Kastoria (Greece) is a famous city located in the northwestern part of the country. The resort location is located on a peninsula. Not far from it is the famous Lake Orestia. This is one of the most ancient cities, which was founded in 840 BC. The name comes from the fact that the city was named so because there used to be a lot of beavers on the lake. At the moment, there is a large factory for sewing fur coats, and the Greek town is famous for its fur production. The skill has been passed down from generation to generation, and today Kastoria (Greece) is one of the most popular places where tourists come for fur coats.
Weather in Kastoria
The climate in the town is quite cool for a southern country; locals even call it “Siberia”, as it is the coldest of all places in Greece. In summer, the thermometer rises to approximately +25 °C, and in winter the air temperature warms up to only +5 °C. It is not uncommon to encounter winter days when the thermometer shows 0 °C.
Kastoria Greece
Resort attractions
Kastoria on the map of Greece is located on a peninsula. Here vacationers can find beautiful historical places that the whole family can visit. This place is rich in ancient Byzantine churches, there are more than seventy of them. The oldest church is considered to be the Church of Our Lady of Mavriotis; it was built back in the tenth century.
Travelers are offered excursions, during which vacationers will see not only architectural monuments and buildings, but also visit the surrounding area of the resort. You can go on a sightseeing tour of the city, choose a tour of the monasteries, or go outside the city to the “Dragon Cave”, where there are seven small lakes. Guests can also visit the prehistoric stone forest, see the Byzantine and Macedonian museums, stroll through the village on stilts built in the Neolithic era, and also see Lake Orestiada.
Advice! To view the sights and learn their history, it is worth contacting a guide who knows Russian.
Dragon Cave
Transport
How to get to this town can be found on the map. There are many city routes in Kastoria that are served by buses, so getting to one of the attractions is not difficult. If you need to get to the resort from Russia, you should first fly to Athens, and then take buses from there.
Beaches of Kastoria
There are no beaches in this city, so there will be nowhere to swim. Swimming is strictly prohibited in the nearby lake, but tourists can go fishing.
Kastoria beach
Excursions
Travelers have the opportunity to ride along the beautiful Lake Orestiada, which is considered one of the famous places in Greece. Back in 1974, the lake was recognized as a natural monument. Today, about two hundred species of birds live on it, and very rare species of birds can also be found. There is also a lot of fish here, and fishing is not prohibited.
Interesting! River Parties take place in August. This celebration is held every year near Kastoria. Musicians from all over the world come to the town for the festival.
Purchases
The city hosts the largest exhibition of fur products in Europe, called “Edika”. Fur shops offer catalogs with goods; tourists can pay in cash or by card. You can also buy souvenirs and quality clothing here. Feta cheese and locally produced olive oil are highly prized.
Kastoria is not difficult to find on a map of Greece. This small town will appeal to vacationers for its historical sites and landscapes. Every tourist will find entertainment to his liking. This could be fishing, excursions or shopping.
Main natural landmark of Kastoria is the lake of the same name, also called Orestiada, which is considered the most picturesque lake in Greece and was even declared a “Natural Monument” by order of the Ministry of Culture. From the southern part of the peninsula there is an amazing view of the coastal road, which goes around the entire peninsula and ends at its northern part.
Another attraction of Kastoria is the Monastery of the Virgin Mary Mavriotis (XII century). It is located almost on the cape of the peninsula, about 4 kilometers from the city itself. The monastery was founded during the reign of Alexios I Komnenos (1081 - 1118 AD). Its central temple was painted in different periods. Biblical scenes date back to the 12th century. The large scene of the Second Coming depicted on the east and south walls of the narthex is of iconographic interest and dates from the late 12th century. The Baptism scene was added later. The external wall paintings, which depict portraits of the emperors and Saints Demetrius and George, date back to approximately 1260.
The Monastery of the Mother of God Mavriotis played an important role in the cultural and spiritual life of the city of Kastoria in various periods of its life, so there was a special interest in it from the authorities of the Byzantine Empire. On the southern coastline there is the old Doltso quarter with a square of the same name. You can walk along it to the northern part of the city and admire the amazing estates of the city. Located next to the square, the manor houses Aivazis, Nadjis and Emmanouil gladly invite tourists. Kastoria has Byzantine and Ethnographic museums with rich collections.
