Its first inhabitants were Pelasgi (Pelasgians) and later on came and
mixed with them Aiolians and Dorians. In the antiquity, Fokida was not
geographically the same as today. It extended eastwards to Locris and
Anticyra. With the formation of the Greek State, the region of Esperian
Locris was added to Fokida with most important cities, the cities of
Amfissa (Amphissa), ancient Myonia (nowadays Ag. Efthimia), Halaion,
Oianthi (Galaxidi), Tolophon and Efpalion.
Fokida department (with the ancient "eparchies" of Parnasida and
Dorida) is at the centre of Greece (omphalos (navel)) and adjoins the
departments of Boeotia (East), Fthiotida (North), Etoloakarnania (West);
region's south frontier is the Corinthian Gulf. It is 2,122 km 2 in extent.
36 km 2 are plain, 560 km 2 are covered by forests and the rest of the
region is mountainous with low vegetation and rocky ground.
Nowadays,
it has a population of 48,526 inhabitants (census of
2001), which becomes almost double during the summer period. Its
capital is Amfissa, the historic Salona. It includes twelve municipalities:
Municipality of Amfissa, of Itea, of Delphi, of Desphina, Galaxidi,
Parnassus (administrative centre:
Polidrosos), Kallieis (administrative
centre: Mavrolithari), Gravia, Efpalion,
Tolophon (administrative centre:
Eratini), Lidoriki and Vardoussia
(administrative centre: Krokilio). It has
an alternating geomorphological
landscape endowed by nature with the
beauty of contrasts. It is decorated by
proud, high, historic mountains of a
wild beauty (Giona, Parnassus,
Vardoussia, Oiti), which attract
mountain climbers, nature-worshippers,
tourists and lovers of the skiing. Here it
was constructed Mornos river artificial
damp. But, at the same time, Fokida has
superb beaches that satisfy even the
most demanding of its visitors.
The role it has played to history has
been very significant.Its contribution to
the struggles of Greek people for their
survival is inestimable. (Delphi, Pythia,
Amphiktionies, Salona Fortress (Orgia),
Salona, Chani of Gravia and Odisseas Androutsos, Native land of many heroes of the 1821 revolution: G.
Makriyiannis, Athan. Diakos, Gouras, Panourgias, Diovouniotis, Isaiah
bishop of Salona, Skaltsodimos, Siafakas, Komna Traka, Papandria Mori
and many others, as well as of famous personalities of sciences, art,
letters, such as Al. Delmouzos, K. Kondos, Giannis Skarimbas and
others).
Its main resources are agriculture (olive-trees), mineral wealth
(bauxite), forests, livestock, fish farms and Tourism.
Fokida, being away from the centres of current developments, preserves with zeal everything old and authentic disappeared from all other places. In its cities and villages the visitor will become acquainted with the other aspect of Greece, enjoying simultaneously all modern comforts. At the unique museum of Delphi and at the archaeological and cultural museums of Fokida department, the visitor will meet region's history. The climbers will discover itineraries of unique beauty, while there are many organised refuges. Those who like walking can profit from region's ravines, hills and paths. Visiting Parnassus National Park is a unique experience. From Artotina, at the western limits of the department, passes the European Road E4, which afterwards crosses Vardoussia and Giona and leads the mountain walkers to Delphi. At the northwestern part of Parnassus, at the region "Itamos", in the deep forest, there is a well-looked-after complex of tourist facilities, in harmony with nature, perfect for isolation, relaxation and concentration. But for those who prefer the calmness of the sea rather than mountain mysterious charm, there are the clean and beautiful beaches of that part of Fokida, which is on the beach with the picturesque fishing villages and the noble small towns. Although Fokida has a very good tourism infrastructure and offers a pleasant accomodation all around the year, it is not known to many people. But, those who have visited it and have found themselves among the high, rock peaks with the horizon lying to the limits of earth and have felt the solitude turning into faith and peace know that even for a few moments they have been at the centre of the world.
