Practical guideMagnesia
Sesklo and Dimini: the Neolithic settlements next to Volos
Two of the oldest settlements in Europe, a few kilometres from Volos: what they were, what you see today and how to visit both in one morning.
At a glance
- Sesklo
- Inhabited from the 7th millennium BC
- Dimini
- From about 4800 BC to the end of the Mycenaean period
- Distance
- Both a few kilometres west of Volos
- First excavations
- Christos Tsountas, early 20th century
- Opening hours and tickets
- Check odysseus.culture.gr before you go
A few kilometres from Volos lie two of the most important prehistoric settlements in Europe. Sesklo and Dimini were villages inhabited thousands of years before classical antiquity, and you can visit both in a morning.
Sesklo
Sesklo's earliest phases go back to the 7th millennium BC. At its height, around 5000 BC, the settlement spread over many hectares with hundreds of houses, and it gave its name to an entire Middle Neolithic culture. Today you see the foundations of the houses on the hilltop acropolis and a wide view over the plain.
Dimini
Dimini was settled from about 4800 BC and stayed alive for thousands of years, until the end of the Mycenaean period. It is known for the concentric stone enclosures that ring its hill. The same site also has Mycenaean tholos tombs.
Practical notes
Both sites are west of Volos: Dimini on the edge of the city, Sesklo a little further inland, near the village of the same name. By car they are easy to combine. Opening hours and ticket prices change with the season: check them on the Ministry of Culture's "Odysseus" website before you set out.
The finds from the excavations are on display at the Athanasakeio Archaeological Museum of Volos, which completes the visit.
Frequently asked questions
How old is Sesklo?
Its earliest phases go back to the 7th millennium BC. At its height, around 5000 BC, the settlement had hundreds of houses and was one of the largest in Neolithic Europe.
What is the difference between Sesklo and Dimini?
Sesklo is older and gave its name to a Middle Neolithic culture. Dimini was settled from about 4800 BC and is known for its concentric stone enclosures. They are a few kilometres apart and are visited together.
How do I get to Sesklo and Dimini from Volos?
By car they are a few minutes west of Volos. Dimini is on the edge of the city; Sesklo is a little further inland, near the village of the same name.
Where can I see the finds from Sesklo and Dimini?
At the Athanasakeio Archaeological Museum of Volos, which is the natural companion to a visit to the sites.