THE HISTORY OF TEMPI The special aesthetic value of Tempi has been recognized from the ancient times,at the west end of the Valley of Tempi there is the village Tempi.Tempi,known from the historians,is between Olympus and Kissavos.As it is described in 'Neoteriki Geographia' (Modern Geography) by Dimitreis:It is a place 'decorated' with even-trees and deep-shaded forests and cold-cold waters. THE CHARACRERISTIC OF TEMPI IS RIVER PENEUS As we leave behind the river Peneus flowing, with its calm and cold water,in the valley,we start ascending the mountain Ossa on a twisted country road.After a half-hour walk we come in view of Ampelakia,Christian land,that is built amphitheatrically at a steep site,facing Olympous 500 m above Peneus. There are about 550 houses in Ampelakia.Some of them are very beautiful.According to the old historians:'The village is rich and famous for the excellent yarns,which are dyed in it and for the yarn trade,that the natives were angaged in,in Germany'. FOUNDATION There is a reference to the village's foundation from the early 15th century.In Ampelakia a system of local government was put into practice.It was a free community,that was supported by the privileges' institution. This institution gave Ampelakia the potentiality of an important handicraft activity and led the inhabitants to the co-operative's formation. Copyright © 2005 Apostolina Saiti