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MAKEDONIA - THASOS ISLAND
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KASTORIA

Information | Photo Gallery | Map

 

General Information

Kastoria borders to the west with Albania, to the north with the prefecture of Florina, to the east and to the south with the prefecture of Kozani, and to the South with the prefectures of Grevena and Ioannina. The prefecture is endowed with magnificent natural landscapes, a beautiful lake, old mansions of a remarkable architecture, Byzantine monasteries, and the unexplored beauties of the massive Pindos mountain range. The beauty of the lake of Kastoria is outstanding, especially in the spring and in the fall. In addition to the lake, the magical region of Arrenes, with the endless forest, the waters running in playful streams and rivulets, as well as the majestic drive towards Vitsi, strike the visitor and leave lasting impressions on his mind. In the region of the homonymous capital city of the prefecture, many small industries of furs and textiles operate, keeping up a tradition whose origin is lost in the ages. Its population is 53483 residents, while its extent covers 1.720 sq.km.

 

History - Culture

Evidence suggests that the region has been inhabited since the prehistoric years, and early civilizations of the Neolithic age had established settlements. There are remains of a pile dwelling in the lake while piles and many tools were discovered in the village of Dispilio. In antiquity, some of the major cities were Argos Orestiko, Keletro (reputedly today"s Kastoria) and Vattyna. During the reign of Philip II of Macedonia, father of Alexander the Great and of Macedonian dominance as well, Kastoria was incorporated into the Kingdom of Macedonia, and has followed its course through history ever since. The region developed into a major centre during the Byzantine period, when Emperor Justinian fortified it. Thereafter, it suffered many attacks from Bulgarians, Normans, and Serbs, while Turks eventually conquered it, along with the rest of Greece. During the period of Turkish domination, Kastoria became a leading commercial and cultural centre where crafts, folk art and castor fur handicraft flourished, especially in the 17th century. Castor fur traders conquered the European and Eastern markets, and used their wealth to establish schools abroad, distinguishing themselves as the greatest teachers of the Greek nation. It was, among others, in these schools that Greeks learned of their glorious past, and were inspired to rebel against impossible odds to regain their freedom. Kastoria contributed significantly to the Greek War of Independence in 1821 as well as to War to free Macedonia from the Bulgarians (1904-1908), who hungered for its fertile lands and its strategic position. It was finally liberated in 1912, when it rejoined Greece. It is believed that Kastoria is named after the large population of castors that live in the lake Orestiada and, as evidenced by its tradition in castor fur production, it is done so with good reason.   

 

Sights

Many hidden beauties lay to be discovered by those bold -and fit- enough to wander into the vast Pindos mountain range. They will also come across hundreds of Byzantine churches, masterpieces of architecture, frequently adorned with frescoes and hand-crafted, masterfully carved wooden templars. To offer an indication, in the capital city of Kastoria alone -built on a peninsula that penetrates within the lake- there are more than 70 Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches, dating from the 9th to the 19th century, most of them built according to the architectural archetype of the basilica. However, only the older churches can be seen freely, as the recent ones are found within the yards of houses, mainly due to the fact that they usually served as family chapels. The most significant churches are Aghioi Anargyroi (10th-11th century), Aghios Stephanos (9th-10th century), Panagia Koumbelidiki (11th century), Taxiarchis of the Metropolis (10th century), Aghios Nikolaos (12th century) and Aghios Athanasios (14th century). Visitors can also see the remains of the Justinian walls, the remarkable 17th century mansions, and the old neighborhoods of Apozari and Doltso by the lake, all representative of traditional architecture. The mansions, in particular, are believed to reflect Byzantine architecture. On the town"s outskirts, the Monastery of Panagia Mavriotissa is situated on the banks of the lake, and it bears excellent murals of the 12th century. In the town of Argos Orestiko there is the Byzantine church of Aghios Georgios, the palaeochristian church of Aghios Georgios, while one can also visit the Roman walls on the left bank of Aliakmonas River and the Park with the open air theatre. Signs of an ancient settlement can be seen in the area of the military airport. Dispilio, also built on the banks of the lake, is the place where the Neolithic dwelling was discovered. There is also a cave 500m away from the village. The monastery of Aghios Georgios (12th century) can be visited in Eptachori, a village clung to the green-clad slopes of the Pindos range. In Kalochori there are the churches of Aghios Nikolaos and Aghios Spyridon, while in the villages of Kleisoura and Chrysi the monasteries of Virgin Mary"s Birth and Aghios Panteleimonas can be seen respectively.  Following the road to Nestorio, where a church and a monastery can also be visited, a wonderful alpine landscape unfolds before the traveler"s eyes. A musical festival takes place here annually, attracting youths from all over the nation. In Nostimo, there is a fossil forest which is dated at 20 million years old. The entire prefecture seems to hold a special bond with nature.

