Thessaly is a traditional geographic and modern administrative region in central Greece, encompassing the cities of Larissa and Volos. It is the largest plain in Greece and one of the country's most fertile regions, famous for its production of grain, cattle, and horses.
Covering an area of 14,036 square kilometers, Thessaly is bordered by the regions of Macedonia on the north, Epirus on the west, Central Greece on the south, and the Aegean Sea on the east. The Pindus Mountains to the west and north separate Thessaly from Epirus and Macedonia, respectively, while the east is open to the Aegean Sea.
Historically, Thessaly has been known as Aeolia, and its residents were referred to as Aeolians. It was a significant land during the Mycenaean period, as archaeological findings have suggested. Various mythological figures, such as Jason, Achilles, and Asclepius, are associated with this region.
Thessaly is marked by numerous archaeological sites, historic structures, monasteries, and churches, and it's known for the stunning Meteora complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that consists of monasteries built on rock pillars.
In modern times, Thessaly is divided into five regional units and has a population of slightly over 730,000 people. Agricultural, manufacturing, and tourism are the dominant sectors of the economy.
