Fans of fur coats will sooner or later learn about the existence of a truly heavenly place: a small cozy town, surrounded on three sides by the waters of a large mountain lake.

The name of this place is Kastoria, and fur coats were made here back when in most northern lands people simply wore animal skins.

The picturesque ancient settlement in the mountains annually hosts the largest fur fair in Europe, because it is here that the most famous and oldest “fur” factories of the Old World are concentrated.
Isn't it a paradise for shopaholics?

Where to buy a fur coat

Every year Kastrya receives hundreds of thousands of tourists, most of whom come here “in a hurry,” that is, as part of a “fur coat” tour, for 2-3 days.

A 2-minute drive from the center of Kastoria is Kiknon Avenue (Kiknon Avenue), along which there are factories for the production of fur works of art: most often these are small buildings, on the ground floors of which there are shops (they are also showrooms), and above - production premises.

If you come here as part of a fur tour, a comfortable bus will take you along the avenue.
If you are traveling on your own, then to visit this place you will need to take a taxi.

There are hundreds of fur coat manufacturers in Kastoria, these are just some of the names you will see on the signs on Kicknon Avenue.

CHRISOS FURS

One of the most famous fur coat production not only in Kastoria, but also in Greece was founded at the end of the 20th century, which is recent by the standards of Kastoria.

However, within a few decades, Chrisos Furs became a famous fur house and opened stores in Greece, Dubai and Russia.

The company specializes only in black mink fur of the highest quality, which it purchases at world auctions. Add to this designer models - and the price for the product will become clear.
For example, a knee-length fur coat with 4 buttons costs from 3,700 euros.

However, it will still be cheaper to buy a fur coat in Kastoria than in Moscow or Novy Urengoy. In appearance, the store looks quite modest and has a small area.

ELF PAPADOPOULOS FURS

The slightly futuristically decorated store on Kicknon Avenue (in which, by the way, the owner himself works) will certainly be remembered not only for its interior, but also for its selection.

This manufacturer works with all types of high-quality fur and does not limit itself in models, so there is black mink, white arctic fox, full-length fur coats, and fur jackets.
Advertising brochures claim that most of the work is done by hand.

A classic mink coat with astrakhan fur inserts will cost 1,700 euros, a gray fox fur coat with lynx fur inserts will cost 4,500 euros.

RIZOS BROS FURS

The factory of the Rizos brothers has been operating for more than 40 years and sews fur coats, as they would say in Russia, for “real life”, that is, the factory’s products are most often fur coats of classic models from the usual types of fur, down to astrakhan fur.

Although the company’s website claims that Rizos purchases furs for its products from the largest auctions in Canada, America and Scandinavia, the fur coats in this store are cheaper than in neighboring showrooms.

A classic knee-length black mink fur coat costs about 1,700 euros here, a lynx short fur coat of the same length costs from
2500 euros.

AVANTI (1st km Dispilio-Kastoria, 52100)

One of the oldest family enterprises in Kastoria (the factory was founded in 1864), which is known both in Greece and far beyond its borders.

In Kastoria, the store of this fur coat manufacturer occupies an area of ​​1000 square meters. m., 5 more stores are open in Greece, but AVANTI fur creations are sold in many countries around the world.

The company consists of 35 small family workshops that continuously improve their production, and the models are created by 4 designers from Italy, France and Russia.

ANANTI fur coats are truly unusual, beautiful and high-quality, every fashionista will be able to choose the fur and style to suit her taste, however, the price for fur products of this brand is appropriate: classic mink fur coats start from 1800 euros, there is no upper limit on the cost of exclusive products.

There is also a kind of fur fair here - the Edika trade and exhibition center (address: Leoforos Gounaradon, Chloe district, Kastoria), where both small workshops that do not have their own stores and large fur factories present their products.

There are fur shops in Kastoria at almost every turn. Prices at Edik are lower than in branded showrooms, but the quality is not always inferior.

No matter which store you go to, you will always find a warm welcome and an excellent selection. But in order for your shopping experience to be as successful as possible, remember:

• If you come with a group of women who dream of buying a fur coat, you should be prepared for the fact that the prices for the products will be slightly higher than if you came as a simple tourist and buyer.
• Branded fur coat stores are not an oriental bazaar, but you can bargain here too. However, you need to bargain skillfully, showing your knowledge in the field of furs and their prices. The argument “Yes, it’s cheaper in Moscow” is also very effective.
• You won’t find price tags on fur coats, because the price for them changes almost every day and depends on many factors. To understand the actual pricing, talk to local residents Before visiting the store, find out how much fur coats cost on average this season. In any case, you need to prepare at least 1000 euros.

