Fur coat town of Kastoria in northern Greece. All sights of Kastoria (9) Kastoria greece

Kastoria

Kastoria is a picturesque mountain town, which by the will of fate has become one of the leading European centers for the production of fur products.

Kastoria is located on the banks mountain lake Orestiada at an altitude of 650 m above sea level. It's stunningly beautiful and quiet town with heady mountain air, quiet streets and huge amount old churches.

Kastoria - ancient capital Furrier craftsmanship, which has now reached its true peak, becoming an independent kind of art. It hosts the largest annual exhibition and sale of fur products in Europe.

Kastoria combines in the most incomprehensible way the tranquility and regularity of everyday life, along with the turbulent business life of a compact industrial center for the production and trade of furs with international significance.

An excursion to Kastoria is primarily a "business" trip. Those wishing to purchase a long-awaited fur coat are given the opportunity to visit dozens of fur shops at factories in order to make the necessary purchases.

The region has a developed tourism infrastructure. Both in the city itself and around it there are hotels where you will be offered wonderful holiday, wonderful service and traditional Greek hospitality.

Geographic location, nature

In Western Macedonia, in the middle of a plain surrounded by the Vitsi and Grammo mountains, lies famous lake Orestias. beautiful cape a peninsula juts out into it, on which the city of Kastoria is located. mountain range Grammo occupies a third of the total area of ​​the prefecture of Kastoria and is located in its southwestern part. Height above sea level - from 1000 to 2520 meters. The Aliakmon river flows from the slopes of the mountain.

The average summer temperature is + 25 ° C, winter + 5 ° C. Sometimes the temperature in winter drops below 0 degrees and the water in the lake freezes. Previously, Kastoria was considered the "Siberia" of Greece because of the cold winter by Greek standards.

There are no beaches in the city, as swimming in the lake is not accepted. But there are all the opportunities for excellent fishing, which is what many residents and amateur tourists do (at the time when their wives get luxurious fur coats).

Historical heritage and sights of Kastoria

Kastoria is one of ancient cities Western Macedonia, founded in 840 BC According to other sources, its first inhabitants appeared here as early as the 20th century BC. led by the first semi-mythological king - the god Kekrop, with a human body and serpentine legs.

By order of Kekrop, a “Kekrop wall” was erected, blocking the only passage to the Kastorian Peninsula, washed by the legendary lake Orestiada, named after the Hellenic leader Orestes of Argos ( Southern Greece), persecuted by the Dorians as early as the 11th - 10th centuries BC. On the basis of the later destroyed "cecrop wall" in 525 AD. By order of the Byzantine emperor Justinian I, a fortress wall and tower structures were erected, since the city of Kastoria during the Byzantine Empire (III - IV centuries AD) was the western bastion of Byzantium.

However, the medieval version of the name of the city is associated with the habitation of a large number of beavers in the lake (translated from ancient Greek, "castor" is a beaver). It was the manufacture of fur products, along with the spiritual heritage of the Byzantine era, that brought Kastoria worldwide fame.

According to another version, Castor, the son of Olympian Zeus, settled on the gray-headed Mount Seli (1700 m) and looked into the mirror-like surface of Lake Orestiada every morning before appearing at a symposium with his father Olympian Zeus.

The city has preserved more than 72 churches of the Byzantine and post-Byzantine periods with the rarest frescoes of the Cretan art school, to which Theophanes the Greek belongs.

The most popular is the temple of the Holy Mother of God Mavriotisa (XI century) on the shore of Lake Orestiada near the thousand-year-old plane tree, under the rustle of the leaves of which, according to legend, the Pythians predicted human destinies.

In the prefecture of Kastoria, many ancient monuments have been preserved. Wooden posts, hewn stones, inscriptions in the village of Dispilio remind of the Neolithic period. In the village of Argos Orestiko, objects dating back to the Roman era were found.

