The history of Larisa, capital of the plain of Thessaly, consists of a nymph that drowned in the river while playing with her ball, of the tears of two mountains that were separated by the Gods of Olympus, who were jealous of their happiness and of the descendant of the first Greek tribe that live in Greece.
It is located in the centre of Thessaly for over 4000 years. Many believe that it was built by Larisos, son of Pelasgos, while others support that it was named after the nymph Larisa – Poseidon’s wife and mother of Fthias, Pelasgos and Achaios – that drowned in the river Pineios while playing with her ball. Nowadays, Larisa is equal to any other area Greece in matters of archaeological importance.
It is “embraced” by the river Pineios that is said to be created by the tears of the mountains Pindos and Lingos (Chasia) when they were separated by the Gods of Olympus that envied their happiness as well as the beautiful valleys, plain and mountains that were created by their love.
Larisa’s name, however, reveals its Pelasgian origin. According to historians, the word “Larisa” stems from the word “laas” (=rock) that also breeds the word “laos” (=people). Many support that it means “hill” and “fortress”.