Volos (Greece)

Volos is a port city in Thessaly (central-western Greece) located approx 326 km (203 ml) north of Athens (Piraeus) and 215 km (134 ml) south of Thessaloniki. Volos is capital of Magnesia regional unit and Thessaly's only seaport serving country's largest agricultural region. The city has population around 145,000, and is also a major industrial centre. The port serves regular shipping traffic between Europe and Middle East (Asia).

Volos is Greece's newest port city, with numerous contemporary buildings constructed after the devastating earthquakes in 1955. The municipality includes Nea Ionia, Iolkos and Volos, plus smaller suburban communities.

City's economy is based on shipping trade, manufacturing, tourism and services. In downtown are located the University of Thessaly and numerous event venues serving sporting, cultural, scientific and conference meetings.

In addition to its ancient history and legends, Volos was an important centre for the Greek Christianity during Byzantine Empire (330-1453 AD). Atop Meteora's cliffs, like fortresses were built 24 monasteries to protect monks from the Ottoman invaders. These structures can be reached only by the use of ropes lowered by the monks. Close to the city are the ancient cities Demetrias and Pagasae.