The walls erected by Justinian and other monuments of the Byzantine era have been preserved in the city. These are the churches of Agia Anargiri (holy silver-bearers of the 10th century), St. Stephen (14th century), St. Nicholas Kosindzhi (13th century), St. George and others. Each of the temples has its own characteristics. The temple of Agia Anargyri is the only temple in Kastoria that has marble decorations. Its iconostasis was especially richly decorated. In the church of Taxiarchis Mitropoulos (Metropolitan Cathedral of the Archangel), many frescoes have been preserved: the Mother of God, St. Basil, Gregory the Theologian, Chrysostom and Athanasius.

One of the oldest churches in Kastoria is the church of Panagia Kumbelidiki or Kastriotisa (IX century). The whole structure is framed by jagged belts. The Church of St. Nicholas Kosindzhi was built and painted at the expense of the aristocrat Nikifor Kasindzhi as a token of gratitude to St. Nicholas for the help rendered to him during his exile in Kastoria.

The panorama of the city is complemented by old mansions that have been preserved since the time of Turkish rule, which give a peculiar flavor to the city. Among them, the following should be noted: the mansions of Yanakis, Bassaras, Tsyatsap, Sapundzis, Sahinis, Tasyas. All these houses, like many others that were destroyed, had impressive dimensions and rich interior decoration.

Museums of Kastoria

The Byzantine Museum is located on the top of the hill where the Acropolis used to be. It houses a unique collection of Byzantine icons of the 12th-17th centuries. It consists of about 450 icons, 38 of which are exhibited in the halls of the museum (the rest are kept in its caches). Of greatest interest are the icons of the Prophet Elijah, St. Nicholas, Our Lady Hodegetria, Christ Pantocrator, Our Lady Vrefokratis (holding the baby) and Our Lady Dexiocratus (holding the baby on the right side).

In the village of Doltso in the Old Town there is the estate of Nerandzi Ayvazi, where today ethnographical museum cities. Its exposition includes household items, clothing, tools and other items that were used in old estates.

Things to do in Kastoria

In the city there are bars, taverns, shops and discos. The municipal theater of Kastoria operates throughout the year. In the summer, concerts and performances are held in the open theater on the mountain. On the lake you can go water skiing, fishing, sailing, and rowing. Kastoria annually in the month of September becomes the venue for international rowing competitions. In winter, not far from the city (22 km), on Mount Vitsa, you can go skiing. There is a ski complex equipped with everything necessary. In general, the city is very calm. Here they enjoy peace and quiet, the beauty of the mountains reflected in the mirror-like surface of the lake, which can only be disturbed by ducks and pelicans passing by.

If you want to combine pleasant with useful and heal during your stay in Greece, visit the village of Ammoudara (16 km from Kastoria), which is known for its mineral springs with healing properties. There is also a hydropathic facility.

The history of the origin of fur coat production in Kastoria

Fur coat production in Kastoria (and later - in its regions) originated, according to some scientists, already before the 14th century. The need for warm clothes for protection in the conditions of a pronounced continental climate with cold winters led to the production of fur products from the skins of an animal with thick hair.

From the 16th century, when the demand for furs increased (at that time the fur coat served not only as a protection against the cold, but was also an expression of the social welfare of its wearer), the furriers of Kastoria began to import raw materials in order to supply all of Europe with finished products.
TO XVIII century the fur coat conquered the entire civilized world and figured as an important and necessary item - regarding women's fashion and partly for men. By that time, it was seen as an essential element of style and elegance.

In 1894, the first machine for sewing fur pieces was brought to Kastoria, thereby establishing the mechanization of the fur industry. Prior to the introduction of this technical innovation, all the work of tailoring fur coats was manual. A wave of emigration brought some of the furriers of Kastoria to the economically prosperous countries of Europe and America, on the basis of which Kastoria's family ties with their emigrants function to this day, which incredibly contributes to the development of the industry.

