History
Ioannina was founded by the great Byzantine Emperor Justinian in the early 6th century and became an important commercial and cultural outpost. In 1082, however, it was raided by the Normans during the first stages of an East-West antagonism that peaked in 1204, when Latin Crusaders sacked Constantinople and dismembered the Byzantine Empire. Many illustrious Greek families fled from the capital to Epiros, where an important Byzantine successor state developed under the Byzantine nobleman Michael I Komnenos Doukas. The Greeks would remain in control until the Serbs arrived at the beginning of the 14th century, followed briefly by more Latins and finally by the Ottoman Turks who conquered in 1430.
Top Destinations
Megalo Papigo village Zagoria
The village of Papigo is situated on Astraka, one of the highest peaks of Mount Tymfi, alias Gamila. It is 52 km north of the city of Ioannina, and is considered as one of the most beautiful villages of Zagoria.
Vikos village Zagoria
Vikos is a small popular village 51 km from Ioannina. This village offers a magnificent view of the Vikos gorge, obviously named after the gorge, which is part of the Vikos-Aoos National Park. Vikos is a common starting point for walks along the gorge and has many paths leading to great places, such as the downhill springs of the Voidomatis River, a 20-minute walk away. These steps also lead to the church of Panagia Spiliotissa (Virgin Mary of the Cave).
Tsepelovo village Zagoria
Tsepelovo is a well-preserved village and actually the largest in Zagoria. It is located 50 km from Ioannina. Tourism facilities are widely developed in Tsepelovo, offering various food, entertainment and accommodation options. Walking through this charming village is an unbelievable experience.
Vitsa village Zagoria
The village of Vitsa is located in central Zagoria, on the edge of the gorge of Vikos, next to the village of Monodendri. It can be reached by walking down into this gorge and following the paved paths on its floor. Then you have to cross the Misiou Bridge and then follow the famous Vitsa stairs from the 17th century that lead to this village. The location of Vitsa gave it the reputation of being the balcony of the great Vikos Gorge, because of the amazing view from there.
Mikro Papigo village Zagoria
Mikro Papigo is amphitheatrically built on the steep slopes of Mt Timfy and can be reached after approximately 3 km from Megalo Papigo. Apart from the scenery, the village itself also has a remarkable beauty. Right after entering, the visitor crosses the central cobblestone square. There are many great exponents of Zagorian architecture, also made of stone, along the stoned alleys.
What to see
Lazarides Museum of Flora and Fauna
The Lazarides Flora and Fauna Museum is located in Koukouli village, Zagoria. It is dedicated to Kostas Lazarides, an important naturalist who collected 1,240 different plant species in the Vikos Aoos Gorge. Today, the museum houses 2,500 dried species of Epirus herbs and plants. Many of them are known for their healing characteristics and are used by local people to produce medication.
The Sarakatsani Shepfold Museum in Zagoria
The Sarakatsani people are a nomadic tribe with no permanent residence. They are thought to be one of the purest Greek races, apparently descendants of the original pastoral tribes of Homeric Greece. Today, the Sarakatsani people are part of the dispersed communities distributed throughout the Epirus region. They meet every year on the first weekend of August in Gyftokampos, Central Zagoria, to celebrate their own festival.
The Gorge of Vikos in Zagoria
Vikos Gorge or Vikos Gap is situated in the Epirus mountainous region of northwestern Greece and is an extremely spectacular gorge. It is actually the second deepest gorge in the world, after the Grand Canyon in the USA. The extremely steep walls of the Vikos Gorge rise in several places to a height of 1,040 metres, offering amazing views of this unique natural phenomenon. The river Voidomatis crosses Vikos Gorge and offers wonderful natural scenery.
River Voidomatis in Zagoria
The river Voidomatis flows through the towns of Epirus, Zagoria. It's one of Greece's most scenic natural attractions. This river is a renowned tourist destination from around the world. It is also characterized by its traditional stone bridges and is renowned for its clean water, which is probably Europe's cleanest river. Its smooth, crystal clear and friendly water offers adventure sports lovers a lot of excitement and fun. The grey rocks and green vegetation combine well with the river's turquoise water.
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