The hill of Goritsa

To the east of the city of Volos you reach the Goritsa hill, which is a natural small hill about 200m above sea level. At the top, there is the church of Zoodochos Pigi.

In the first half of the 4th century BC, Philip II built a city on the hill of Goritsa, in a great strategic position. The wall was probably constructed by Cassander (316-298 BC) and has a length of 2,850m. Thirty three towers were placed at unequal intervals, since the geography of the area offered natural fortification in some places. Gates were built on the north and east, in order to control the passage of people and goods to the west, have access to the sea and to the south, and serve military purposes.

The city, which reached 3,000-3,500 inhabitants, is situated in the SE of the hill and is divided into building blocks (according to the Hippodamian system). Its name is still unknown; perhaps it is the ancient Orminio. At the highest point of the hill the wall encloses the acropolis, where today the church of Zoodochos Pigi is built. Outside the wall, in a natural cave, the inscription “DIOS MILICHIOU” has been found on the rock, proving the worship of Zeus in the region. It is one of the few authentic examples of a Hellenistic city that remained an open monument in time, without further intervention.