With the end of the Second World War, and especially after 1950, the production of furs developed rapidly in Kastoria and its regions. Here they created with a passionate desire and with perfect technical knowledge, which is why the region became the most important international center fur processing. The fur industry in Kastoria retains traditional processing methods that are not amenable to automation. For this reason, every fur product that was born in Kastoria is unique and bears the mark of a work of high quality, being an inspiration for the one who wears a fur coat, and the highest sign of craftsmanship for manufacturers.

How to get to Kastoria from Thessaloniki

Kastoria, a fabulous corner in the northwestern part of Greece, is a 3.5-4 hour drive from international airport"Macedonia" in Thessaloniki. Newly built new road in Kastoria, and you can rush for 2 hours directly to the center of Kastoria.

Fans of fur coats will sooner or later learn about the existence of a truly heavenly place: a small cozy town surrounded on three sides by the waters of a large mountain lake.

The name of this place is Kastoria, and fur coats were sewn here even when in most northern lands people walked simply in animal skins.

The picturesque ancient settlement in the mountains annually holds the largest fur fair in Europe, because it is here that the most famous and oldest fur coat factories of the Old World are concentrated.
Why not a paradise for shopaholics?

Where to buy a fur coat

Every year, Castria receives hundreds of thousands of tourists, most of whom come here in a “rush”, that is, as part of a “fur coat” tour, for 2-3 days.

A 2-minute drive from the center of Kastoria is Kiknon Avenue (Kiknon Avenue), along which there are factories for the production of fur works of art: most often these are small buildings, on the ground floors of which there are shops (they are also showrooms), and above - production premises.

If you come here as part of a fur coat tour, then a comfortable bus will take you along the avenue.
If you are traveling on your own, then you will need to take a taxi to visit this place.

There are hundreds of fur coat manufacturers in Kastoria, these are just some of the names you will see on the signs on Kiknon Avenue.

CHRISOS FURS

One of the most famous fur coat factories not only in Kastoria, but also in Greece, was founded at the end of the 20th century, which is relatively recent by the standards of Kastoria.

However, within a few decades, Chrisos Furs has become a famous fur house and has opened stores in Greece, Dubai and Russia.

The company specializes only in the highest quality black mink, which is purchased at world auctions. Add to this designer models - and the price for the product will be clear.
For example, a knee-length fur coat with 4 buttons costs from 3,700 euros.

However, it will still be cheaper to buy a fur coat in Kastoria than in Moscow or Novy Urengoy. From the outside, the store looks quite modest and has a small area.

ELF PAPADOPOULOS FURS

A slightly futuristically decorated store on Kiknon Avenue (in which, by the way, the owner himself works) you will surely remember not only for its interior, but also for its choice.

This manufacturer works with all types of high-quality fur and does not limit itself in models, so there are black mink, white fox, floor-length fur coats, and fur jackets.
The brochures claim that most of the work is done by hand.

A classic mink coat with astrakhan fur inserts will cost 1,700 euros, a gray fox coat with lynx fur inserts will cost 4,500 euros.

RIZOS BROS FURS

The factory of the Rizos brothers has been operating for more than 40 years and sews fur coats, as they would say in Russia, for “real life”, that is, the products of the factory are most often classic fur coats from familiar types of fur up to astrakhan fur.

Although the company's website claims that Rizos buys furs for its products at the largest auctions in Canada, America and Scandinavia, fur coats in this store are cheaper than in neighboring showrooms.

A classic knee-length black mink coat costs about 1,700 euros here, a lynx coat of the same length - from
2500 euros.

AVANTI (1st km Dispilio-Kastoria, 52100)

One of the oldest family businesses in Kastoria (the factory was founded in 1864), which is known both in Greece and far beyond its borders.

In Kastoria, the store of this fur manufacturer covers an area of ​​​​1000 square meters. m., 5 more stores are open in Greece, but AVANTI fur creations are sold in many countries of the world.

The company consists of 35 small family workshops that continuously improve their production, and 4 designers from Italy, France and Russia come up with models.

ANANTI fur coats are really unusual, beautiful and of high quality, every fashionista will be able to choose fur and style to her taste, however, the price for fur products of this brand is appropriate: classic mink fur coats from 1800 euros, exclusive products have no upper price limit.

