A famous city in ancient times, a commercial center of Viotia Prefecture in modern times, Thiva (or Thebes) was built between seven hills. It is the birthplace of Dionysus, Hercules, Oedipus, Pindar and flourished during antiquity until its destruction by Alexander the Great.
The findings show that it was inhabited 5,000 years ago, and what is now the modern city center was once Kadmia. Excavations in various parts of the city center have shown the location, which is now specially marked, of the Palace and the seven Gates of Kadmia, known from references in ancient Greek dramaturgy. The Square of Kadmia is centrally located and there you will find the Oracle of Tiresias and Amphion Hill that is a place with significant archaeological findings.
The wider area of Thiva is very interesting archaeologically, as to the west and 8 km away from the city you will find Kaveirio, a temple dedicated to Kaveiros and Paidas. Next to the temple lies a theater of the Hellenistic period.
The impressive relief of the city and the valley that surrounds it are the reason why the city was called “Aionion Pedion”, meaning “eternal field”, during the ancient times. The surrounding mountains get extremely impressive under the colors of the sunset. According to the myth, Zeus had hidden his beloved Europe here. The beautiful sight is enriched by the presence of the mountains Elikonas and Parnassos to the west of the city.
To the east of the city you will find Moschopodi, an artificial peri-urban forest, with the Church of Zoodohos Pigi and the Church of Evagelistis Loukas where you will see the old cemetery of Thiva and the marble tomb of Evagelistis Loukas (St. Luke) and a reliquary with part of his skull.
Thiva is basically flat, but also near the sea, which you can visit either in the Corinthian Gulf or in the North Evian Gulf. In the North Evian Gulf, you can go to the beach of ancient Anthidona and the coast of Skorponeria. In the Corinth Gulf there are far more accessible beaches, such as Porto Germeno, Psatha, Sarandi, Agios Vasilis, Agios Nikolas, Alikes, Kalamaki and Livadostra.
Thiva has many local customs, the most famous being the “Vlach Wedding” that takes place every year on the last weekend of the Carnival. It is a representation of a wedding with many Dionysian elements, a remnant of the ancient cult of Dionysus, traditional music and of course a very playful mood.
The agriculture and the livestock of the city are very developed, whereas you will find many taverns in the nearby villages where you can enjoy eating meat prepared in a unique local way.