The next natural attraction of Kastoria is its cave - “Dragon Cave”. The cave is located north of the city center, on the 2nd km of the lake embankment - st. Suggaridi, near the monastery of the Virgin Mary Mavriotis. The entrance to the cave is 20 meters from the lake shore. Internally, it consists of 10 halls with stalactites and stalagmites and 7 underground lakes, the largest of which is 70 m long. A 300-meter route passes through the halls (the central route leads to the lakes), and four of the seven lakes and some halls with stalactites are accessible through five separate corridors - tunnels and two artificial bridges.
Outside the city of Kastoria, many natural and architectural attractions have been preserved, for example, the striking beauty of Mount Vitsi, which became famous during the civil war. This is an ideal place for lovers of nature and fresh air. Various hikes are organized here in summer, and ski resorts in winter. The length of the main ski run is 1,000 meters, the other two side runs are 2,500 and 1,300 meters long. Along the road to the mountains there are three beautiful villages Vissinia, Oxia and Polykeraso.
With the exception of the monasteries of Saint Athos, Kastoria is the only city in Greece that has maintained an unbroken Byzantine tradition to this day. This is evidenced by 72 Orthodox churches, one of which is the Church of St. Stephen.
Saint Stephen (Greek) - the first Christian martyr, brought to the court of the Sanhedrin and stoned for Christian preaching in Jerusalem around 33-36. He is revered all over the world - there are churches dedicated to this saint in Jerusalem, Rome, Nessebar, etc. One of the most ancient temples on this list is the Church of St. Stephen in Kastoria.
The exact date of its construction is unknown, but it is obvious that it was built in the Byzantine or post-Byzantine period, most likely in the 14th century. The temple is a basilica, the architecture of which is archaic and clearly demonstrates the antiquity of the church.
The Church of St. Stephen is interesting not only from the outside - inside it is decorated with wonderful wall frescoes and a unique episcopal throne, unique ceramic tiles and other decorative elements.
Despite the fact that there are several dozen active churches in Kastoria, it was in the Church of St. Stephen that the divine liturgy took place as part of the program of the medieval Byzantine festival “Alexiad” in September 2012.
Coordinates: 40.51975300,21.27345700
Lake Orestiada
Orestiada is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Balkans. The lake is distinguished by a wide variety of flora and fauna, is a natural monument and is very popular among tourists and the Greeks themselves.
The lake is located at an altitude of 630 meters above sea level, surrounded by green thickets and is home to many species of fish, birds and mammals. Here you can find wild ducks, thrushes, starlings, black grouse, ibises, cormorants, as well as gulls, swans and pelicans. In addition, the lake is home to carp, perch, catfish, turtles and salamanders. The forests surrounding the lake are home to bears, foxes, wolves, wild boars and deer.
The lake is a great place to relax - swimming, fishing, sailing, water skiing and boat rides are available here, and in winter part of the lake turns into a huge ice skating rink.
Coordinates: 40.51666600,21.30000000
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Kastanya Gorge
The appearance of the village of Kastania dates back to the Byzantine period, which is clearly confirmed by the numerous Byzantine churches located in the surrounding area. This picturesque mountain village is located at the very beginning of a large gorge leading down to a beautiful beach. Travelers are treated to wonderful landscapes - a panorama of the gorge and mountains surrounded by agricultural land. This route has also become especially popular thanks to the nearby cave, access to which is now open to travelers.
Coordinates: 40.45844200,22.45433800
The cave of the lakes Spileo-Lminon is located in a place called Kastria, fifteen kilometers from Kalavryta. It is attractive for its lakes and stalactites.
Spileo-Limnon consists of fifteen underground reservoirs, which are located at different levels and are separated by partitions created by nature. In hot and dry weather, the water level reaches only the edges of the lakes, but in the rainy season and spring, the water overflows the lakes and overflows from one to another. Unusual waterfalls amaze with their beauty; you can also see stalactites and stalagmites - the cave is famous for them.
There is a walking path along the perimeter of the lakes, which will allow you to walk around and view the lakes.
Near Castria there is a wonderful place called Platinero, where you can taste delicious trout.
Coordinates: 37.94658300,22.13422900
Alvazi House-Museum of Folk Life
In the Greek city of Kastoria there is a museum of folk life, which is housed in an ancient building of the 17th century, known as the Alwazi House.
Until 1972, the house was residential, and then it was converted into a museum with objects of folk life, costumes from different times, tools, a kitchen, and a wine cellar of local Greeks. Also in the museum you can see the tools that are used in the fur craft, because the fur trade in those days brought great income to the Greeks, which, in turn, made it possible to build beautiful mansions.