There is also a kind of fur fair here - the trade and exhibition center "Edika" (address: Leoforos Gunaradon, Chloe district, Kastoria), where both small workshops that do not have their own shops and large fur factories present their products.

Fur shops in Kastoria are at almost every step. Prices in Edik are lower than in branded showrooms, but the quality is not always inferior.

Whichever store you go to, in any case, you will find a warm welcome and an excellent selection. But in order for shopping to be the most successful, remember:

  • If you come with a group of women who dream of buying a fur coat, you should be prepared for the fact that the prices for the products will be slightly higher than if you came as a simple tourist and buyer.
  • Shops of branded fur coats are not an oriental bazaar, but you can bargain here too. However, you need to bargain skillfully, showing your knowledge in the field of furs and prices for them. The argument "Yes, it's cheaper in Moscow" is also very effective.
  • You will not find price tags on fur coats, because the price for them changes almost every day and depends on many factors. To understand the real order of prices, talk to local residents before visiting the store, find out how much fur coats cost on average this season. In any case, you need to prepare at least 1000 euros.

No need to stock up on phrasebooks and Greek dictionaries - most of the fur shops in Kastoria have at least one Russian salesperson.

A couple of days is enough to drive around the largest fur coat manufacturers and buy the desired wardrobe item, but hardly to appreciate the town itself.

Few people know, but Kastoria is in the top ten most beautiful cities Greece, although in terms of the number of attractions it can hardly compete with most of them.

How to get there

The small town is located in the mountains in the northwest of mainland Greece, in Macedonia, and it is much colder here than in most of the country.

Perhaps it was the climate that became the main reason for the development of furriery and fur crafts in these places, because there is snow on the mountains and sub-zero temperatures often occur.

The easiest way to get to Kastoria is from Thessaloniki.
Not so long ago, these two cities were connected by a new highway, which can be reached by car in a little over 2 hours.

The journey to Kastoria by bus will take about 4 hours (360 km), the bus runs from 7.30 am every two hours from the Thessaloniki bus station.

As a rule, a two-day stop in Kastoria is certainly included in various "fur coat tours", so you can get to the town on tourist bus that depart from Athens and other major Greek cities along the "fur" route.

What to watch

Lake Orestiada

The symbol and main decoration of the city. Large, inhabited by swans and geese (a family of pelicans also lives here), it creates a unique landscape for almost any part of the city.

You can go around the lake on foot or go around on a one-way road, you can sit on its shore in a tavern or take a ride in an old boat (5 euros).

But you will definitely be recommended fishing on Orestiada, it used to be this fishery that fed the whole city on a par with the furrier's craft. But it will not be possible to swim on the contrary in the legendary lake, simply because it is not customary here.

Dragon Cave

Another creation of nature, located near the center of Kastoria and discovered by local residents in 1940.

A huge cave with a dozen underground lakes is beautifully lit and equipped for a safe walk.

The tour lasts about 20 minutes and the ticket costs 6 euros. Guides speak only Greek and English, but Russian tourists are given a brochure.

The Dragon Cave can be reached on foot (about an hour) or by taxi (15 euros).

Antiquities and museums

Despite the fact that the city of Kastoria was founded before our era, almost no ancient buildings have been preserved here, with the exception of a few walls of once majestic buildings.

But 73 churches, monasteries, as well as several mansions of the Byzantine era remained unscathed.

A must visit is the Byzantine Museum, located on a hill. The ticket price is 5 euros.

Where to stay

Unlike the coastal regions of Greece, Kastoria receives tourist buyers all year round, so there are enough hotels here, except perhaps there are no chic five-star chain hotels.

Keletron Hotel 2*

Located in the heart of the old city by the address: 52 11th November St, the hotel allows you to fully feel the spirit of ancient Kastoria and enjoy the views of the lake from any window.

Rooms for 2 and 3 people, meals - only breakfast, there is parking next to the hotel.

