The Centaurs Path
The Path of the Centaurs, is a relatively easy and short route of 2.7 kilometers, with a smooth slope that offers comfortable hiking.
The path runs through a densely vegetated stream with small waterfalls, streams, and bridges that enchant the hiker. In the square of Adámena, officially Chrysoula Zogia Square, before you start the path, the Athanasakis family created the first Electric Company. A small hydroelectric plant, which initially provided electricity for the needs of the modern hotel, according to the standards of the time, “Mega Theoxenia.” It began operating in the 1910s. There were two units for generating electricity, one providing electricity to the village and the other used exclusively to supply “Mega Theoxenia.” In 1925, a new oil engine was installed at the power plant, which made it operational at all times. In winter, the operation of the oil engine ceased, which was replaced by water flow during dry periods.
The Portaria Electric Company was destroyed during the period of the Occupation and the Civil War. Today, at the site, stands the imposing arch, which adorns the natural landscape on the Path of the Centaurs and was created by the order of the Portaria Community in 1990. The path ends at the springs and the square of “Mοther.”
According to Greek mythology, the Centaurs lived on Mount Pelion, magical creatures, half-horse and half-human. The most famous Centaur was Chiron, the teacher of every great hero, such as Hercules and Achilles. He possessed wisdom, had knowledge of the natural sciences of the ancient world, and passed it on to his students. He also knew about the use of herbs in the treatment of various diseases. Mount Pelion was the summer resort of the Twelve Olympian Gods. In these places, the myth of the apple of Discord is also played out. Eris, sister of Ares and daughter of Night, was the goddess of strife and discord. When the gods did not invite her to the wedding of Peleus and Thetis, which took place in the forests of Pelion, she became angry and decided to take revenge on them. So, she threw an apple among Athena, Hera, and Aphrodite. The apple bore the inscription “to the fairest” for the most beautiful.
As expected, the three goddesses each claimed it for themselves. The quarrel soon erupted. To settle the dispute, they asked Paris, the prince of Troy, to decide which of them should take the apple. To win him over, the goddesses promised him a gift. Athena promised him wisdom, Hera promised to make him a king, and Aphrodite promised him the most beautiful woman, Helen of Troy, as his wife. Paris ultimately gave the apple to Aphrodite, and his decision led to the start of the Trojan War. Thus, Eris had achieved her goal.
After the disastrous floods of September 2023, the path is not accessible for the most part. For safety reasons, before your visit, consult a mountain guide or an expert
We hope that very soon this magical route will be fully accessible again.
Nikolaos Kontovas. Μuseumologist, curator of the permanent exhibition at the Historical and Folklore Museum of Portaria.