The Municipality of Thisvi includes the villages Prodromos, Thisvi, Domvrena, Xironomi and Ellopia. Thisvi is built on the same place where ancient Thisvi was, ruins of which are saved in the place "Kakosia". The area should be inhabited from 2000 b. C. At the antiquity, Thisvi was one from the most flourishing cities of Viotia. Its residents adored Heracles, Dionysus and Hermes. At 171 b.C., Thisvi was robbed by the roman army. During the German possession, the situation was also very difficult for Thisvi (Domvrena and Prodromos as well). At the end of the year of 1943, a lot of residents were executed, while the villages were burned and depopulated.
Ellopia is found in the Eastern side of the mount Elikonas and abstains 25 km from Thebes. Ellopia is built in the south-western side of a rocky hill called Kotroni. In its southern part, there is a small river, which springs from the mount Elikonas. It is not known when the village was, for the first time, inhabited, in any case the first name was Karadas (it means black stone). In 1916 it was named Ellopia.
In the old days, the village was located a little more away, in the eastern of its today place. In this place, findings of a settlement (Paleokarantas) were found. The activity of the residents of Karantas was very important during the Greek Revolution, however their fights failed and the priest of the village (Papa-Anastasis) was killed by theTurks.
At a small distance of 15 ' from Thisvi, you will meet the village Xironomi, situated on a valley full of vineyards and olive-trees, between the mount Eljkonas and the coasts of the Corinthian Gulf. At the antiquity, in the area of Xironomi, the settlement of Donakes, was found. This settlement is known mainly from the spring of the Nymph, where according to the mythology, Narkissos was mirrored, he fell in love with his idol and then he was drowned. This settlement should took its name from the stubbles (donakes in the ancient Greek), that existed there in abundance.
The village Prodromos is characterized by a lot of vineyards and olive groves. During the period of the big immigration in 1960, the village lost about 50% of its population. The modern village is situated near the ancient Korsies or Hostia. The area must be inhabited from the end of the Neolithic period, but the monuments that are saved belong to the archaic, classic and hellenistic times (6th - 1st b.C. century).
In the slope of the mount Elikonas, you will meet the beautiful village of Domvrena. The area was inhabited at the 11th century from Slaves. During the period of the Ottoman domination, the area was economically developed with an important activity.
In the fight against the Turks, the residents of Domvrena, were from the first who raised the flag of freedom. Karahiskakis, from his eminent tower, coordinated the armed fight. During the battle of Domvrena that began on 26 October 1826, a milestone in the history of the area, Karahiskakis accomplished to stop the provisions of the Turks (of Kioutahi).
Sightseeings
The ruins of the ancient Thisvi are found in the place named "Kakosia". Traces of ceramics testify the habitation of the area since 2000 b.C. A vault tomb and a crowd of seals are dated from the Mycenean period, while parts of various phases from the Acropolis, are saved. On the hill Paleokastro, the fortified Acropolis of the ancient Thisvi is found. On the hill Neokastro, there is, the south-eastern part of the fortified walls of the city.
The ruins of ancient Korsies are found near the village Prodromos (on the road to the village Saranti). The monuments and the fortification that are saved belong to the archaic, classic and hellenistic years (from 6th until 1st b.C. century). Between the monuments, the ruins of the temple of Hera are distinguished. The named “craft-based area” is one from the most important archaeological findings of the region, where it is considered, by various findings, that the installations found must be spinning-mills.
The ancient settlement of Donakes is found in the village Xironomi. Constructions made from blocks of stone, signs, hewn stones and mosaic (it is keeping in the Museum of Thebes) are saved.
Near the village Alyki, in the eastern coast of Domvrena’s bay, the archaeological site of Sifes is found. In the area, ceramic works from various periods, from pre-historic and historical times, are found. The fortified wall (4th century b.C.) is erected in a good situation. Six towers and 3 gates (the one -the main - is near to the beach) are also maintained until today.
On the hill of Domvrena, the castle of Karahiskakis is situated. In the village Xironomi, there is a private Folklore Museum (of Mr Blanos). In an altitude of 700 metres, in the north-eastern of Domvrena you will meet the Monastery of Panaghia Makariotissa (Virgin Mary Makariotissa). The Monastery was founded on the 12th century. The Catholic and the eastern wing of the cells, are saved until today. Also, the exterior chapel dedicated to Aghia Paraskevi is in a good situation.
In a small distance from the village Prodromos, on the road to Saranti, you will meet the Monastery of Taxiarhes. The Monastery was built on the 11th century and is located in a wooded area, full of walnut and fruiterer trees. The Monastery of Osios Serafim Domvous is found at the foot of the mount Elikonas, near the village Prodromos. The Monastery is dedicated to the Metamorphosis of Sotiros (Transfiguration of Saviour). It is dated from the 12th a.C. century. At the period of the Ottoman domination, the Turks went up to the roof of the church, they put fire with sulphur and other flammable material and thus they destroyed all beautiful and infrequent objects that existed inside the temple. In the narthex, the tomb of the founder of the Monastery, Osios Serafim is found. An impressive watermill, recently renovated, dominates in the village Prodromos.
Natural beauties
Almost all the villages of the Municipality have their seaports. Either from Ellopia or from Xironomi you can reach fast the small bay of Alyki with the deep blue waters. In Alyki you can swim and enjoy maritime ski.
Near Domvrena, there is a road that leads to a quiet and a very picturesque port, Ai-Yannis. Also, in a distance of 16 kilometres from Thisvi, the beach Saranti is found. Continuing to the north-western, in a beautiful road with a view to the islands Alkionides, you can find the sandy beach of Aghios. Nikolaos.
Useful Information
Events In Thisvi, every year, the feast of “Heraklia” is organised. Heraklia was a feast in honour of Heracles. Today, the events aim to revive the homonym brilliant cultural events, which were organised in the area at the antiquity. You can participate to the meetings, expositions, music and dance shows organised during the feast.
Infrastructures In all the villages of Thisvi there are lodgings and taverns where you can taste traditional dishes. You have to eat fresh fish in the taverns of the seaside villages of Ai Yannis, Alyki, Saranti and Aghios Nikolaos.
