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Dodoni
Accommodations
on Epirus
DODONI. Northeast of Ioannina and at a distance of 22 km. is
one of Greece's most ancient Sanctuaries,
Dodoni. The landscape has exceptional beauty and in combination
with mythology (Hades
Gates), historical memory (Souli), paths of Souliotes, the remarkable
Byzantine churches and monasteries, (Panagia Monastery in Sistrouni,
Monastery of Sotiros in Romanos, Monastery of Panagia in Achladea),
are full of religious wall paintings and wood carved temples,
offer the visitor exceptional experiences for nature worship
walkers.
Dodoni Sanctuary
The origins of the sanctuary, known for its historical reputation
back to Copper Age (2600-1200BC.) Initially the sanctuary was
outdoor and in it was worshipped the Great  Goddess, deity of
land fertility and welfare, who later was replaced by the worship
of Dodoneos Dias. The priests said oracles listening to the
sounds of tripods around Figos 'the holy oak tree' of Dias.
To honour Dias the 'Naia' were organised famous Hellenic races.
In the l4th C., the first temple started being build the 'Holy
Oika. Yet it was restored radically in 3rd C. under Pirros's
royalty. It was then that Pritaneion, Vouleftirion and the
Theatre one of the largest theatres ( 17.000 seats) were built.
The sanctuary was destroyed in 219 by Etoli and later in 167
BC by the Romans.
  
Kostaniani - Taxiarches Church
Taxiarches church is an important Byzantine monument and is dated
at the end of 13C. It belongs to the type of three-aisled cross
roofed church with impressive decoration on the external surfaces
made with mud bricks. Interior is decorated with wall paintings
of the same period. In the church there were icons of the 17th,
18th C, that are today exhibited in the Byzantine museum of
Ioannina.
Achladea (Toskesi) Kimisis tis Theotokou Monastery.
The monastery of Kimisis is built at the foothills of mountain
Olitsika, 2km
north of the settlement. In the past it had a great fortune and
supported the village's school. The temple is dated in 1772.
Wall paintings were made in 1810 by the painter and priest Konstantinos
and his sons Ioannis and Christodoulos from Karitiani.
Achladea
- Church of Panagia Labovithra
The church of Labovithra was the temple of a monastery. The date
of building is not known but the architectural details confirm
the tradition that it is a Byzantine building possibly of 13th
C. The wall paintings art dated in the 17 th C.
Alepohori - Botsari
- Kimisis tis Theotokou Church
The wall religious paintings were made in 1784. The church of
Kimiseos was built in 1764 by the priest and monk Ioannis,
who is pictured also in a wall painting. It is a three-aisled
basilica with dome and later built loggia to the south side,
the church is today a cemetery- church of the village.
Romano
- Metamorphosis tou Sotiros Monastery
The monastery of Sotiros is found near the village of Romano
and is one of the most named in the area of Lakka Souli. It
is known for the benevolent action it took, since it financed
a school and funded the restoration and construction of churches.
Today's temple is dated in 1866 wall paintings are made in
1907. The three storey-bell tower to 1910.
Sistrouni - Genesiou Theotokou Monastery
Built near the source of the famous Acheron River. Tradition
places the building in Byzantine times, nowadays temple is
dated back to 18th C. Of the same period are the wall paintings,
which although primitive, impress with the number of pictures
and intense colours. Near the monastery, in an idyllic surrounding
with shadowy sycamores, there are the springs of the legendary
river Acheron.
Artopoula - Katammahi Monastery
Famous monastery built in a green area near the village Artopoula.
It was built in 1830. Near the monastery old sycamores and
stone-built water springs with crystal clear waters create
same magnificent scenery.
Derviziana -Church of St. Apostoli
A cross-roofed church built and wall painted in 1764. It was
previously a temple monastery.
Serziana -'Hades Gates'
Near the settlement of
Serziana are the 'Gates of Hades', the entrance to a grandiose
gorge, known as 'Acheron narrows',
through which River Acheron's waters flow. Ancient Greeks believed
that the river led the souls of dead people to Acherousia Lake,
where kingdom of Hades was located. The picturesque landscape
with rich vegetation and the river's dashing waters make up
an environment of exceptional beauty.
Pente Pigadia - Castle
Dated at the time of late Turkish domination, it is situated
at the border of prefectures Ioannina-Preveza. The castle controlled
the passage of Klisoura a junction point of the road from Ioannina
to Arta and the Forts of Amvrakikos Gulf, during Turkish occupation
time.
Chani Emin Aga-War museum 1912/13
Found at the 27km marker of the national road Ioannina - Athens
and shelters the Chani of EminAga. The headquarters of the
1912-13 war had their premises here. The museum's exhibits
refer to the war period and the fights for the liberation of
Epirus. In the collections are included personal items of the
chieftain Konstantinos, arms and photographic material from
the surrender of the town of Ioannina.
Louros River
Louras River crosses the area, creating small glades with clusters
of sycamores, a perfect place for rest and recreation.
Terovo
-Lake
Near the springs of Louros and the settlement of Terovo the lake
of the same name is found. By the sides old sycamores and other
water-living plants grow. Its waters take many colours, green,
purple and azure-grey during the day and with the change of
the weather.
Source:
Prefectural Committe of Tourist Promotion - GNTO
Prefecture
of Ioannina
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