If you travel in winter, be aware that the heating here is weak, and it can be cold in the room, despite the heaters running.

A significant advantage of the hotel is the price: two days here will cost only 3.5 thousand rubles per person.
At the same time, as a rule, there are no complaints about the level of service in the hotel.

Not far from the hotel, along the lakefront, there are many cafes and taverns. You can recommend, for example, the colorful tavern Palia Poli on the banks of the Orestiada.

Chloe Hotel 3*

Address: Antheon & Giasemion, Kastoria

Away from the old center, there is another popular hotel in Kastoria, which provides tourists with such high service and good food that, according to many, it deserves 4 stars.

The rooms here are two-room, breakfasts and dinners are varied, there is even a small underground parking.

The restaurant at the hotel is considered one of the best in Kastoria. Separately, they note the hospitality of the hostess, who treats each guest as a relative.

Two nights of accommodation for one person in the Chloe Hotel cost from 3 to 5 thousand rubles.

Calma Hotel and Spa 4* (Calma Hotel and SPA)

Address: 3rd km of the Kastoria-Vitsi highway

This new hotel- a rarity for a compact mountain town. It's big enough with a pool, sun loungers and a bar next to it.

The rooms here are spacious and bright, there are balconies with chairs, a large parking lot.

So unlike most city hotels in Kastoria, the Kalma hotel is built in the suburbs, and this is its only drawback.

The city center, as well as numerous shops, is far away. However, if you are traveling by car, then this hotel will be an ideal option for you.

A day here will cost the guest about 4 thousand rubles.

A visit to Kastoria, which many tourists plan in terms of choice and savings when buying a coveted fur coat, will almost certainly be one of the most enjoyable moments of traveling in Greece. Especially if in this heavenly place there is still a fur coat of your dreams.

With the exception of the monasteries of St. Athos, Kastoria - the only city in Greece, which has preserved 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 the year 33-36. He is honored all over the world - there are temples dedicated to this saint in Jerusalem, Rome, Nessebar, etc. One of the oldest 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 erected 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 testifies to the antiquity of the church.

St. Stephen's Church 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 functioning churches in Kastoria, it was in the church of St. Stephen that the divine liturgy was held as part of the program of the medieval Byzantine festival "Alexiada" in September 2012.

Coordinates: 40.51975300,21.27345700

Lake Orestiada

Orestiada is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Balkans. The lake has a wide variety of flora and fauna, is natural monuments and is very popular with 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 meet wild ducks, thrushes, starlings, black grouse, ibis, cormorants, as well as gulls, swans and pelicans. In addition, carps, perches, catfish, turtles and salamanders live in the lake. Bears, foxes, wolves, wild boars and deer are found in the forests surrounding the lake.

The lake is a great place to relax - swimming, fishing, sailing, water skiing and boat trips on the lake are available here, and in winter part of the lake turns into a huge ice rink.

Coordinates: 40.51666600,21.30000000

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Castagna 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 immediate area. This picturesque mountain village is located at the very beginning of a large gorge leading down to beautiful beach. Wonderful landscapes open up to the eyes of travelers - a panorama of the gorge and mountains surrounded by agricultural land. This route has become especially popular due to the nearby cave, which is now open to travelers.

Coordinates: 40.45844200,22.45433800

The cave of lakes Spileo-Lminon is located in a place called Kastria, fifteen kilometers from Kalavryta. 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 in 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.

Along the perimeter of the lakes, a footpath has been laid, which will allow you to get around and view the lakes.

Near Castria there is a beautiful place called Platinero, where you can taste delicious trout.

Coordinates: 37.94658300,22.13422900

House-Museum of Alvazi Folk Life

In the Greek city of Kastoria, there is a museum of folk life, which is housed in an old building of the 17th century, known as the house of Alvazi.

Until 1972, the house was residential, and then it was converted into a museum with household items, costumes from different times, tools, a kitchen, a wine cellar of local Greeks. Also in the museum you can see the tools that are used in the fur trade, because the fur trade in those days brought the Greeks a lot of income, which, in turn, made it possible to build beautiful mansions.

