Trikala is not only the gateway to Meteora. It is also a town with an old quarter of its own and monuments that recall how many cultures passed through. The best walk starts on the castle hill and goes down towards the river Lithaios.
Varousi
Below the Fortress spreads Varousi, the old quarter of the town. The name comes from the Turkish word for "suburb". This is where the Christian population of Trikala lived during the Ottoman period.
Today its narrow cobbled lanes, its mansions with wooden overhangs and its churches, such as Agioi Anargyroi, keep the atmosphere of another era. Climbing up, you reach the castle and the town's clock tower, with a view over all of Trikala.
The Koursoum Mosque
At the southern edge of the town, near the Lithaios, stands the Koursoum Mosque. It was built in the 16th century and is considered one of the finest Ottoman monuments in Greece. Its design is attributed to the great architect Sinan.
Its name means "leaden", after the lead that covered its dome. Next to it survives the tomb of its founder, who according to tradition was Osman Shah, a relative of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent.
Tip
Take the walk in the late afternoon: climb Varousi while there is still light, and come down to the mosque as the lights come on.
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