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Kastoria map
Capital: Kastoria
Overview:
Kastoria lies among the
mountains Vitsi and Grammos, on a small peninsula of Orestiada Lake, and borders to Albania. Archaeological
excavations brought to light the first Lake settlement dating
back 5,000 BC. Other impressive sites, in combination with wonderful natural
landscapes, the waters of Aliakmonas River, lakes,
waterfalls and forests comprise the beautiful Kilkis image. The city is known
for its fur production, while tradition and culture have remained intact until
today.
Best Kastoria Sites:
- The Monastery of
Panagia Mavriotissa in the lake
- The 80 Byzantine
and Post-Byzantine churches
- The famous
Monastery of Virgin Mary in Klissoura village and numerous other monasteries
Places to visit:
- Aliakmonas River, the largest of Greece, home to many
endangered bird species
- The Fossil Forest (Nostimo)
- The mountainous
complex of Vitsi and Vitsi Ski Resort
- The famous Vlach
village of Klissoura, other traditional villages (Gavros, Kastanophyto,
Nostimo) and picturesque settlement of Aposkepo, with old stone fountains
Special Events:
Cultural tradition is lively
preserved in Kastoria through local customs. Some of the events taking place
are the "Ragoustsaria" (January 8th) with a large parade of masked
merry-makers, the carnival festivities of "Boubounes", the Chestnut Festival in
Kastanophyto (mid-October), and other local religious celebrations. It is also
organized the International Fur Exhibition, as well as the three-day River
Party in Nestorio on the banks of River Aliakmonas (August 1st-3rd),
the "Orestia", the "Cultural August" and the "Week of Emigrant Kastorians".
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