A short walk through Ano Lechonia is enough to transport visitors back in time, revealing the village's historical wealth and enduring charm. As we begin our walk today, we’re greeted by the stunning views of the bay, the lush, fertile land brimming with fruit trees, and a pleasant climate that makes this area a true gem of Pelion. But beyond its natural beauty, Ano Lechonia is a village steeped in generosity, a spirit reflected in the numerous benefactions its residents have made to institutions like the Great Meteoro, the Benaki Museum, the Gennadeios Library, and the City Library of Volos.
The village preserves architectural styles from various phases of Pelion's history. One of the most famous structures from the last architectural phase is the Kontos Mansion, known locally as the "haunted" house. We encounter this imposing mansion at 5:30, a building that has fueled the imaginations of many local teenagers with ghostly tales and urban legends. According to lore, the mansion became haunted after the tragic death of the Kontos family's children, who were allegedly poisoned by a lizard that fell into their milk jug.
The mansion, with its grand neoclassical design, was built in 1900 for Russian ambassador Nikolas Kontos, who lived there with his wife and four children. During World War II, the mansion was occupied by Nazi forces and repurposed as a headquarters, where Greek resistance fighters were interrogated and tortured. The basement of this grand building holds dark memories, as many were executed there.
Continuing our walk, we arrive at the Ano Lechonia train station at 14:50, a historic stop on the Pelion railway designed by Evaristo de Chirico. Remarkably, it’s one of the narrowest railway lines in the world, with a track width of just 60 centimeters (just under 2 feet).
As we move upward through the village, we encounter beautiful examples of both older and newer architecture, including impressive local mansions. Our walk brings us to the central square of Ano Lechonia at 27:00, where we find the Agios Athanasios church. This church, built between 1920 and 1930, stands on the site of an older Byzantine church dedicated to Saint George.
We conclude our walk by returning to the main road, having soaked in the rich history and tranquil beauty of Ano Lechonia.
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In this video:
Ano Lechonia walking tour
Ano Lechonia Pelion
Ano Lechonia village walk
Ano Lechonia Train Station
The Pelion Train
Agios Athanasios church in Ano Lechonia
Summer in Pelion
Hidden gems of Pelion
Current views of Ano Lechonia
Pelion virtual tour
Exploring Pelion on foot
First-person walk in Pelion
Best walking tour of Pelion
Greece walking tours
Details:
Recorded: August 2024, Tuesday afternoon
Weather: Sunny, 34°C/93°F
Route Distance: 2 km / 1.2 miles walked
Route Map: maps.app.goo.g...
Note: The map is indicative only, as Google Maps does not allow precise route mapping for pedestrian paths.
Legal Notice:
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10 сен 2024
