Kastoria is a city in northern Greece in the region of West Macedonia. It is the capital of Kastoria regional unit. It is situated on a promontory on the western shore of Lake Orestiada, in a valley surrounded by limestone mountains. It is so romantic, so modeslty pretty and you can do so many things there.
Kastoria and the surrounding area are internationally known as for its many Byzantine churches, Ottoman-era domestic architecture, fur clothing industry, and trout. centers of the manufacturing and trading of furs. Fur manufacturing dates back more than a thousand years and the economic activity of the prefecture centers around furs. Every year an international fur exhibition takes place in Kastoria.
Rich elements of Byzantine culture (Byzantine walls and churches) as well as traditional mansions of the 17th and 18th centuries unique for their architectural design are located in the city of Kastoria. Other places of interest are the Byzantine Museum. The imposing mountains of Vitsi and Grammos, the Orestiada lake and the rich cultural heritage are some distinctive characteristics that make the city of Kastoria and the surrounding areas a tourist attraction for all seasons of the year.
This charming furrier city, whose beauty will most certainly seduce you, is built amphitheatrically on a narrow peninsula, mirrored in Orestiada Lake and nestled in between Grammo and Vitsi Mountains. The best way to explore the city is taking a little tour around the lake starting from the southernmost side up to the northernmost. Take a stroll on the narrow pathway along the lake’s coast, you will be overwhelmed by its idyllic beauty and tranquility. The promenade shaded by beech and plane trees as well as the neighbouring forests exude a mystical atmosphere and make an excellent shelter for all kinds of bird species. Orestiada Lake is home to a 200 different species, among them, some rare and some endangered. On your way, plan to stop at least twice: once to venture into the Dragon’s Cave and marvel at its stalactites and stalagmites, and then to view the superb paintings on the facade and interior of the Panagia Mavriotissa monastery. It’s considered the oldest such complex in western Macedonia. The name means The Dark-skinned Virgin.
