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Zagori Epirus Greece

ZAGORI. A peculiar geographical and cultural unity consisting of 46 traditional villages that are scattered in the east, central and west Zagori. It is geographically located between Ioannina, Metsovo and Konitsa with natural borders mainly Mitsikeli, Gamila and Aoos. The area is a combination of scattered pines and firs, crystal clear waters, traditional stone-made bridges, old manors, beautiful churches and lush vegetation. An area with flora and fauna of the richest in Greece not only in number of species but in rare ones also. Here one meets the bear, deer, wild-goat, jackal and others. 

         

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East Zagori

Greveniti- Voutsas Monastery It is nestled in a forested slope, near the banks of the River Vardas, 5km off Greveniti. According to tradition the monastery was built by emperor Konstantinos Pogonatos. The temple is dedicated to Panagia Theotokos, belongs to Agion Oros (Mount Athos) school. Remarkable wall paintings are dated back to 1680.

Vovousa One of the biggest vlahohori of Pindos. It experience exceptional growth during late Turkish domination years. it was burnt by the Germans in 1943. The village crosses the Aoos River. A big single arched bridge, built in 1743, joins today the riverbanks and makes communication easier for the people. The bridge is a starting point for kayak-lovers in the Aoos River.

Kaberaga Bridge It spans the Zagoritikos River, near Miliotades. A single arched bridge, its name is taken from Kaber-Aga; the gentleman who donated he gave the money to built it.
Tsipiani Bridge A single arched bridge, over the Vardas River. Was constructed in 1875 with funds from Anastasis Paspaliaris and the people of Greveniti.

Makrino -Panagia Monastery At the edge of the settlement is the monastery of Panagia, built around 1700 with walls painted in 1792 by painters from Kapesovo. The monastery developed important philanthropic and cultural activity during Turkish Occupation.

Flabourari Nested in a forested slope of Tsouka Rossa Mountain, at a height of 1O00m. The old houses of the village were burnt by Germans during Second World War. However the church of St. Nikolaos was saved, a building dated back to 1774. Flaburari attracts, many tourists, since it is on the road that leads to Vovousa and from there to Grevena, through a landscape of exceptional beauty.

Doliani One of the prettiest villages of East Zagori, drenched in greenery. Although old manor houses were burnt by Germans, the central church of the village still stands and is dedicated to Panagia Theotokos dating back to 1791. It has wonderful wall paintings and a tower campanile on the east side.

             

West Zagori

Aristi - Monastery of Panagia Spileotissa Dedicated to Virgin Mary the Monastery is built on a rock, over the west bank of Voidomatis River. The temple is dated back to 1665. it was an important monastery with cultural activity in the region of Zagori.

Papingo A famous traditional settlement, built on the sides of Mt. Astraka (at a height of 2.436m). It consists of two settlements Small and Great Papingo that have kept their traditional appearance unaltered with big manor houses, stone paved streets and springs with crystal clear water. Remarkable are the churches of St. Vlasios and St. Georgios (Great Papingo) and Taxiarches (Small Papingo). Over small Papingo the towers of Astraka rise, while near the settlement the visitor sees the ovires natural shallow basins with clear water in rocky formations.

Drakolimni It is the biggest lake of the national park of Vikos-Aoos and is located in the mountains of Timfi at a height of 2.050m. It stretches to about 5 acres. Here lives the alpine triton, a rare amphibian species. A magnificent landscape as Mt Astraka (2.436m.) and Mt Gamila (2.i$J7m.) rise high above the lake impressive as they are. For the visitor to get there, a road leads from Papingo to Astraka refuge, after 3 hours of walking. From there follow the marked path to Drakolimni (approximately one hour walk).