 

Entertainment-Sports-Shopping

Travelers attracted by the grace of this prefecture are pleased to find out that Kastoria also has a well-organized tourist infrastructure to offer. Apart from the complete range of quality services offered in the capital, there are hotels, restaurants, taverns, coffee shops and bars in Argos Orestiko and Dispilio as well. The market in these areas is rich and covers the needs of every visitor. Besides, a visit in the region is a perfect chance for buying furs, hand-woven textiles and traditional rugs. As far as sports are concerned, there are basketball and volleyball courts in the town of Kastoria, where there is also a Marine Club offering sailing and rowing adventures in the lake. Mount Vitsi and Mount Grammos are suggested for mountain climbing. Local delicacies, such as fresh fish from the lake of Kastoria, and "sarmades" (stuffed cabbage rolls with rice, meat pieces and spices), are best accompanied by tsipouro.

 

Access

Flights are carried out from Athens to Kastoria throughout the year. There are frequent daily bus services from Athens and Thessaloniki to Kastoria.

 

Connections

There is a plane connection with Athens and Kozani. Buses departing frequently from Kastoria link Edessa, Kozani, Amyntaeo, Florina, Larissa and Ioannina on a daily basis. 

 

Museums

In the capital Kastoria one can visit the Byzantine Museum and the Folk Art Museum where, amongst other things, traditional tools for the processing of furs are exhibited.

 

Alternative Tourism

Cultural, educational, spiritual, congressional, ecotourism, shopping, canyoning, birdwatching, sporting (ski, canoe, sailing, mountain climbing, trekking, water ski).

 

Useful Telephone Numbers:

KASTORIA AREA CODE:  24670-

POLICE STATION  : 24670-22100

TRAFFIC POLICE: 24670-21523

HOSPITAL: 24670-22555, 55600

PHARMACIES: 24670-22463, 83364, 27737

TELECOMMUNICATIONS ORG.: 24670-29099

POST OFFICE: 24670-84547

TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICE: 24670-24484

RADIO TAXI STATION: 24670-82100, 82200

 

 

 

 

Photo Gallery
MAKEDONIA - THASOS ISLAND KASTORIAMAKEDONIA - THASOS ISLAND KASTORIAMAKEDONIA - THASOS ISLAND KASTORIAMAKEDONIA - THASOS ISLAND KASTORIA
MAKEDONIA - THASOS ISLAND KASTORIAMAKEDONIA - THASOS ISLAND KASTORIAMAKEDONIA - THASOS ISLAND KASTORIAMAKEDONIA - THASOS ISLAND KASTORIA
MAKEDONIA - THASOS ISLAND KASTORIAMAKEDONIA - THASOS ISLAND KASTORIAMAKEDONIA - THASOS ISLAND KASTORIAMAKEDONIA - THASOS ISLAND KASTORIA
MAKEDONIA - THASOS ISLAND KASTORIAMAKEDONIA - THASOS ISLAND KASTORIAMAKEDONIA - THASOS ISLAND KASTORIAMAKEDONIA - THASOS ISLAND KASTORIA
MAKEDONIA - THASOS ISLAND KASTORIAMAKEDONIA - THASOS ISLAND KASTORIAMAKEDONIA - THASOS ISLAND KASTORIAMAKEDONIA - THASOS ISLAND KASTORIA
MAKEDONIA - THASOS ISLAND KASTORIAMAKEDONIA - THASOS ISLAND KASTORIAMAKEDONIA - THASOS ISLAND KASTORIAMAKEDONIA - THASOS ISLAND KASTORIA
MAKEDONIA - THASOS ISLAND KASTORIAMAKEDONIA - THASOS ISLAND KASTORIAMAKEDONIA - THASOS ISLAND KASTORIAMAKEDONIA - THASOS ISLAND KASTORIA
MAKEDONIA - THASOS ISLAND KASTORIAMAKEDONIA - THASOS ISLAND KASTORIAMAKEDONIA - THASOS ISLAND KASTORIA
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