The Alwazi Mansion is the only mansion that can be viewed from the inside. Next to it there are many more very beautiful mansions, the upper floors of which are residential, and the lower floors are used for domestic needs.
Coordinates: 40.51924300,21.26815300
Dragon Cave
According to legend, in ancient times the cave was a gold mine, and the entrance to it was guarded around the clock by a dragon spewing fiery flames and poisonous gases. The king who ruled in those years promised a generous reward to those who dared to kill the dragon. At first no one agreed, but still a daredevil was found, and after each blow the cave and the water in the lake shook. The depth of the cave is 18 meters and the length is 300 meters. Tourists are attracted here by picturesque stalactites and stalagmites, for easy inspection of which special routes have been developed inside the cave.
The floating bridge makes a great impression, from which you can see the seven underground lakes located inside the cave.
Modern technical means have made it possible to equip the cave with air processing and microclimate maintenance systems, thanks to which specialists can monitor any fluctuations in rocks, the slightest geological shifts and other changes.
Coordinates: 40.49147900,21.27656900
Historical center of Veria
During the Roman period, Veria was a place of worship for Christians, as the Apostle Paul preached here after arriving from Thessaloniki.
During the Byzantine Empire, the city developed rapidly, which was interrupted by the capture by the Bulgarians in the 9th century. Then Veria was conquered several more times - in 1185 by the Normans, in 1204 by the Franks, in the middle of the 13th century by the Serbs. In 1436, the city was captured by the troops of the Ottoman Empire, under whose rule Veria was until 1912. From ancient times, sections of streets, baths, burials of the Roman and Hellenistic era, and ruins of temples have been preserved. Not far from Veria, in the monastery of the Mother of God Sumela, a miraculous icon is kept.
Coordinates: 40.52423900,22.20680200
Fur center Chrisos Kranias
Every year, CHRISOS FURS designers create models that correspond to the latest fashion trends, as well as classic collections. Raw materials for the production of fur products are purchased, as a rule, from the most famous fashion houses in the world. Production is located in the company’s workshop located in Kastoria, and all work is performed by qualified craftsmen who are well aware of their responsibility for product quality both to the customer and to the enterprise.
Every year, collections of fur products are exhibited at the most famous fur exhibitions, which take place in the largest cities in the world - in Hong Kong, Milan and even Moscow. As for the exhibition salon in Kastoria, it is open all year round and new clients are always very welcome here.
Coordinates: 40.51758400,21.25571300
The most popular attractions in Kastoria with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places in Kastoria on our website.
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More attractions of Kastoria
On a picturesque peninsula, surrounded by the waters of the famous mountain lake Orestiada, in Western Macedonia is located the magical city of Kastoria. The crystal clear waters are located in the heart of the plain, hidden by two Greek massifs - Vitsi and Grammo. The second occupies a third of the territory of the Kastoria prefecture in the southwest. Mountain ranges rise to heights from a thousand to 2520 meters above sea level, and the waters of the Aliakmon River rush along their slopes.
Those who are just dreaming of a trip here should imagine a charming picture of these lands: the tranquility of a small town, the purest mountain air filled with the aromas of plants and herbs, cozy streets where ancient churches are everywhere, as well as incredibly beautiful landscapes - this is the essence of Kastoria. The picture is complemented by a mirror lake that seems to embrace the city, located 650 meters above sea level.
In summer the air warms up to an average of 25 degrees, and in winter it rarely drops below 5 degrees Celsius. It happens that during cold periods at temperatures below 0 the lake freezes. For such frosts, which are atypical for Greece, Kastoria has long been called the Greek “Siberia”. Swimming in Orestiada is not accepted here, so residents of the city use the lake for fishing, which is very successful.
City `s history
Tracing the beginning of the history of Kastoria is an impossible task, because it is lost somewhere in the distant past. Research by some scientists suggests that the first settlers appeared on the territory of the current city around 5500 BC. The myths about the divine king Kekrops with a human body and snake-like legs tell specifically about Kefalonia. The founding date of the city is considered to be 840 BC, so it is considered one of the oldest in Western Macedonia.