Central Zagori

Vikos Gorge. Vikos gorge is at the west side of the National Park Vikos-Aoos and crosses West and Central Zagori. Its length reaches approximately 12 km., and the height of steep cliffs exceeds 1200m. In many spots, while its width is around 100 to 1000m. The gorge is water-made formation and is cut through by Vikos River, the water is seasonal. Flora presents a wide variety of willow trees, sycamores, sphendamos but also flowers and herbs. In earlier days alternative doctors picked up herbs in the area the so- called Vikos-doctors. Skilful walkers can cross the gorge, it takes 5 hours to walk to the Springs of Voidomatis River, in a magnificent landscape, characterised by the grey rocks and the green vegetation. Monodendri Monodendri is one of the most well known traditional settlements of Zagori. It is the home of Rizari Brothers benefactors, their foundation is well known all over Greece lor its great social work. The great manor houses and churches express the economic prosperity of the citizens during Turkish occupation. Recently restored manor of Pantazis hosts occasional exhibitions, while in the outdoor theatre important theatrical and musical performances take place. Right at the centre of the settlement St. Athanasios church dates back to the beginning of 19th C. The icons of the temple are dedications by the Rizari Brothers. In a small distance from Monodendri is Oxia, well-known for the beautiful view over Vikos gorge mostly for its stone-forest. There are huge rocky creations with horizontal layers of stone one over the other that form a natural monument of great geological interest.

Monodendri-St.Paraskevi Monastery It is built at the edge of Vikos gorge. Founded in the expense of Michael Voevodas Therianos and the people nearby Vitsa. The tradition mentions that Therianos built the church as an act of thanksgiving for his daughter's saviour suffering from an incurable illness. Wall paintings of temple are dated back to 15th C.

Monodendri- Church of St. Minas The cross-domed church of St. Minas is near the square of the village and it was built in the beginning of 17th C. The wall paintings were concluded in two stages. In 1619/20 are dated those of the main church and narthex is dated to 1734. Wood-engraved and gilt-edged temple of the church is dated to 1782.

Vitsa (ancient settlement)Between Monodendri and Vitsa are located the ruins of a small settlement of Molossi, dated in 9th C. up until the end of 4th C. B.C. Excavations brought into light ruins of stone houses as well as two cemeteries with important findings. (today are exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Ioannina).

Vitsa (contemporary settlement)one of the most important traditional settlement in Zagori. Well maintained stone manor houses, built with grey stone, perfectly fit in the environment, present special architectural interest. Stone-paved streets, churches, house gates, create together with the environment a scenery of outstanding beauty. The inhabitants of Vitsa, already in existence since Byzantine times, <Vizitsini> according to inscription undertook the building of the monastery of St. Paraskevi in Monodendri in 1413/4.

Vitsa Church of St. Nikolaos St. Nikolaos cross-domed church with later narthex is built at the edge of the village. It is dated according to inscription to 1612. The wall paintings Ware made in 1618-19, woodcraft temple of the church is dated to 17th C, and icons are of 17th and 18th C.

Ano Pedina- Church of St. Nikolaos A church of grate size dated from the beginning of 19th C. Wall paintings, woodcraft,temple, rostrum are all of the same era. In the church a gospel with silver cover is kept, a work of Tzimouris, a great silver maker from Kalarites.

Ano Pedina - Evagelistria Church Important Nunnery at the entrance of the village. It is surrounded by high yard walls and impresses with its fortress-like character. The temple was build in 1793 and religious paintings made in 1809.

Koukouli -Church of Panagia It is built at the centre of the settlement and is a basilica of great size with arched loggia (hagiati). The present shape is the result of the second restoration dated to 1788. Wall paintings of 1796 are a work of Lazaros while the north walls were repainted in 1854 by painters from Chionades. Remarkable samples of Epirotic woodcraft are the temple, the rostrum and bishop's seat with nice decoration.

Noutsou Bridge or Kokorou. It was built in 1750 by Noutsos Kontodimos. A big single-arched bridge over Vikas. It is also named Kokarou after the owner of a nearby mill who took care of its repair.

Bridge of Plakidas or Kalogeriko A great three-arched bridge, that impresses one with its symmetry. It near the village Kipi and joins Viko's banks. It was built in 1814 by Serafim, a monk in the monastery of Profitis Ilias in Vitsa, under whom, it took its name. It was reconstructed in 1865 by Alexis Plakidas Kaukouli.

