Dodwell, Edward: Views in Greece (London, 1821)

SEPULCHRE OF HASSAN BAB A,

AT THE ENTRANCE OF THE VALE OF TEMPE.

THE large and beautiful village of Baba is about twelve miles from Larissa, and
probably occupies tbe site of the ancient Klatcia, which, according to Livy.1 was near
Gonnos, and the mouth of Tempo. It is situated in a plain of a circular form at a short
distance from the entrance of the Yale of Tempe, and is chequered with the verdant
shade of ample platani, of tall cypresses, and of waving pines with large umbrella heads.
Its picturesque charms are heightened by the tajK'ring minarets the swelling domes, and
the diversified forms of the houses. The Sepulchre of Hassan Raba, a Turkish .-ami.
exhibits a most picturesque object. Its white minaret is embosomed in dark cypresses
of venerable age, and backed by the lofty mid rugged range of Mount Olympos. It
stands a little without the village, on the road to Tempe, and to Ampelakia. The
classical spectator is interested not only by the vivacity of the tints and the elegance of
the lines, but by the vicinity of the picturesque Tempe, and the majestic Olympos,
replete with poetical and historical associations.