mosaic
floorings at the splint. The grave of Saint can be identified with the cupola- covered grave of the northerner nave, that brings painting
decorations with crosses. The temple was repaired in the Main Byzantine period after it served as the Bishopric Church of Larissa and
part of it was used as cemetery, as well as, the same function had an extensive space in Eastern. At the surrounding area, excavations
revealed parts of temple, as it is known; basilicas were surrounded by residences, deposits, baths, and charitable institutions. In the
dues of 15th century, when Ottomans built Bezesten, north to the temple, they granted to Christians other spaces to serve their
religious needs and thus the temple it was moved westwards.
. Bezesten
The Larissa's Bezesten dominates with its presence in the hill of ancient acropolis, in the current position «Hill of Frourion».
It was a big covered market, that was built by the Ottoman, at the end of 15th- beginning of 16th century. The older known indication
for its existence is documented by the public Turkish report TD 36 (1506), where it is mentioned as one of the most important
donations and properties of Gazi Omer Bey. Larissa Bezesten served, since then, and for three roughly centuries, as the more vital
department of market – a real genuine centre of economic activity- with many professional guilds; while around it, it was organised
the commercial department of city, with the Çarşı and the Bazaar. Evliya Çelebi who visited Larissa around 1668 admired Bezesten;
he describes the excellent brickwork of Bezesten and the security that provided to merchants and their goodies, he wrote
characteristically:
«In the heart of the city it is located a bezesten, it looks like a fortress, built of stone and roofed with lead, with heavy iron gates. In
that covered market, rich merchants sold their particular specialities. Moreover, inside bezesten 21 shops were hosted. All of them
are covered by bricks».
Today only the peripheral walls of the Bezesten are still visible. The only gate that is open today is that from the south. Temporarily,
Bezesten hosts a byzantine collection of exhibits which it will move very soon on the New Diachronic Museum of Larissa.