Capital of Greece's fur trade, Kastoria
is also one of the most beautiful towns in Macedonia, on the shores
of beautiful lake Orestiada
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Kastoria, the capital of
the prefecture of the same name, is one of
Macedonia's most picturesque cities and is in fact
regarded by the Greeks as one of the most beautiful
towns in the country. Built on the an isthmus on the
shores of lovely lake Orestiada and surrounded
by mountains, it is a city of old
neighbourhoods, narrow lanes, stately mansions
and Byzantine churches. The city flourished, both
culturally and economically, during the Turkish
occupation, particularly in the 17th century and
afterwards when large numbers of Jewish furriers came
to the area because of the abundance of beavers.
Unfortunately the beaver population was wiped out in
the nineteenth century and the Jews not long after
that during the Nazi occupation. Since that time, the
people of Kastoria have dedicated themselves to
working with furs and embroidery. Even today, the city
boasts a large number of very profitable fur and
textile shops and factories and if you are one of
those people who believes he has a moral obligation to
protest the slaughter of animals for the garment
industry you will find yourself with plenty of targets
for your wrath because just about every street has a
business associated with the industry.
If you are one of
those people who thinks its a shame to kill
animals for coats but there are a lot worse things
to be pissed off about then you will find the area
interesting. If you are a person who regularly
wears fur coats and believes they signify class
and status, well, you are probably not reading
this and you would be happier in a fur shop in
Mykonos or Athens. But for those of us who fall
somewhere in the middle there are plenty of
interesting things to see in Kastoria with or
without the furs which are a fact of
life.
Kastoria has more
than 70 Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches,
dating from as far back as the 9th century up to
the 19th. Most of their walls are filled with
frescoes of exceptional quality. The city's famous
mansions of the 18th and 19th century are well
worth seeing. They are usually three-story
edifices with large windows, enclosed balconies
and projecting 'sahnisia'. Their interiors are
spacious and sumptuously decorated with
woodcarving and wall paintings.
Don't miss a visit
to the Kastorian Museum of Folklore housed in one
of the 500 year old mansion which belonged to the
wealthy Neranzis Alvazis family. |
Lake Kastoria is
especially beautiful in autumn and spring, the
best seasons to get to know the town. At various
points round the lake you'll find restaurants,
tavernas, rotisseries, and cafes for gazing at the
lake and reflecting on what you've seen. There is
a 9 km road the follows the promontory and the
lake is home to frogs, turtles and a great many
spieces of birds.The road begins by the hospital
and passes the Moni Mavriotissas, the 11th century
church of Agia Maria and the 16th century Church
of Saint John the Theologian. There is also a free
campsite on the grounds of the Monastery. There
are hotels of every catagory and plenty of
reasonably priced restaurants.
You can get to
Kastoria by car, bus from Athens and Thessaloniki
or flights from Athens. Photos courtesy of Fantasy Travel who can assist you with your trip to Kastoria.
See Activities in and Around Kastoria
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Featured Hotels in Kastoria
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Loggas Hotel
The stone complex buildings of Loggas Hotel, welcome you in the most idyllic location of Kastoria for enjoy the city and the nature of Kastoria and all the four seasons of the year. The name of hotel is coming from a post-Byzantine castle at 1017 AD retreat region which controlled around the plain of Kastoria. The view from Loggas castle is really unique. The luxurious facilities and hight quality services offers you warm hospitality, gazing across panoramic the lake and the town of Kastoria in wherever you are. Hotel Loggas is situated in Sidirochori of Kastoria, at the distance of 10 minutes (8 km) from the city centre. Easy access to the hotel by car or bus. Next to the hotel, there are two international paths, E4 and E6, that you can go for hiking or for a road trip with 4x4 jeeps.
The hotel is ideally located, because in addition to the amazing panoramic views, is located on a nodal point, and without needing to get in the city, you can make your excursions from the village Sidirochori through the natural beauty of mountain Vitsi or else named Vernon, where have been occurred some of the most intense battles during the period of the Greek Civil War 1946-1949. Click here to book directly with the hotel
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Andromeda Boutique Hotel
Hotel Andromeda is located in the Kastoria city-centre. Its building has been
classified as an historical monument and it is now completely renovated and
restored to its former glory. The small size, the simple style, the personal
service and a sense of familiarity are the elements that describe this unique
place. When entering Andromeda, you can feel that here your dreams have found
their grounds. The aura of the past accompanies you into a mysterious
atmosphere, where luxury, elegancy and discretion become one. An escape, a
business trip or simply 'an inspiration'. Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms and is free of charge. For photos, information, maps and booking click here
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Diamond River Resort & Spa
Set in scenic Kastoria, the newly built Diamond River Resort enjoys charming
surroundings full of beauty and cosy interiors paired with warm hospitality.
Built in 2009, Diamond River Resort & Spa offers guests a relaxing
and comfortable setting by the river Aliakmonas. Diamond Resort is just a short
drive from the town of Kastoria. Furnished to provide guests with an
inviting atmosphere, Diamond Resort & Spa offer homely touches, including a
traditional breakfast prepared according to local recipes. Diamond Resort makes
guests feel welcomed from the moment they walk in. Each guestroom is
named after a precious stone and decorated according to its colour. Elegant
furnished, the rooms are decorated according to the colours of emerald, ruby,
coral and amethyst. Wireless internet is available in public areas and is free of charge. For photos, information, maps and booking click here
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Chloe Hotel
This hotel is actually a modern luxurious lodge, beautifully and centrally
situated in the town of Kastoria with a view of the lake and the magnificent
Mount Vitsi. Tranquilly located amidst natural surroundings on the north
side of the lake a short distance from the city centre, the area is known for
its beauty and boasts an ancient historic heritage, cultural attractions and
stunning scenery. The spacious rooms and suites feature a unique design
and contemporary character, offering the guests exceptional comfort combined
with high technology. The furniture is of a classical style and the
accommodation is warmly decorated in earthy colours. This residence blends a
sense of elegance with discreet luxury, creating a sophisticated atmosphere from
the cozy cafe and bar to the refined dining room. Wired internet is available in public areas and is free of charge. Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel and is free of charge. For photos, information, maps and booking click here
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Anastassiou Hotel
Situated at the entrance to the town and built in a simple neoclassical style,
this hotel has a spectacular view over the beautiful lake. Relax in the
friendly cafe, with a cup of coffee by the fireplace on winter nights, or in a
beautiful garden on summer days, with a magnificent lake view. For your
convenience, car parking spaces are available. Kastoria, the capital of
the prefecture of the same name, is one of Greece's most picturesque cities and
is regarded as one of the most beautiful towns in the country. Built on an
isthmus on the shores of lovely Lake Orestiada and surrounded by mountains, it
is a city of old neighbourhoods, narrow lanes, stately mansions and Byzantine
churches. Internet via modem is available in public areas and is free of charge. For photos, information, maps and booking click here
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You can find more hotels by contacting Dolphin Hellas Travel or Fantasy Travel in Athens
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