The Alvazi 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 ones 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 belching fire 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 shuddered. The cave is 18 meters deep and 300 meters long. Tourists are attracted here by picturesque stalactites and stalagmites, for convenient inspection of which special routes have been developed inside the cave.

A great impression is made by the floating bridge, from which you can see the seven underground lakes located inside the cave.

Modern technical means made it possible to equip the cave with air processing and microclimate maintenance systems, thanks to which specialists can track any rock fluctuations, the slightest geological shifts and other changes.

Coordinates: 40.49147900,21.27656900

Historic center of Veria

During the Roman period, Veria was a place of worship for Christians, since the apostle Paul preached here after he arrived from Thessaloniki.

During the Byzantine Empire, the rapid development of the city took place, 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 XIII century by the Serbs. In 1436 the city was captured by the troops Ottoman Empire, under whose authority Veria was until 1912. From ancient times, sections of streets, baths, burials of the Roman and Hellenistic eras, ruins of temples have been preserved. Not far from Veria, in the monastery of the Virgin Sumela, a miraculous icon is kept.

Coordinates: 40.52423900,22.20680200

Fur center Chrisos Kranias

Every year, CHRISOS FURS designers create models that meet 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. The production is located in the company's workshop located in Kastoria, and all work is carried out 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 that take place largest cities world - in Hong Kong, Milan and even in Moscow. As for the exhibition salon in Kastoria, it is open all year round and new customers are always welcome here.

Coordinates: 40.51758400,21.25571300

The most popular attractions in Kastoria with descriptions and photos for every taste. choose best places for visiting famous places Kastoria on our website.

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More attractions in Kastoria

The resort town of Kastoria is located in northern Greece. It stands on the shore of the beautiful mountain lake Orestiada and attracts travelers with its nature, mountain air and incredible beauty. Its quiet streets and a large number of old churches are interesting to visit.

Furrier craftsmanship has been practiced in the city since ancient times, so the craftsmen here are able to produce good products. It is in Kastoria that people come from all countries for high-quality fur things. In its vicinity there are about a thousand fur factories, as well as a large shopping mall"Edika", where you can see and purchase any fur products.

The optimal weather prevailing here will appeal to many tourists. In summer, the air temperature is around +25 °C, and in winter, on average, +5 °C. Despite the fact that these are quite normal conditions, for the inhabitants of Greece, this temperature is considered quite low.

Entertainment and attractions

Kastoria is also rich in sights. Here you can see about 72 churches that can be attributed to the Byzantine and post-Byzantine period. That is why this city is often chosen for pilgrimage. They are beautifully decorated, with rare frescoes from the Cretan school of art. When visiting this city, you should definitely visit the Church of the Virgin Mavriotisa. It was built in the 10th century and is of great historical interest. She stands on the shore of the lake. The Byzantine Museum is also worth a visit. It contains various icons of the XII-XVII centuries. In total there are about 450 pieces.

Church of Our Lady Mavriotisa

Church of Our Lady Mavriotisa

To get to know this city of Greece as best as possible, you should go on an excursion. Various routes are organized here, so everyone can choose what interests him. The most popular is the city tour. Within its framework, you can visit the fish market, see the pier, Homonim Square and city buildings. It is also worth visiting the churches of the city. For believers, a separate excursion to the numerous churches of Kastoria or an excursion to the monasteries of Meteora can be organized.

Monastery of Meteora

Just 24 km from the city is a prehistoric stone forest which should also be seen. Excursions are organized here, where petrified trees and the remains of animals that once lived here will be presented to tourists. All this will be very interesting to see.

stone forest

In addition to historical, cultural and religious attractions, Kastoria is also rich in entertainment. There are various bars, shops, discos and taverns. Anyone can visit them. Shopping lovers will be happy, because here you can buy a lot of interesting things. In addition, the so-called fur coat tours are organized here. In summer, you can go on vacation to the lake, where it will be interesting to go water skiing, sailing, fishing, etc.

