Description of the attraction
About 28 km from Volos, on the slopes of Mount Pelion (at an altitude of 400 m above sea level), lies the picturesque Greek village of Milies. This is one of the most picturesque mountain settlements in Pelion. The enchanting landscapes of Milles and its surroundings, beautiful old houses buried in greenery and flowers, cobbled streets, rich cultural and historical heritage, as well as an amazing atmosphere of harmony and hospitality of local residents attract a huge number of tourists here.
During the Ottoman rule, Milies was an important cultural center of the region. It was here that in 1814, on the initiative of Antimos Gazis, Grigorios Constantas and Daniel Philippidis, the "Psychis Akos" school was founded - one of the first institutions of higher education in Greece during the Turkish occupation. Excellent equipment with teaching aids, fully complying with the standards of European educational institutions, and a high level of teaching very quickly brought the school wide popularity.
The village square is traditionally a favorite place for the inhabitants of Milles and its guests. Here you can relax and dine in cozy restaurants and cafes while enjoying excellent local cuisine. One of the main attractions of Milles, the 1741 Agios Taxiarchos church with beautifully preserved frescoes, is also located on the square. A feature of the temple is its excellent acoustics. In 2000, with the support of the Ministry of Culture, the Bach Festival was held here.
The Public Library is also located on the main square of Milles, which contains about 4,000 rare books, unique manuscripts, important historical documents, textbooks from the Psychis Akos school and the original flag of the revolution, which was raised in Milles by Antimos Gazis on May 8, 1821.
You should definitely visit the famous Milies railway station and take a fascinating ride on the rare train “Mountzouris”. This journey through picturesque gorges and woodlands, along ancient arched stone bridges through mountain villages, will allow you to fully enjoy the stunning landscapes of Pelion. The railway was designed by the famous Italian engineer Evaristo De Chirico in 1895 and, given the peculiar natural landscapes, it is one of the most complex and unique railway structures in the world.
Among the main attractions of Milies, it is also worth noting the small but very interesting Ethnographic Museum and the Church of St. Nicholas.
