Karla Κάρλα | |
|---|---|
 Location within the regional unit | |
  Karla | |
| Coordinates:39°28′N22°45′E / 39.467°N 22.750°E /39.467; 22.750 | |
| Country | Greece |
| Administrative region | Thessaly |
| Regional unit | Magnesia |
| Municipality | Rigas Feraios |
| Area | |
| • Municipal unit | 223.6 km2 (86.3 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 60 m (200 ft) |
| Population (2021)[1] | |
| • Municipal unit | 3,766 |
| • Municipal unit density | 16.84/km2 (43.62/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (EET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+3 (EEST) |
| Postal code | 38x xx |
| Area code | 24280 |
| Vehicle registration | ΒΟ |
| Website | www.dimoskarlas.gr |
Karla (Greek:Κάρλα) is a formermunicipality inMagnesia,Thessaly,Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipalityRigas Feraios, of which it is a municipal unit.[2] The municipal unit has an area of 223.591 km2.[3] The population of the municipal unit is 3,766 (2021). It is an agricultural area producing cereals, cotton and vegetables (28 kilometres away fromVolos). The capital of the municipality wasStefanovikeio. The municipality was named afterLake Karla although in the antiquity was known asVoivis. This shows that it was dedicated to the sun and the goddessPhoebe who wasLeto's mother, and grandmother to PhoebusApollo andArtemis.
In theMiddle Ages the name changed to Karla after theLake Karla. The draining of the lake begun in 1956 and was completed in 1962. The lake was just outsideKanalia, where according toGreek mythology,Apollo fell in love withCoronis.Asclepius, the first famousGreek doctor, was the outcome of this relationship.
The old town of Karla which led its name to the lake, was in fact where the modern village ofKanalia is today. Today Lake Karla is in the process of being reconstructed and in a few years, the area is expected to be developed, as an area of interest for tourists.
The village of Kanalia is located 26 kilometres from Volos and at a height of 80 metres above the sea level. It is one of the prettiest on the north-west side ofPelion. It is built on the foundation of the Acropolis Voivis in the plains of Metochi. On the hill above the village one can see the remains of the walls of ancient Voivis as well as the ruins of three forts that protected the road. Kanalia,Kapourna andKerasia make up the first municipality of Voivis in Volos. The church ofSaint Nicolas (11th century), can be found in the area. Visitors to the area enjoy the plethora ofalmond trees when they are inblossom, they can even attend the celebration of the blossoming almond trees. Rizomylos is considered to be a village that has suffered a lot as many of the inhabitants were killed duringWorld War II and theGerman occupation. Carnival celebrations take place in the villages ofRizomylos andStefanovikeio.
Ano and Kato Kerasia are well known for their stone arched backed bridges as well as their customs.