Mariolata
Welcome to Mariolata!
If you're coming from Athens, passing through the charming Kastro of Boeotia, you'll suddenly find yourself in front of Mariolata! It's a truly picturesque village with about 600 residents, nestled on the slopes of the northwestern side of Parnassus, at an elevation of 380 meters.
Until 1960, the village was tucked away inside a spacious plateau (like a natural embrace!) formed between the hills of Agios Athanasios, Karabata, Skali, and Sara. The only "opening" was the road leading to the plain, where the dry riverbed of Charadros met the Kanianitis River, now known as the Kifissos.
A Rich History Unfolds
The village's original name, "Voion" or "Boion," eventually gave way to "Charadra." The ancient Greek historian Thucydides tells us (A'107) that "Voion" or "Boion" was part of the ancient Doric Tetrapolis. Later, Pausanias describes a town named "Charadra," just 20 stadia from Lilaia, which was sadly destroyed by the Persians during their descent to Athens (480 BC). The area suffered yet another destruction after the Second Phocian or Sacred War, during the time of Philip II of Macedon. Interestingly, researchers like Dowell and Gell place "Charadra" exactly where Mariolata stands today. And the most important thing? After every destruction, the town always regrouped and continued its glorious historical journey!
Although no extensive, organized excavations have taken place in the area, more recent researchers, historians, archaeologists, geographers, and travelers all place the ancient city of "Voion" on the steep rocks of Agios Athanasios. There, you can find the ruins of both the acropolis and other ancient buildings, which the General Directorate of Antiquities declared protected monuments in 1982. Visitors can also admire the surrounding walled area of the acropolis, as well as its imposing towers.
The discovery of a large Early Christian basilica with a mosaic floor (Agios Dimitrios) at the foot of the acropolis strengthens the belief that the city continued to flourish during the Early Byzantine Period (324-565 AD). In the past, the strategic location of the hills of Agios Athanasios and Sara created the conditions for controlling not only the narrow entrance of the village but also the public road connecting Gravia - Mariolata - Lilaia - Polydrosos, and consequently, the entire Kifissos valley right up to the foothills of Kallidromo.
Must-Visit Attractions
Among the most significant attractions of the village is the Old Village with the church of the Nativity of the Theotokos, which celebrates on September 8th. Don't miss the gorge with its steep cliffs, the central square with the church of the Dormition of the Theotokos, whose celebration we honor on August 15th. Finally, discover the picturesque chapels of Agios Georgios and Prophet Elias on the fir-covered slopes of Parnassus, which you can reach via a relatively accessible dirt road. We look forward to welcoming you!
If you're coming from Athens, passing through the charming Kastro of Boeotia, you'll suddenly find yourself in front of Mariolata! It's a truly picturesque village with about 600 residents, nestled on the slopes of the northwestern side of Parnassus, at an elevation of 380 meters.
Until 1960, the village was tucked away inside a spacious plateau (like a natural embrace!) formed between the hills of Agios Athanasios, Karabata, Skali, and Sara. The only "opening" was the road leading to the plain, where the dry riverbed of Charadros met the Kanianitis River, now known as the Kifissos.
A Rich History Unfolds
The village's original name, "Voion" or "Boion," eventually gave way to "Charadra." The ancient Greek historian Thucydides tells us (A'107) that "Voion" or "Boion" was part of the ancient Doric Tetrapolis. Later, Pausanias describes a town named "Charadra," just 20 stadia from Lilaia, which was sadly destroyed by the Persians during their descent to Athens (480 BC). The area suffered yet another destruction after the Second Phocian or Sacred War, during the time of Philip II of Macedon. Interestingly, researchers like Dowell and Gell place "Charadra" exactly where Mariolata stands today. And the most important thing? After every destruction, the town always regrouped and continued its glorious historical journey!
Although no extensive, organized excavations have taken place in the area, more recent researchers, historians, archaeologists, geographers, and travelers all place the ancient city of "Voion" on the steep rocks of Agios Athanasios. There, you can find the ruins of both the acropolis and other ancient buildings, which the General Directorate of Antiquities declared protected monuments in 1982. Visitors can also admire the surrounding walled area of the acropolis, as well as its imposing towers.
The discovery of a large Early Christian basilica with a mosaic floor (Agios Dimitrios) at the foot of the acropolis strengthens the belief that the city continued to flourish during the Early Byzantine Period (324-565 AD). In the past, the strategic location of the hills of Agios Athanasios and Sara created the conditions for controlling not only the narrow entrance of the village but also the public road connecting Gravia - Mariolata - Lilaia - Polydrosos, and consequently, the entire Kifissos valley right up to the foothills of Kallidromo.
Must-Visit Attractions
Among the most significant attractions of the village is the Old Village with the church of the Nativity of the Theotokos, which celebrates on September 8th. Don't miss the gorge with its steep cliffs, the central square with the church of the Dormition of the Theotokos, whose celebration we honor on August 15th. Finally, discover the picturesque chapels of Agios Georgios and Prophet Elias on the fir-covered slopes of Parnassus, which you can reach via a relatively accessible dirt road. We look forward to welcoming you!
➯ More info for Mariolata
Distance: 4,8 klm.
