Amfiklia - Parnassos Greece
The town of Amfiklia is part of the region of Fthiotida, and belongs to
the municipality of Lokkda. Amfiklia is located at the foot of Mount Parnassos,
and more specifically is at the place known as "Plai". The town is built
on the northeast slopes of the mountain and is 160km from Athens, 50km from
Livadia, 50km from Lamia and 17km from the ski centre of Parnassos. 
The history of the town starts from the pre-historical days and continues
up to the present day. According to historians, the location of the ancient
town was previously where the cemetery is today.
This is located up on the hill where you can still see traces of the acropolis
wall, and the acropolis tower, which is now called "Palaiocastro".
The original name of the town was Ofitia, which means "the place where
the snake lives".
The ancient traveller and historian "Pafsanias", who also wrote
about the history of the towns name in his book, which tells us about the
leader and ruler of the first inhabitants who were Pelasgoi. When the ruler
had his child, who was his successor, he hid the baby in a large earthen
jar, to keep it safe from a probable conspiracy that was going against him.
However, a wolf came down from Mount Parnassos and attempted to attack the
child. However, a snake (which is the symbol of Dionyssos) was lying around
the jar when the wolf tried to attack, and the wolf withdrew.
The childs father however, saw the snake around the jar and thought that
the snake was attacking his child. He threw his spear at the snake, but
tragically, as well as the snake, his child in the jar was also speared
and was killed.
This lead to the town being named Ofitia, and lead to the god of Dionysos
becoming very sacred, and the festivities taking place under his name. Even
today, we can see similarities with the Dionysos festivals and the Greek
Halloween. 
People
still carry burning torches, which is a tradition that has continued from
the ancient years of Dionysos. The next inhabitants were the Fokeis and
the Dorieis who pushed away the Pelasgoi.
The writer Herodotus makes comments in his book "Midics" regarding
this place. Pafsanias also informs us of the third name for the town, which
was Amfiklia.
This was during the period of 346 BC, after the rule of the Amfictions,
for the memory and glory for the town, which was destroyed during the Focic
war.
The word Amfiklia, is probably the female version of the name Aficlos and
Amfiklis. The first part of the word "Amfi" means the environment,
and the second part "cleos" means Glory, Fame and Honourable.
Therefore, Amfiklia means a respectable and glorious city.
During the Byzantine period, Amfiklia was again renamed to Dadi or Dadion,
which means, "Torch". There is also a connection to the word "Das",
which comes from the verb "Daio", meaning to "put on fire
or burn".
The name of "Dadi" was used until 1915, when the Internal Ministry
published a law, and the town reverted to its original name of Amfiklia.
SIGHTS IN AMFIKLIA
PALAOIPIRGOS CATLE
The Castle of Palaoipirgos has been situated on a hill to the west side of
Amfiklia since the French occupation. The tower is square and consists of
two floors, and is 11m in height. The height of the acropolis from the sea
is 530m, and this gives it the perfect position for a unique view of the Kifissos
river, the valley and the surrounding villages.
Legend states that the tower is connected underground with a well, which is
out of the great wall which was protecting the city, and that this well always
has water.
AMFIKLIAS MONASTERY
The monastery is 8km from the village on the way to the ski centre of Parnassos.
This monastery gives the impression of a fort inside the thick vegetation.
The monastery is for women of Panagias Gavriotisas.
The church celebrates the birthday of the Virgin Mary Panagias Theotokos on
the 8th September. There is also a festival on the 6th August, because the
precious icon of Virgin Mary was found on that day.
ZAGGOS APARTMENTS - Amfiklia Parnassos Greece
Located in the beautiful village of Amfiklia is where you will find comfortable and relaxing accommodation at Zaggos Apartments.
Tel: ( + 30 ) 22340 22818
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