Levadia or Livadeia: the town of waters
Levadia is the capital of Viotia Prefecture
with a population of almost 30,000 people.
It is the agricultural and industrial centre of
the Prefecture.
Livadia is very fertile thanks to the abundant
water in the region.
According to mythology, Livadeia took its
name from the hero Levados, who is reported
as its first settler. Since ancient times
Livadeia has constituted an important
economic centre. In the Byzantine years,
Livadeia was raided by Katalans, Slavs and
Franks.
In 1458 Livadeia was conquered by the
Turks. The city was free again in 1829.
Trofonius oracle
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In ancient times Livadia was known with the
name of Mideia built on the bank of the river
Erkina. Ruins of the city (market, baths,
streets) have been found.
The city was known as the site of the famous
Oracle of Zeus Trofonios. The oracle was
used as a stage before visiting the oracle of
Delphi, and as such, it acquired great power
and riches. Scholars have identified the
location of the sanctuary of Zeus and the
Oracle. Ruins of the oracle are saved at the
sources of the river Erkyna. In the same area
there were places of worship of Gods and
Goddess like Artemis, Hermes, Dionysus and
of the Deities of childbirth, but also the Holy
of Apollo and Dimitra.
Temple of Olympian Zeus
Ruins of the Temple of Olympian
Zeus
The castle
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It is one of the four Catalan castles in the
country. It dates back to the 14th century.
Works of maintenance and renovation have
made the Castle easily accessible. The visitor
can walk through the walls and enjoy the
impressive view of the gorge of Krya.
The Tower Clock
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The tower was built at the period of the
Frankish domination, while the clock was
given to the city by Lord Elgjn at 1803,
because he wanted, by this way, to be given
permission to excavate the region in order to
find the oracle of Trofonius.
The Watermill
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An old cotton factory at the beginning of the
20th century operated by water power. Today
the installations have been restored and
constitute a model cultural centre with
conference and exhibition halls, restaurants,
cafes, etc.
Historical and Ethnological Museum
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It is housed in the underground of an old flour
factory in the banks of the river.
The residents used to wash their traditional
woven carpets there. In the museum there are
many objects of domestic use (tools of
weaving, rural objects and grinding
machines).
Museum of old professions
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The Museum was organised by the
Commercial Association of Levadia.
The area of Kria
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The most interesting sight of Livadeia is the
area of Kria (meaning cold in Greek).
During the last few years the Municipality
has been proceeding to a large-scale
intervention pertaining to the restoration of
the city’s historical centre, around the springs
of Krya and the river Erkyna.
Industrial, historical and listed buildings have
been restored, the riverside areas have been
reformed and unified, architectural
monuments have been restored. The last stage
is in progress: it regards the creation of a
social and environmental development park
in the river’s section that is close to the city’s
exit to the north.
The river Erkina
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The particular beauty of the city is due to the
river Erkina crossing the whole town.
The way along the river is very beautiful with
stone bridges, old buildings, channels, stone
benches, etc. Also, the area of Kria
constitutes a landscape of unique natural
beauty and a place for recreation.
The gorge of Krya
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Works have been made on the road leading to
the gorge of Krya. Thus, the visitor can walk
at a length of 500 metres in the gorge. The
paved street leads to a square, beyond which,
the walk continues in a relatively rough path,
leading to the Bridge Trihino.
The open stone theatre
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In the area, there is also a stone theatre that
holds cultural events. In all the region of
Krya, many renovations of historical or
industrial buildings, unifications of places
and restorations of monuments have been
made.
Celebrations
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Easter
The City of Levadia is well-known for its
traditional Greek Easter celebrations. On
Easter day people of Levadia light open fires
and roast whole lamb on the spit and other
traditional meat dishes.
Visitors are invited to eat, drink and dance
with the local inhabitants. Traditional music
is played and traditional dance groups
perform.
Celebrations
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Halloween
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The traditional custom "Gaitanaki", on
Sunday during the feast of Carnival.
Halloween is celebrated at the beginning of
spring.People gather at the central square and
dance around the maypole.
Celebrations
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Day of the patron saint
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The patron saint of Levadia is Theotokos
(God-bearer), the mother of Jesus.
On the 21st of November ‘The Presentation
of the Virgin in the Temple’ is celebrated in
Levadia. It is a religious holiday and the holly
icon of Maria is carried around the town.
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Events
Trofonia
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Every September, the municipality of
Levadia organizes the “Trofonia” festival, a
series of 20 days cultural events in the open
theatre, in the Gorge of Krya, with theatrical
and dance performances, concerts,
exhibitions, happenings etc.
Events
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Trade fair (panyghiri)
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By 26 October to 2 November a big trade fair
takes place in the city.
It is an open air market with many products at
bargain prices, fun fairs, foods, music, etc