Kastoria Hotels

There are hotels in the city to accommodate tourists and guests. There are not very many of them, but in any of them tourists are received with cordiality and hospitality. The category has categories of hotels mainly 3* and 4*. You can stop both in the city itself and in its environs. Take off good number can be on the lake. There will be the most optimal accommodation here, because the mountain and clean air has a good effect on well-being. In addition, the hotel offers stunning views. You can enjoy it every day while relaxing.

Kastoria is calm and quiet town, so it will be comfortable to relax here for lovers of a relaxing holiday and quiet entertainment, rather than active young people. This is where you can get away from the hustle and bustle big city and enjoy nature.

Sights of Kastoria. The most important and interesting sights of Kastoria - photos and videos, descriptions and reviews, location, sites.

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  • Kastoria is a unique and distinctive culture, completely different from what tourists see on the beach and island Greek resorts. At the same time, it is the main center of the Greek Orthodox Church. These two circumstances shape the image of the city in the eyes of travelers and determine the course for must-see sights.

    In Kastoria and its immediate surroundings, an incredible number of churches have been preserved - more than 75, Byzantine and post-Byzantine. True, they are all small in size, and often they are simply small chapels. But even the smallest ones command respect: after all, they can be more than a thousand years old.

    Church of Agia Anargyri, "St. unmercenaries”, was built in the 10th-11th centuries. It is distinguished by a rather non-standard design, but it is not the main advantage of the temple. Stunning frescoes have been preserved inside, and in two layers: the older one, 11th century, and the newer one, 12th century. The old ones are quite primitive, but the new ones can rightfully be ranked among the most outstanding monuments of Byzantine art.

    The emblem of Kastoria was the very small church of Panagia Kumbelidiki, or Skutariotissa, built in the 10th century.

    St. Stephen's Basilica is one of the oldest monuments of religious architecture on the Balkan Peninsula. It is distinguished by attractive tiling and wall paintings, the oldest of which date back to the 9th century. Also noteworthy are the frescoes in the church of St. Nikolaos Kasnitzis, a small one-nave church, the interior of which was successfully used to create murals in the 12th century.

    Particularly prominent is the monastery of Panagia Mavriotissa, whose church was probably built in the 11th century. The local paintings are very detailed and were created from the 11th century. to the 13th century, so they do not look quite traditional for this area.

    The emblem of Kastoria was the very small church of Panagia Kumbelidiki, or Skutariotissa, built in the 10th century. The combination of small size with a high dome and a variety of masonry make it a true architectural gem of the city.

    Take a look at the Dragon Cave, which is very close to the shore of the lake. Inside it are seven underground lakes, a dozen halls and five tunnels. According to legend, all this was once in the possession of a fire-breathing lizard.

    Museums of Kastoria

    If you are interested in local culture, you should visit at least a few museums in Kastoria. Firstly, two folklore ones: in one of them the dwelling of a merchant of the 16th-17th centuries is recreated, in the other - the life of the 19th-20th centuries. Both are very interesting and deserve a tour with a tour, without which it can be difficult to understand why this or that item was needed, and what the owners were doing in a particular room. Another museum dedicated to local traditions and customs is the Costume Museum, which exhibits not only ceremonial clothes, but also everyday, household costumes, men's and women's, as well as accessories for them. Well, as a kind of "cheat sheet" for Kastoria, you can use the Museum of Monuments, which contains replica scale models of all the most important architectural monuments cities.

    Neighborhood of Kastoria

    Near Kastoria there are at least two places that are especially famous among tourists. Both of them are related in one way or another. ancient history. One of them is the Museum of Fossils in Nostimo, where you can see petrified trees and the remains of mollusks and ancient animals that lived here when the sea covered this area. The second place is even more surprising: this is the Neolithic settlement in Dispilio, which is located almost on the lake. Here the famous tablet from Dispilio with hieroglyphic writings was discovered.