Davlia is located in the north-western side of Viotia prefecture and comprises the municipal departments of Davlia, Mavroneri and Parori. Davlia is amphitheatrically built, in an altitude of 360- 400 metres. In the ancient years the area was named Anakria, but very soon it was renamed to Davlida. The origin of this name is very probably reported to the dense forests that covered the region (from the word "torch", which in Greek is spelling davlos and means dense) or it is related to the nymph Davlida. Ancient Davlia was built near the road that led from Heronia to Delphi, to the eminent "Shisti' road". The location of Davlia was a “key position” location and became the cause of many conflicts.
During the Greek Revolution against the Turks, Davlia played an important role in two great battles. The darkest page of Davlia’s history, however, is on 5 May 1943, when the Italians burned the village.
Sightseeings
The Acropolis of Ancient Davlia is located in the south of Davlia. The ruins of its walls are maintained until today (4th b.C. century). The base of the walls must be dated from the Pelasgic period. The form of the walls is circular and the unique entry in the north-western side is protected by two towers. Only the one of them (on the left as we go up) belongs to the initial wall, while the other on the right is a later medieval building.
The small church Aghios Theodoros. Ruins from the Byzantine church (certain columns) are saved in the interior of the Castle of Davlia. This temple was built on the foundations of the ancient temple of Polias Athena, with building material emanating from this ancient temple.
The historical Monastery of the Assumption of Virgin Mary, Jerusalem abstains five kilometres from Davlia and dominates in the Eastern side of Parnassos. It was founded probably in 1088 a.C., (date of reconstruction of the catholic). According to others, the Monastery existed already before 1000 a.C. The modern form of the temple is not the initial, as another two temples were built in the same place and destroyed by an earthquake (1870) and fires. The Monastery had an important activity during the period of Ottoman domination, when the monks nursed sick people, taught the children, protected families of fighters and provided food to the Rebels (Kleftes). For these activities the Monastery was destroyed by Turks. On the road from Davlia to Distomo, there is a modern monument with a sign, indicating the locality of the Road Shisti and the point where, according to the mythology, Oedipus killed his father Laios.
In Davlia, you will find important watermills which belong to the families Koukoutsi, Kopania, Tsamali and Barlou. The watermills of the first two families are well maintained, while from the watermills of Tsamali and Barlou only some parts of their mechanisms are saved.
Natural beauties
Davlia, as amphitheatrically built, offers a very beautiful view. You have to visit the springs of Aghios Ioannis in Mavroneri that have been registered by the National Centre of Biotopes-Wetland. Also, in the place of the camping Lapathia, in the heart of the firry forest, you can enjoy the rich ecosystem of the area, with the infrequent flora and fauna.
Useful Information
Events In the Monastery of Jerusalem a local festival (panyghiri) is organised on 23 of August. In Davlia big events are organised for the celebration of the Carnival, the feast of the Holy Spirit and the feast of Aghioi Anargiroi, patron Saints of the city. Finally, the day of the burning of Davlia from the Italians in 1943 is reminded with cultural events, the last Weekend of May.
Infrastructures
The stone built houses, the traditional fountains, the narrow little streets, the square with the big plane, characterize modern Davlia. In Davlia you will find apartments and rooms to let. You will find also taverns, traditional coffee shops, and cafeterias. At the location Lapathia, you will find a children's camping that belongs to the Clerical Council.
