Lamia is a city in central Greece. The city dates back to antiquity, and is today the capital of the regional unit of Phthiotis and of the Central Greece region (comprising five regional units).

Landmarks

• Lamia Castle, the city’s fortified Acropolis
• Platia Eleftherias (Freedom Square) – site of the towns independence day parade, and main cathedral. Also has many cafes with outdoor seating.
• Platia Diakou (Diakos Square) – square containing the statue of Athanasios Diakos
• Platia Parkou (Park Square)
• Platia Laou (People’s Square) – square featuring the statue of Aris Velouchiotis

Name

One account says that the city was named after the mythological figure of Lamia, the daughter of Poseidon and queen of the Trachineans. Another holds that it is named after the Malians, the inhabitants of the surrounding area. In the Middle Ages, Lamia was called Zetounion (Ζητούνιον), a name first encountered in the 8th Ecumenical Council in 869. It was known as Girton under Frankish rule following the Fourth Crusade and later El Cito when it was controlled by the Catalan Company of mercenaries. In Turkish, it was sometimes called Izdin or İzzeddin. The city was also known as Zeitoun.