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Makrakomi (Greek: Μακρακώμη) is a town and a municipality in the western part of the Phthiotis peripheral unit in Greece. The seat of the municipality is the town Spercheiada[1]

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Geography

Makrakomi is built on the southern slopes of Western Othrys at an altitude of 280 m. It overlooks the river Spercheios and its valley. Makrakomi is located east of Karpenisi, ENE of Agrinio, south of Karditsa, west of Lamia and the GR-1/E65 and the E75 as well as the GR-3 and WNW of Amfissa. Makrakomi is linked with the GR-38 (Agrinio - Evrytania - Lamia).

Municipality

The municipality Makrakomi was formed at the 2011 local government reform by the merger of the following 4 former municipalities, that became municipal units (constituent communities in brackets):[1]

Agios Georgios Tymfristou (Agios Georgios, Dikastro, Mavrilo, Megali Kapsi, Merkada, Mesaia Kapsi, Neochori, Palaiokastro, Perivlepto, Pitsiota, Ptelea, Vitoli)
Makrakomi (Archani, Asvesti, Giannitsou, Grammeni, Kastri, Litoselo, Makrakomi, Makri, Palaia Giannitsou, Pappas, Platystomo, Rovoliari, Trilofo, Tsoukka)
Spercheiada (Agios Sostis, Anatoli, Argyria, Fteri, Gardiki, Kallithea, Kampia, Kanalia, Kloni, Kolokythia, Kyriakochori, Lefkada, Marmara, Mesopotamia, Nikolitsi, Palaiochori, Palaiovracha, Perivoli, Pitsi, Platanos, Pougkakia, Spercheiada)
Tymfristos

In 2001 the population of the municipal unit Makrakomi was assessed as 7,173 (3,691 male, 3,482 female).

Historical population
Year Village population Municipality population
1981 2,374 -
1991 2,717 7,262
2001 2,226 7,132

History, monuments and sights

Makrakomi (Greek: Μακρακώμη): This market town bears the name of the ancient Aenian town "Makra Komi" [Long Town] whose ruins can be seen in Prophet Elias. "Makra Komi" is mentioned by the historian Livy (Titus Livius) in his description of the destruction of Sperchias by the Aetolians (198 B.C) (see Macra Come). The hillock of Prophet Elias, the little church of Agia Paraskevi (set in an overgrown site with cypress trees), the Acropolis of Makrakomi (which affords a splendid view over the plain) and the hillock of Lavanitsa are all worth visiting.

Platistomo: A picturesque bath town with natural springs (known to ancient Aenians). The waters of these springs are recommended for stomach and skin ailments. This place is set in lush vegetation where the traveller can find peace and escape everyday reality under the shade of ancient plane trees.

Nea and Palea Gianitsou - Papas: There are traces of two ancient castles in this location.

Makri: It features a particularly beauriful square and the superb plane-tree wood of the River Spercheios. The only station for nursing and protecting animals in Fthiotida is also located in Makri.

Arhani: A place where we can wander off down the ravine with its springs and therapeutic waters.

Asvestis [1]: It has a vaulted bridge made of stone.

Trilofo: It features a superb religious museum "I Vivlos" ["The Bible"].

Kastri: It has a splendid plane-tree forest on both sides of the Spercheios. The Castle is the most prominent building at the village centre.

Tsouka: The porch of Western Phthiotis. It features a fountain in the "halkia gourna" ["brass basin"] while there are huge oak trees at Agios Giannis.

Litosselo: There is a Folklore Museum and a settlement called "Afentika" ["The Bosses"].

Rovoliari: There are beautiful ancient fir-trees, chestnut-tree woods and oak-tree woods, as well as, a superb Folklore Museum.

Food and entertainment

Local meat from free range animals and delicious sausages traditionally produced. Wine and raki from the mountainous vineyards of Makrakomi, Tsouka and Platistomo. Famous local produce includes kiwi berries from Kastri and shelled peanuts from Makri.

Gastronomy tip

Try kokoretsi, splinantero, kontosouvli (skewered and grilled meats) and other local specialities in the many taverns and restaurants in Makrakomi and the surrounding villages.

Cultural and other events

Organized events in commemoration of the Battle of Makrakomi; three-day Carnival festivities in Makrakomi. Traditional festivals in Makrakomi (on Agiou Pnevmatos Day [Holy Ghost]) and all the other villages. Music nights, dedicated events, exhibitions and theatricals are also put on in summer.