Ancient Trikki – today’s Trikala – is considered the birthplace of the famous Asclepius, the first physician of mankind, who founded in the city the “most ancient and illustrious Asclepius” as mentioned by the philosopher and geographer Strabo.
In the historical district of Varousi of Trikala, the archaeological dig brought to light the foundations of buildings of the famous Asklepiion, which provided special radiance and fame during antiquity. Today, next to the bridge of the Litheos river, the statue of the god of Medicine dominates, with the inhabitants of the city declaring that they are particularly proud of their famous ancestor.
According to tradition, Asclepius often ascended the slopes of the famous Mount Koziakas (Mt. Kerketio – 1,901 m), a part of southern Pindos that stretches from Kalambaka to the Trikala Gate, in order to gather aromatic and medicinal herbs for the preparation of medicines for the healing of his patients. It is a beautiful route in the rich nature, under centuries-old plane trees and next to the clear and gurgling waters of Kefalopotamos that flow from the “heart” of Koziakas and pass through the villages of Gorgogyri, outside Xyloparikos, reaching Trikala and they continue to pour into Pinios. The waters of the river, rushing in winter and calm in summer, pleasantly impress, like the change of colors every season.
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In the footsteps of that route followed by the god of medicine and health of the ancient Greeks, the organized “Asclipio Path” has been formed in recent years, which is developing into a viral destination for those looking for relaxation and tranquility, in a unique natural environment .
The starting point of the path, paved for a large part, is the square of the small village of Gorgogiri, 19 km west of Trikala, which is famous for its water mills, “dristeles” as the locals call them, where carpets are still cleaned today. The church of the Nativity of the Virgin, cruciform with a dome, dates from 1857. In the village, which has approximately 500 inhabitants, the custom of Karkatzala is revived on New Year’s Day. It is a custom lost in the depths of time, where young and old – dressed in capes, burazans and masks – leave the path and cross the whole village ringing bells and cymbals to exorcise “evil”. This year, however, due to the pandemic, the revival of the custom was significantly limited.
The village of Karkatzala
In the village square, which is also the starting point of the path, dominates the – 4 m high – wooden sculpture of the local woodcarver Angelos Patsiatzis representing a “Karkantzalo”, which has developed into a “registered trademark” and welcomes visitors. The work was created in the “Path of Asclepius” and many people came to see the trunk of the tree transformed into a “Crab”.
“What piqued my interest is how deeply rooted the custom is in every home. There isn’t a boy in the village who hasn’t dressed up as a Karkantzalos. Every house on New Year’s Eve waits for the Karkatzaleus to pass by to exorcise evil. Thus, with this sculpture I honor the people who revive the custom every year and keep the tradition alive” says the young wood carver and member of the “Coin.S.Ep. – Kefalopotamos”, which was founded with the sole aim of highlighting the path and the natural wealth of the area. “In the path there is another sculpture. Our goal is to create more and more and turn the route into an outdoor park of wooden sculptures,” the active creator tells us, stressing that the goal is the development of ecotourism that can create new jobs so that young people stay in the village.
Leaving behind you the impressive “Karkanzalo”, we follow the signs that lead to the N.W. end of the village (1 km distance), to then go uphill parallel to Kefalopotamos on a passable and paved route. The path then reaches the springs for 2.5 km, of which 1.5 km is paved (5 km return).
From the first meters of the route, the colors, aromas and sounds of nature impress us and relax us. The centuries-old plane trees, the dozens of species of aromatic plants and medicinal herbs, the rustling of the leaves and the intense purring of the river waters, compose a unique scene of wild beauty. The first 1.5 km is paved and completely passable.
In the first meters we will find ourselves face to face with the “keeper” of the path. The second sculpture by the local wood carver, which represents a seated man “enjoying” the landscape, next to the waters of the river. Then we will come across four natural “pools” with four picturesque waterfalls, where in the summer many dive to cool off.
Now the continuation of the path towards the two groups of springs of Kefalopotamos requires a good physical condition and suitable equipment since the ground – in many places – is slippery (almost 1 km to the Springs). About what we will see next, the historian and philologist Konstantina Dakoula, originally from Gorgyri, tells us: “The route continues among various types of trees, such as mulberry trees, mulberry trees, pine trees, oak trees, alder trees, gabrus trees. At the same time, we will have the opportunity to see and smell many herbs such as tilium, thyme, honeysuckle, sedum, chamomile, mountain tea, amaranth, scarf, rice and many more from the 2,500 herbs of the area. We will also encounter huge rocks, caves with stalactites, ruins of an ancient settlement and castle walls.”
On the route we will also see the traditional dristeles or water grinders, where even today carpets, rugs and carpets are cleaned by experienced professionals using ecological techniques. There are estimated to be 80 dristelles, from which the name of the village, Gorgogyri (turns quickly) is probably due.
Leveraging the “Asclepios” brand
It should be noted that the municipality of Trikala has set as its goal the tourism utilization and promotion of the “Asklipios” brand, including Gorgogyri in its plans. According to a proposal that has been approved and launched, the ambitious “Asclepius Plan”: will utilize aromatic and medicinal plants, will emphasize technology, will create a Digital Asclepius and Asclepius Park, will strengthen educational actions. It essentially foresees the renovation of the old town hall of Koziakas (Prinos village) and its transformation into a Digital Asklepiion, where visitors will become partakers of the work of Asklepios, the first physician of the ancient Greek world, in combination with the course of Medicine. At the same time, scientists will be able to delve into the science and use of medicinal plants.
It is worth visiting Gorgogyri and walking the “Trail of Asclepius” whether you are a fan of hiking or relaxing situations. The village is an ideal destination for a short “escape”, either alone, or in combination with the hi-tech town of Trikala, or even the picturesque Elati. Its hospitable people and the members of the Co.S.Ep. Kefalopotamos, they will direct you to the “Path of Asclepius” giving you information about the favorite aromatic plants and medicinal herbs of the god of medicine.
Gorgogyri is 19 km (25 minutes) from Trikala, 349 km (4 hours 4 minutes) from Athens and 234 km (2 hours 51 minutes) from Thessaloniki. The village has nice tavernas as well as Airbnb rooms. You will find hotels and guesthouses in Trikala (19 km), Pyli (25 km) and Elati (38 km).
source:travel.gr
