Kamena Vourla – Thermopylae – Holy Monastery of Damastas
The seaside town is located in the Malia Gulf and belongs to the Municipality of Molo - Agios Konstantinos, N. Fthiotidas. Known for its thermal waters, it was a famous resort during the decade 1960 -70.
It is worth visiting for the following :
- FOR BATHING ON THE BEACH
The beach in front of the "Galini" hotel is awarded the Blue Flag every year. She is organized, with fine pebbles, shallow waters, full of restaurants, cafe and beach bar.
It's worth going through "Ekmek of Kyra Iota» to try the famous Ekmek and the vegetable pie. It is located on the coastal road and is a "meeting point" as it remains open all year round (Ger. Vasiliadis 57).
- FOR THERMAL BATHS & SPA
The Thermal Springs of Kameni Vourla are considered among the most important in Europe. They became known 1926 when the chemist Michael Pertesis he discovered that the radon they contain is far superior to other European hot springs. Their exploitation began in the decade 1930.
The thermal springs are indicated for rheumatological diseases, dermatological, gynecological, kidney etc. The water temperature varies between 35-36the C (all year round) and the thermal water is not potable.
The hotel Mitsis Galini Wellness Spa & Resort, 5*, offers its facilities for thermal baths and spa exploiting the Thermal Springs of Kameni Vourla.
The hotel has 3.500 m2 spa facilities and is considered the largest in the Balkans (operating period from 24 February – 31 Οκτωβρίου, Ger. Vasiliadis 5, τηλ.: +30 22350 80501, www.mitsishotels.com).
The old municipal hydrotherapy center, located within the hotel, it has been abandoned and is not working.
If you want to do free thermal baths you should go to Spa Springs Konjavite and Cosmetics (Beautiful weather).
The Koniavit and Kallintik springs have small outdoor concrete pools, with sulphurous thermal waters. The water temperature is 33the C and are indicated for respiratory diseases, rheumatic diseases but also for cosmetic treatments.
To get there you have to go a little further outside Kamena Vourla, about 1 km, heading towards Lamia. If you drive on the Nea National Highway you will take the exit to Koniavitis Thermal Springs.
- FOR DIVING
A private Diving School operates in Kamena Vourla, the "V DIVE CLUB», where he dives in Lihadonisia, the islets with the impressive seabed located between B. Euboean and Malian Gulfs (information, tel. : +30 22353 01554, +30 6944 555128, +30 6948 885641, www.vdiveclub.com).
- FOR HIKING
Kamena Vourla is built at the foot of Mt Shin (938 m.), the eastern part of the mountain Kallidromou.
If you like hiking you can tour organized, on her paths Shin και του Kallidromou or get around on your own by renting bikes or 4X4s (information, «Middle Earth», Ger Street. Vasiliadis 67, Burnt Vourla, tel. : +30 22353 01554, +30 6944 555128, +30 6948 885641, www.middlearht.gr ).
Among the most famous routes is the "Path of the Caves» and the route from Kamena Vourla to Transfiguration Monastery of Sotiros, with a stopover at "Giannaki faucet».
THERMOPYLAE
They are far from Kamena Vourla 22 km and worth visiting for the following :
FOR THE HERO OF THERMOPYLUS
The Hero of Thermopylae, known as "Monument of Leonidas» was constructed 1955 from the Vasos Falireas (1905-1979).
It consists of a bronze statue Leonidas, king of the Spartans, who holds a spear and shield. Right and left, in a lower position, marble personified figures of Mt Taygetou and the river Euros.
FOR THE THERMOPYLON HISTORICAL INFORMATION CENTER (K.I.E.T.)
The Historical Information Center of Thermopylae (K.I.E.T.) is located in the Community of Thermopylae.
It has 3 αίθουσες, "Leonidas", "Dienekis" and "Thermopyles".
The applications have been edited by the Foundation of Greater Hellenism.
Through the virtual tour you will see the "Battle of Thermopylae», the armament of the Greeks and the movements of the troops, you will follow him Nightmare to lead them Persians from the Anopaia Street at West Gate and the Hill of Colonos, you will learn the history of Persian Wars, the "Naval battle of Artemisium» etc.
