From Trikala a road running southwest along the Portaikos, attributary of the Pinios river, crosses the plain and reaches the foothills of Koziakas. Here are the straits of Pili, which in ancient times was the shortest route to and from Epirus.

At the foothills of Koziakas (ancient Kerketion), and on the west bank of the river, are the ruins of the ancient walls which, according to Stephanos Vyzantios, used to encircle the ancient city of Pialia. At "Kleftovrissi" on the northern slopes of Koziaka one can still see the remains of the old fortifications of Phaloireia.

Northwest of modern Gomfi is Paleokastro where the ancient twin towns of Gomfi used to be, on the western borders of ancient Thessaly. Built on a hill top, Gomfi served as a bulwark for the plain, keeping watch over the exit roads which came down from Tzoumerka and Koziaka. Because of their strategic importance, Gomfi was particularly well fortified. The town was destroyed by Julius Caesar in 48 B.C.

Northwest of the Portaikos River, on the crossroads of Porta Panagia, lies the Megales Piles of Doussikou monastery built in a forest of oak trees (6 km northwest of the village). Construction of the monastery began by St. Vissarion in 1522. It is encircled by a wall 10 m. high. The three storeys structure comprises 366 cells symbolizing the days of the year. Its Refectory and collection of manuscripts and relies in the Library attest to the wealth enjoyed by the monastery in the past.

At the centre of the complex is the Byzantine church of the Transfiguration with frescoes done in 1577 by Theophanes; its wood carved temple was done in 1767 and was given a gold-leaf finish by Metsovon artisans in 1813. One should also visit the crypt on the west side of the church and the adjoining three small chapels. Women are not allowed to visit this monastery.

Heading westwards we come across the Porta straits. The church of Porta Panagia (21 km from Trikala) was built in 1283 by Ioannis Connenos Doukas or, according to others, by Andronikus III in the 14th century. It has remarkable mosaics. Information: St Vissarion monastery, tel.: 0434/22.420.

On a rocky hill northwest of the main road between Trikala and Karditsa is Fanario, identified with the pre-homeric fortified city "Klomakoessa Ithomi" and referred to by Strabo. Nearby are the ruins of ancient greek walls and a Byzantine fortress at the summit.

At the entrance to the Vale of Temple, in Larissa Prefecture, lies the old market town of Ambelakia (32 km from Larissa). In the 18th century the locals founded the Koini Syntrofia (Common Company), the first industrial cooperative in Greece, for producing, processing and exporting red thread and yarn. The cooperative had agencies in most of the countries of Europe and 6000 members.

The Schwarz mansion with its murals, wood carvings and stained class windows and the churches of Agios Georgios, Agia Paraskevi and Agios Athanassios are among the many interesting things to see in the village. And for a pause that truly refreshes try some of the local delicacies and the superb red wine, to which the town owes its name (Ampelakia from ambelia meaning grape vines).

Today the cooperative tradition continues as Ambelakia's women participate in the development of the area through a state-assisted venture that combines customary rural living with tourism. Larissa is also a good base from which to visit Volos and the villages of Mt. Pelion.

Don't think your excursion has finished with this short description.Thessaly is a wonderful place filled with pleasant surprises, and you have only just begun to discover them.