Vradeto stairs. It is cobble stone pathway down a steep rocky slope that leads to the traditional village of Vradeto, a work of great craftsmanship of Epirotic artisans. In older days it was the only access to the village, that maintains its traditional character. Vradeto is the most mountainous settlement of Zagori built 1340m above Vikos Gorge. From Beloi spot one can enjoy a magnificent view of Vikos Gorge.

Tsepelovo A well-preserved settlement, at a height of 1.100m height. During Turkish occupation it was the administrative centre of Zagori. Its manors are famous for the folk wall paintings. Near the square of the village the church of St. Nikolaos impresses the visitor with well-maintained wall paintings works of painters of Kapesovo in 1786. Tower like campanile is dated to 1868.

Tsepelovo-Monastery of St. Ioannis Rogovos It is built in Tsepelovo village. The contemporary temple is dated to 1749. Wall paintings from 1765 are a work of Kapesovo painters. Among the wall paintings are the presentations of sponsors Kontodima and mank Nikodimos.

Giftokambos Well known for the meeting of Epirotes Sarakatsani which takes place every year on the fiTSt weekend of August. It is near the villages of Skamneli and Laista, at 1600m. In GiFtokambos there is the Sarakatsaniki Stani an exhibitional ground from May till October. It is a place with big huts representing the life of Sarakatsani.

Kapesovo. A traditional settlement known for Kapesovo painters (Bogades) who worked in dozens of churches in Epirus during 18th and 19th century. It is also the home of important men like Ioannins Karamesinis his son Alexis Noutsos collaborators of Ali-Pasha and brothers Paschali who built Paschalios School. The great flourishing that Kapesovo experienced during the Turkish domination, is evident in the great manors with folk wall paintings. In the centre of the village Paschaleios School (built in 1861 as the most important educational' foundations in Zagori), where one of the four copies of Rigas Fereos chart is kept.

Kapesovo -Church of St. Nikolaos It was built in 1793, at the expense of Ioanoutsos Karamesinis, an eminent man of Zagori and Ioannina. The church belongs to the type three-aisled basilica. Wall paintings made at the same time are work of painters from Kapesovo. Among the wall paintings a distinctive one is that of the God blessing St. Nikolaos.

Negades -St. Georgios A great church, in the centre of the village was built at 1792. Wall paintings made at the same time also. Of interest are the paintings of Aristotle and Platon but also of the church 's sponsors. The temple with wonderful woodcraft decoration, the rostrum and bishops seat are works of creative imagination of Epirotic {taliadoroi) wood-craftsmen.

Vrisohori -Church of St. Charalambos. Built at a height of 940m. Vrisohori is surrounded by forests of conifers and crystal water rivers at the foothills of Gamila. The Germans burnt the settlement in 1943. Very interesting is the church of St. Charalambos In the square of the village, dated back to 1814.

Museum of Agapios Tolis. The folk museum of Agapios Tolis is located in Kipi-Zagori. The collections include local costumes, furniture, domestic items, photographic material and others from Zagori that have been gathered by Agapios Tolis himself in an effort to save Hellenic heritage in Zagori.

Museum K. Lazaridis. In Koukouli it is worth visiting the museum of K. Lazarims where 2.500 dried species of herbs and plants from the area, many of which are known for their healing nature are exhibited.

Pantazi's Manor House At Rizarios Centre of Meetings and Exhibitions in Monodendri occasional photographic exhibitions are hosted. In Papingo a centre for nature {W. W.F.) is open to the public.

Activities
Various river activities {canoe-kayaking, rafting and more. In Aspraggelos shooting galley, Pan-Hellenic shooting games take place. In the same small settlement there is a centre of hang-gliding. Near Kato-Pemna there is a brewery of ostrich- birds a place of attraction for visitors. The area has an organised mountain refuge near Astraka (at 1950m). Signs along pathways attract visitors to walk in an environment with small lakes, forests of oak trees

Source: Prefectural Committe of Tourist Promotion - GNTO
Prefecture of Ioannina

Places of interest in Epirus

Arta, Igoumenitsa, Ioannina, Parga, Preveza, Metsovo, Sivota, Zagori, Zalongo

 

The Epirus map

Links: Hotels, hostels, apartments, villas in Epirus Zagoria(dutch) Text source: Greece National Tourism Organisation