Under the rule of the semi-mythical king, it was ordered to build the “Kekrop wall”. The structure blocked the only passage to the peninsula hidden by the waters of Lake Orestiada. The reservoir was named in honor of the Hellenic leader Orestes of Argos from Southern Greece, who was persecuted by the Dorians in the 11th - 10th centuries BC.
The erected wall was destroyed, and in its place in 525, already in our time, Emperor Justinian I ordered the construction of a fortress wall with tower structures. This is due to the fact that Kastoria during the Byzantine era served as the western bastion of the empire.
There are several versions of the origin of the name of the settlement. A popular one is that the name of the city is related to the word “kastor” from the ancient Greek language. It is translated as “beaver”: quite a few of these animals actually live in the lake. The second hypothesis explains the origin of the name Kastoria with the help of myths. Castor is the name of the presiding god Zeus. According to legend, a young man lived on the mountain. Seli, which is located near the city. In the mornings he peered into the waters of Lake Orestiada, only then was he able to meet his great father, whose wrath filled the horror of the Greeks.
Entertainment
The most famous entertainment of this Greek city is the local theater. Noisy concerts and festivals attract hundreds of guests. On the eve of the New Year holidays, the Ragutsaria carnival is held here, which originates from the Winter Dionyssia. The carnival procession covers everyone who is in Kastoria these days. Noise, songs, dances, brass bands sounding from all over the city - and all this is supported by local wine.
The name of the carnival comes from the Latin "beggars". Dressed-up townspeople come to houses, asking for gifts, and in return they offer to drive out the evil spirits living in their homes. Initially, the costumes resembled various animals; the Byzantine period introduced a ban on such outfits, so from that time on, the range of images expanded significantly.
Another advantage of winter in Kastoria is Mount Vitsa, where a modern ski complex is located. Mountain skiing enthusiasts from all over the world come here. Also at a distance of 16 kilometers you can visit the hydropathic clinic of the village of Ammoudara, famous for its healing mineral springs.
The city itself is rich in various bars, taverns, fun discos and shops. In summer, the theater offers a wide selection of concerts and performances for every taste and age. A lot of entertainment is also available thanks to the lake: water skiing, fishing, sailing, water rowing - every tourist can choose what is closer to him.
Fur history of Kastoria
The rich history of the city, spanning more than one century, is filled with numerous sieges and invasions of the Bulgarians, Normans and Turks. But even this dangerous position of Kastoria did not affect the safety of Byzantine-era churches, historical relics and luxurious mansions, testifying to the heyday of the city. It came at a time when active trade in fur products with major European cities began.
Fur products were considered a sign of the nobility of their owners, a manifestation of social status, therefore, for wealthy people of that time, such an element of clothing was a necessity. Antoine Olivier, a 17th-century traveler, said that Constantinople women of that era had about 12 outfits trimmed with fur, each of which cost fabulous money. Poor Greeks also wore fur, but they used cheaper animal skins: hares, jackals, sheep. The enterprising people immediately responded to such attention to fur from the nobility, so fur craftsmen became especially valued, and trade in products expanded all the way to Holland, Austria and Hungary.
The glory of Kastoria as one of the fur capitals of Greece is still known today. Numerous fur workshops sell their products throughout Europe, and the quality of the products made makes them truly luxurious and not accessible to everyone. Every year a large-scale fur exhibition is held here, and it is an honor for local producers to take part in it.
Despite the attractiveness of a relaxing holiday and the opportunity to touch the history of Greece through ancient churches, tourists still prefer “fur” trips to Kastoria. The city's fur factories make up an important part of the budget. Almost all Kastoria families own either a factory for the production of fur products or a store, from where the products are distributed throughout the world. This zest of the city has become a defining feature that attracts guests from different parts of the world. The high quality of the products is not their only difference. Local manufacturers follow fashion trends, so when you purchase a fur coat or cape here, you get a truly modern item. Of course, following fashion significantly increases the cost of purchase, but those who try to follow the trends of the fur industry are ready to pay considerable sums.
Attractions
Kastoria is located on a peninsula surrounded by the crystal waters of Orestiada. The local landscape looks like a painting by a talented artist, and the views of the city are created to become the location for filming a wonderful film: streets paved with colored stones, intricate architectural designs of buildings, various flowers, greenery - and all this complements the hospitality of the local population, joyfully welcoming visitors to the city.
