Kastoria is a city that reminds of a fairy tale. Built on a peninsula in Orestiada Lake and surrounded by Mounts Grammos and Vitsi, Kastoria can charm every visitor. Its name is probably derived from the beavers (“kastoras” in Greek), who were permanent "residents" of the region until the 18^th century.
Because of its strategic location, many conquerors tried to rule there; during the Byzantine period Kastoria became a powerful fortress. After the fall of Constantinople in 1453 and after the Franks, Normans, Albanians, Crusaders, and Serbs, Kastoria came under the Turks for five centuries, but kept its commercial and cultural character. It is a city that manages to stand out and thrive in any condition.
Once you reach Kastoria, you will feel the need to walk along the majestic lake and relax. Starting your walk from the city center, you will admire the fur shops for which Kastoria is famous worldwide. Its residents have been great fur manufacturers for 500 years. The crowded city center is surrounded by a beautiful, relaxing countryside. The Byzantine church of Agios Nikolaos, built on a rock at the beginning of the lakeside road and the huge plane trees that are mirrored in the calm waters of the lake create a captivating landscape.
Do not skip a visit to the famous Dragon Cave. According to legend, this cave was a gold mine which was guarded by dragon that had a poisonous breath! You may not see the dragon, but you will definitely admire the underground lakes, the rare stalactites and the bones of a bear that lived in the cave 10,000 years ago. The Byzantine monastery of Panagia Mavriotissa is located nearby the cave. Relax under the 900 year-old plane tree and do not hesitate to buy local “treasures” such as legumes, pickles and nuts.
Your tour around the lake, having started from the city center, will pass from several small villages by the lake and will end at its north side, after 7 km. Apart from enjoying the natural beauty of the area, this tour will help you realize that Kastoria was inhabited 7,000 years ago! In the settlement of Dispilio, at a location called “nisi” (“island" in Greek), that is the end of your tour, you will find the oldest lacustrine settlement of Europe. Scientists were able to reconstruct a replica of the Neolithic village. Visit the Eco-museum at the archaeological site of Dispilio to discover rare objects that were used during the Neolithic Era. If you are fascinated by the Prehistoric Era, you should also visit the Petrified Forest at Nostimo, only 24 km away from the city of Kastoria as well as its museum where you will see a large collection of marine and terrestrial fossils that are 130 million years old.
The church of Prophet Elias up the mountain offers a stunning view to the north side of the lake, especially during sunset. Doltso, is the picturesque district located near the city center. Explore the cobblestone streets and admire the magnificent 17^th and 18^th century mansions of Kastoria as well as its Byzantine churches. The Folklore museum of mansion Nerantzi Aivazi will present to you the daily life of the people of Kastoria and the culture of their city during the 17^th and 18^th century.
Kastoria, except for its long history and unique beauty, offers the possibility to practice various activities, such as rowing and sailing on the lake. Orestiada Lake is the rarest habitat in Europe, hosting many animals, such as pelicans, mute swans and ducks that make this lake a vivid and beautiful place to visit.
The city is magical throughout the year, offering many opportunities to live new experiences at a beautiful background. However, if you want to get in touch with the customs and traditions of Kastoria and have fun, January is the perfect time to visit the city. “Ragoutsaria”, the carnival of Kastoria, is a twelve-day celebration around Christmas. The origins and the traditions of the carnival date back to the Greco-Roman period. Nowadays, everyone dresses with old clothes that do not match at all and go out in the neighborhoods, celebrating this large feast. The cheerful crowd is accompanied by the municipal music bands and a variety of traditional percussion and wind instruments. It is a true representation of the celebration and the ecstatic rites related to ancient Greek god Dionysus.
The endless natural beauty, the rich history and culture as well as the amazing gastronomy of Kastoria and the great night life are all elements of a city that captivates all tourists who travel around Northern Greece.