The K.I.E.T. is located in the Local Community of Thermopylae, of the Municipality of Lamia (information K.I.E.TH. Winter Hours 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., summer schedule, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Admission to the Greeks : 1 euro, tel. : 22310 93054)
From Athens to get through MC. Athens - Lamia, where after the Trinity toll, you will turn right towards the Community of Thermopylae.
From Thessaloniki via E.O. Athens - Lamia, after Lamia you will turn right towards the Community of Thermopylae.
- FOR THE SPAS SOURCES THERMOPYLON
In the Greek mythology created by Hephaestus, after Athena's request to do there swimming Hercules, after their labors,.
According to the history of Thermopylae, they washed their wounds here, after the battles, Leonidas and the 300.
The Thermal Springs of Thermopylae are indicated for rheumatic diseases, neurological and gynecological.
The water temperature is around 4°Cthe C (all year round) and the thermal water is not potable.
The springs have not been exploited by the Municipality of Lamia or by any hotel unit and access is free.
The sources are distant 15 km from Lamia.
HOLY MONASTERY OF DAMASTA or MONASTERY OF GENESI THEOTOKOU DAMASTA
Η Ι.Μ. Damastas is built on the northern slopes of Kallidromos, in altitude 740 m., in a fir forest. It is a post-Byzantine nunnery dedicated to "Birth of the Virgin". The most common version of her name Monastery tamer is the word "Damascene” and refers to the Virgin Mary who tames the pain of people.
The main church is a cruciform basilica with a dome and it is unknown when it was built. It is probable that the first construction was the 1100, destroyed after a great earthquake, about the 1500 και ξανακτίστηκε το 1600. The Monastery has a small chapel dedicated to Saints Constantine and Helen, newly built after donation (2001).
During his Revolution 1821 Damastas Monastery played an important role. According to the inscription in the Monastery, treated the chieftain Yiannis Panourgias, who was injured in the battle that took place in Halkomata. At the same time, the monastery burned according to the surviving inscription, the iconography of the church was undertaken by the fighter of the Revolution, commander Ioannis Diovouniotis. The 1833 the monastery was abandoned and lost all its property. It was re-established later and today it is an organized monastery, with manor house and guest houses.
SURVIVING INSCRIPTION IN I.M. DAMASTAS
Η Ι.Μ. Damastas celebrates on 8 September, where a great festival is held, with the attendance of many believers from the eve of the celebration.
It is worth coming for the miraculous icon of the Infant Virgin Mary (16o) and for the wonderful view from above.
From Kamena Vourla you will reach the Monastery by following the road to Lamia, exit Bralos and then you will enter the District. Heraklion - Kato Damaston Street (because there is no sign to I.M. Tamas at the CYCLON gas station you will turn right).
It is approx. from Lamia 23 km and you will follow the route to the village Moschohori, known for its IOLI table water.
On the way to Damasta you will meet the Thermal Springs of Kallidromou, with them 33the C and with free entry to the outdoor pool. The springs are ideal for rheumatic and dermatological diseases.
BURNT BURNS – ACCESS
Kamena Vourla is approx. from Athens 177 km from Lamia 40 km.
Access is granted :
- from the New National Highway A1/E75, Athens - Thessaloniki, exit : AK/K. VOURLON (SW), at 177,5 km
- from the New National Highway A1/E75, Athens - Thessaloniki, exit : AK/ AGIOS KONSTANTINOS, at 172 km to P.E.O. Athens - Thessaloniki, in the direction of Kamena Vourla
- from the New National Highway A1/E75, Thessaloniki – Athens exit : AK/K. VOURLON (REV.).
ΧΡΗΣΙΜΕΣ ΔΙΕΥΘΥΝΣΕΙΣ
- Municipality of Molos, tel. : 22353 50000
- Municipality of Lamia, tel. : 22313 51500
- KTEL Lamia, Urban, tel. : 22310 51345, www.ktelfthiotidos.gr
- KTEL of Athens, tel. : 210 8317147, 210 8324200
- KTEL Kamena Vourla, tel. : 22350 22519
- TRAINOSE S.A., www.trenose.gr , tel. : 22310 61061, Lianokladi station
- TAXI Lamia, tel. : 22310 34555
- www.kammena-vourla.gr
- www.mwlos.gr
- Historical Information Center of Thermopylae (K.I.E.T.), tel. : 22310 93758, 22310 93054
- Ι.Μ. tamer, tel. : 22310 81304