The historical wealth of Kastoria is an important distinguishing feature that cannot be ignored once in the city. Byzantine churches, which have preserved their original appearance, amaze with their filigree frescoes and paintings. It is definitely worth visiting at least a few of the 72 surviving shrines. The oldest of them is the 10th-century Church of the Virgin Mary Mavriotis. But ancient icons can be seen in the Byzantine Museum, located nearby.
A visit to the fish market, the pier, and Homonym Square will help make your walk around Kastoria complete.
A unique place is located not far from the city: after moving 24 kilometers away from it, the tourist finds himself in the town of Mostimo. This is where the stone forest is located, where petrified trunks of ancient trees and animal remains are preserved. The age of this find, made during coal mining, is about 15-20 million years. Once upon a time there was the bottom of the sea, and later a tropical forest grew here. The volcanic lava and ash that poured into this place stopped time, hiding all living things in stone. The marine inhabitants have preserved their shape almost entirely; trunks of chestnuts and palm trees have also been identified; these plants were the basis of the flora of antiquity. More fossils can be seen in the museum. The most interesting exhibits are a 25-meter shark jaw and huge teeth of herbivorous creatures that lived here many millennia ago.
The miracle of Kastoria, hidden from the eyes of the traveler, is located next to the monastery of the Virgin Mary. The Dragon Cave is so named due to the natural shape of the entrance, similar to the open mouth of this mythical creature. Another version of the origin of the name is associated with an ancient legend, according to which a dragon lived here, guarding gold mines.
There are about a dozen underground rooms and freshwater lakes here; cave galleries descend 600 meters, delighting researchers. The cave is notable for its natural ventilation and incredible internal microclimate. The stalactites and stalagmites continue to grow, so the cave is constantly changing. Tourists are allowed to dive to 300 meters, which, although not the full depth of the place, allows them to feel the scale of the natural monument. Equipped paths for travelers and lighting make it possible to see in detail the unique growths and deposits, the birth of which goes back centuries.
A real open-air museum is Limneos Ikizmos (also called Dispilio). A unique object was discovered about a century ago during excavations. Scientists have discovered an ancient European settlement that arose about 7 thousand years ago and belongs to the Neolithic era. A detailed study of the memo, carried out at the beginning of the twentieth century, made it possible to determine that approximately in the 5th millennium BC. an island was artificially created here, where houses were built on stilts and the pavements were made of wood.
The researchers also discovered various artifacts - household items, weapons, as well as a tablet from Dispilio containing icons reminiscent of ancient writing. These objects can be seen in the museum, and a reconstruction erected at the excavation site helps you see what the settlement itself looked like.
Which is located in the region of Western Macedonia. The city of Kastoria is built on a peninsula at an altitude of 620 meters above sea level, and its main attraction is the picturesque Lake Orestiada.
Kastoria is a modern city that has retained its character and traditional Greek architecture. The main feature of Kastoria is fur factories, thanks to them, thousands of tourists come to the city every year to buy fur products and spend an unforgettable beach holiday.
The resort of Kastoria is also famous for its numerous Byzantine churches and the mysterious cave of the same name. The panorama of the city is complemented by mysterious ancient mansions that were built during Turkish rule. This period is considered the economic heyday of Kastoria, because it was at this time that the trade and craft activities of local furriers developed in the city. These mansions give a special flavor to the resort town of Kastoria.
Kastoria: entertainment and active recreation
Active recreation and sports are firmly established in the resort city of Kastoria. The city has its own football team, Kastoria FC, which was created in 1963 and still takes part in the Greek football championships.
Lake Kastoria offers water skiing, fishing, sailing and water rowing. Every September, the city of Kastoria becomes the venue for international rowing competitions.
In Kastoria there is a School of Tourism, where various kinds of hikes and outings, sporting events and competitions are organized. In Kastoria you can go hunting, visit famous spa centers or stay for a couple of days on a farm and engage in agritourism.
In winter, there is also something to do in Kastoria - not far from the city, just 22 km away, you can go skiing on Mount Vitsa. There is a ski complex equipped with the necessary equipment for an excellent active winter holiday.
Transport in Kastoria is represented by buses, taxis and cars. Regular buses run from major Greek cities to Kastoria; the price of a ticket varies depending on the distance: from Athens to Kastoria - about 500 km, from Thessaloniki to Kastoria - 250 km.
Public transport in Kastoria runs from all points and has a variety of routes. The nearest car rental points are in the city of Thessaloniki, where you can rent a car or motorcycle and move around the city of Kastoria and Northern Greece on your own.
