Anakasia is located 3km west of the foothills of Volos, just before Ano Volos. It is the first village that you meet as you leave Volos and along with wonderful views of the Pagastiko Gulf, it is beautifully picturesque with cobbled streets and old mansions. This classic Pelion village gives the visitor the general impression of the style of the area and a taste of what is to come.
There has been several discussions as to where the name comes from, one opinion is that it comes from the word ‘anakathisia’ which means ‘retreat’ which was stated as ‘the place on high where newcomers arrived’; or it could have been from the word ‘anagkasia’ which means ‘necessity’ as during the years of the Turkish occupation it was necessary for the locals to pass through the village to pay the taxes that were imposed on them by Akasto, son of the King Iolkos of Pelia.
In the main square, with the characteristic plane tree, you will see the sign that points to the road to the hamlet of Kontou and the ‘Theofilos Museum’. This beautiful mansion that once belonged to the merchant Giannis Kontou, luckily escaped the flames of war and withstood an earthquake, hence saving the incredible paintings that decorated the ceiling of the upper floor. Painted by the folk artist Theofilos in 1912 they were found in exquisite condition; they depict the heroes of ’21; landscape, agriculture, hunting scenes, ancient Gods and many more themes. The house was in ruins until it was purchased by the Ministry of Culture in 1965, and then restored in 1966. They also maintained the frescoes and in 1988 and in 1990 there was another restoration project to turn it into the Museum of Theofilo’ which it still operates as to this day. Open daily excluding Monday from 08:00 to 15:00. Contact telephone number is 2421049109.
In the small square of the village there can be seen the bust of the famous painter himself.