Listed 4 sub titles with search on: Main pages for wider area of: "KASTORIA Prefecture GREECE" .
GRAMMOS (Mountain chain) MAKEDONIA WEST
The mountains of Grammos with the springs of the river
Aliakmonas, constitutes an interesting destination for the visitor of Kastoria.
The area o Grammos constitutes one of the most productive virgin forest complexes
in Greece. The population of
the area is sparse and the main activities are forestry, hunting and cattle-breeding.
The area, with its excellent geomorphology and the rare flora and fauna, is an
ideal place for walking and sightseeing.
In the mountains of Grammos has its sources the river
Aliakmon, the longest river in Greece
(297km). Form the sources of the river and alongside the riverbed there is a unique
hydrobiotope. The visitor may walk in an area, rich in water sources surrounded
by dense forests, and admire the exquisite beauty of the ecosystem of flora and
fauna.
This text (extract) is cited June 2003 from the Prefecture
of Kastoria tourist pamphlet.
KASTORIA (Town) MAKEDONIA WEST
Kastoria is one of the most important cities of West
Macedonia, with a long History which cannot fade with the passing of time.
Proof of this, are the rich prehistorical and archaeological finds
(signs of habitations near the lake at Dispilio,
Armenohori e.t.c.). It was named after the mythological Macedonian hero Kastoria,
Jupiter's son.
Geographically the area has connections with the ancient Macedonian
state of 'Orestias' where the ancient Orestes used to live, having Argos
Orestikon, as their capital.
From this area the Macedonian kings started to join the rest of the
small states, which constituted the big Macedonian state having as its capital
Eges (Vergina)
and later Pella.
Initially, Philippos and later Alexander the Great joined this state
with the rest of the Greeks.
In Roman period Kastoria shared the same destiny as the rest of Macedonian,
however, it gained glory in the Byzantine years.
This is the city of the Byzantine 'Titoularios', the city of the Byzantine
architecture.
It developed and flourished to become an excellent religious, commercial,
artistic and military centre.
According to the famous Belgian specialist in Byzantine art Gregoire:
the city can write the History of the Byzantine art itself.
The castles which were built by Justinianos and Vassilios Voulgaroctonos
are examples of the interest which the Byzantine Emperors showed because of Kastoria
strategical position.
In the past Byzantine years, Kastoria had many benefactors and teachers
of Greek Culture, who were really outstanding.
It took an active part in the preparations for the Revolution of 1821
where it participated with a special group of fighters. The 19th century it took
part in Revolutionary movements in order to defeat the Turkish tyranny.
Kastoria played an important role in the Macedonian fight against
the Turks and Bulgarians. In 1912, it is joined with freed Greece.
The 75 Byzantine and others churches are samples of a higher civilization and
sociability of the city.
One can meet the architectural style of 'Basilica' as they are the
churches of Saint Stefanos,
Saints Anargyri, Saints Taxiarches, 'Monoclites' as Saint Nicola Kasnitzi church,
the Holy Virgin of
Mariotissa Monastery and the Holy
Virgin (Panagia) Koumbelidiki. All of them are perfectly built with excellent
structure with local materials, in a rich alternation of shapes and colors which
pour out from the same material and the good taste of the maker. The outer walls
are varied with perfect ceramics. The inners wallpaintings have great expressive
strength, which explains the metaphysics of Christianity and the Greek-Christian
spirit.
This text (extract) is cited June 2003 from the Municipality
of Kastoria tourist pamphlet.
KASTORIA LAKE (Lake) KASTORIA
The lake of Kastoria is the most precious treasure of the town. It
is a jewel that both the visitors and the inhabitants can enjoy, as a place of
recreation and as a stimulus for romanticism and reminiscence.
At the lakeshore there are enough squares and parks. In these specially
formulated spaces, the visitor has the possibility to walk on the stone pavements
and to admire the unique natural beauty of the lake at all seasons. Lake Orestida
of Kastoria is considered morphologically the most beautiful lake of Greece
and has been announced a "Monument of Natural Beauty " by the Ministry
of Culture.
The natural basin of the lake, which is enclosed by mountains of excellent
geomorphology, constitutes a unique hydrobiotope. It is a hydrotope of great importance
for the aquatic but also for the birds of prey and uses as an area of reproduction,
nourishment and hibernation. It maintains a rich bird fauna, which includes rare
and menaced species. More specifically: Pygmy Cormorant, White Pelican, Dalmatian
Pelican, Great White Erget, Glossy Ibis, Goosander, Marsh Harrier, Whiskered Tern,
etc.
In the lake there are great quantities of various fish species, and
offers the possibility for fishing, both with the traditional boats in the deep
waters and with fishing rod in he lakeshores. In the lake's waters there are fishes
such as, Carps, butterfly fishes, Italian bleak, northern pike, etc. Fishing is
allowed almost throughout the year, except the period of the fish reproduction.
You can find fishing equipment in the special shops in the town of Kastoria
and Argos Orestikon.
This text (extract) is cited June 2003 from the Prefecture
of Kastoria tourist pamphlet.
MONI PANAGIAS KLEISOURAS (Monastery) KASTORIA
Tel: +30 24670 22714
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