The City of Larissa
Larissa has its share of ancient sites and attractions. However it's known as the city of coffee. Just go downtown on any given Monday, Wednesday or Friday night (the days the shops are open late) and you will see crowds of young people (mostly college students) having coffee.
The Church of Agios Achilios
OK, Big church, like most other big churches in
Greece. I am only mentioning it because it's a good landmark for most of
the places to see in Larissa.
In front of the Church is an art piece of
a horse. The horse is a symbol of the city as Larissa was famous for
horses in the ancient world.
Behind the church is Frourio Hill (sounds
like "threw Rio") a hill that has ancient ruins, nice taverns and
reconstructed old buildings that have been turned into shops.
Across
the street from the church is the Pinios River. And next to the river is
the famous Alcazar Park
Frourio Hill
This is the site of the ancient acropolis and the ancient market place. I have seen these sites and if you like seeing ruins of ancient cities, then you must see this. I don't have much information about this site but basically, it's a bunch of ruins and since it's in the middle of a busy city, it's worth seeing. Who knows, after you see this place you may have some information to add to this section.
Alcazar Park
This park is
to Larissa what Central Park is to New York. It's a beautiful area with
trees, playgrounds, picnic areas, statues, sculptures, fountains, jogging
trails and even an outdoor amphitheater where you can see whatever
performance is being shown. Some performances are free and some are rather
expensive (check local listings).
At night, multi colored lights make
the many fountains in the park look incredible. This is one place in
Larissa that you must see, especially at night.
Alcazar Park blends into the city forest, the soccer
(football) stadium and the indoor swimming pool. In fact, I thought that
all these things were in the park until someone informed me that that they
are just next to the park and not part of the park.
The memorial of Hypocratis
(The Father of Medicine)
Across the street from Alcazar Park is the Memorial to Hypocratis. There is a door on the memorial. I once climbed up on the door to peak through a crack and it's just a room with posters on the walls. The place is always closed (at least I have never seen it open, and I have lived here for 3 years. In fact, I drive past it every day on my way to work) I feel that this is a place to skip. But if you happen to drive past it, turn your head to see it. But not for too long, keep your eyes on the road.
The Ancient Theater
As you look at the front of Agios Achilios Church, on the right side is a road. Walk up that road and in about 3 minutes you will reach the ancient theater. It will be on your left side. You can't fail to notice it. It's worth seeing and a highlight of downtown Larissa. The historians claim that the theater could hold over 10 thousand people. I personally don't see how that is possible (unless ancient Greeks were very small). I say to the historians, "have you ever seen 10 thousand people?" I was at a concert in Calgary Canada once (Edgefest). There were about 10 thousand people in this concert. I would love to see them all fit into the ancient theater. Maybe they meant 2 thousand people. You can see how the mistake can be made. Both 2 and 10 start with the same letter in English and Greek, so they can be easily confused.
Platia Tachidromiou (Post Office Square)
This is the a favorite place among the locals and the busiest place in Larissa. The square is a great place to drink coffee or any other beverage. Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights, the square is the place that people go to meet other people. Platia Tachidromiou is the best pick up spot in town, not counting the nightclubs. If you can't find a date in Platia Tachidromiou on a Friday summer night (or any Friday night of the year), then you are either not trying, old or ugly. (I am sorry, but someone had to tell you) In that case, you can always try the Larissa red light district. Ask any taxi driver and he can take you there.