There is no need to stock up on Greek phrase books and dictionaries - most fur shops in Kastoria have at least one Russian seller.

A couple of days is enough to visit the largest fur coat manufacturers and buy yourself the desired item of clothing, but it’s unlikely to be enough to appreciate the town itself.

Few people know, but Kastoria is among the top ten the most beautiful cities Greece, although in terms of the number of attractions it can hardly compete with most of them.

How to get there

The small town is located in the mountains in the north-west of mainland Greece, in Macedonia, and it is much colder here than in most of the country.

Perhaps it was the climate that became the main reason for the development of furrier and fur crafts in these places, because there is snow on the mountains and often sub-zero temperatures.

The easiest way to get to Kastoria is from Thessaloniki.
Not long ago, these two cities were connected by a new highway, which can be reached by car in just over 2 hours.

The journey to Kastoria by bus will take about 4 hours (360 km), the bus runs from 7.30 am every two hours from Thessaloniki bus station.

As a rule, a two-day stop in Kastoria is certainly included in various “fur tours”, so you can get to the town by tourist bus, which depart from Athens and other large Greek cities along the “fur” route.

What to see

Lake Orestiada

The symbol and main decoration of the city. Large, inhabited by swans and geese (a family of pelicans also lives here), it creates a unique landscape for almost anywhere in the city.

You can walk around the lake or take a one-way road, you can sit on its shore in a tavern or take a ride on an old boat (5 euros).

But they will definitely recommend fishing on Orestiada; this fishery used to feed the whole city on a par with furrier's craft. But on the contrary, you won’t be able to swim in the legendary lake, simply because it is not accepted here.

Dragon Cave

Another creation of nature, located near the center of Kastoria and discovered by local residents in 1940.

A huge cave with a dozen underground lakes is perfectly lit and equipped for a safe walk.

The tour lasts about 20 minutes and a ticket costs 6 euros. The guides speak only Greek and English, but Russian tourists are given a brochure.

The Dragon Cave can be reached on foot (about an hour) or by taxi (15 euros).

Antiquities and museums

Despite the fact that the city of Kastoria was founded before our era, almost no ancient buildings have survived here with the exception of a few walls of once majestic buildings.

But 73 churches, monasteries, as well as several mansions from the Byzantine era remained undamaged.

The Byzantine Museum, located on a hill, is a must-see. Ticket price is 5 euros.

Where to stay

Unlike the coastal regions of Greece, Kastoria receives shopping tourists all year round, so there are enough hotels here, although there are no luxury five-star chain hotels.

Hotel Keletron 2*

Located in the very center of the old city by the address: 52 11th November St, the hotel allows you to fully experience the spirit of ancient Kastoria and enjoy the views of the lake from any window.

Rooms for 2 and 3 people, meals - breakfast only, there is parking next to the hotel.

If you travel in winter, be aware that the heating is low and the room may be cold despite the heaters working.

A significant advantage of the hotel is its prices: two days here will cost only 3.5 thousand rubles per person.
At the same time, as a rule, there are no complaints about the level of service at the hotel.

Not far from the hotel, along the lake embankment, there are many cafes and taverns. We can recommend, for example, the colorful tavern Palia Poli on the banks of the Orestiada.

Chloe Hotel 3*

Address: Antheon & Giasemion, Kastoria

At a distance from the old center there is another popular hotel in Kastoria, which provides tourists with such high service and good food that, in the opinion of many, it deserves to be awarded 4 stars.

The rooms here are two-room, breakfast and dinner are varied, there is even a small underground parking.

The hotel restaurant is considered one of the best in Kastoria. We especially note the cordiality of the hostess, who treats each guest as a relative.

Two nights of accommodation for one person at the Chloe Hotel cost from 3 to 5 thousand rubles.

Calma Hotel and SPA 4*

Address: 3rd km of the Kastoria – Vitsi highway

This new hotel is a rarity for the compact mountain town. It is quite large, with a swimming pool, sun loungers and a bar nearby.

The rooms here are spacious and bright, have balconies with chairs, and ample parking.

So unlike most city hotels in Kastoria, the Kalma hotel is built in the suburbs, and this is its only drawback.

The city center and numerous shops are far away. However, if you are traveling by car, then this hotel will be an ideal option for you.

A day here will cost a guest about 4 thousand rubles.

A visit to Kastoria, which many tourists plan from the point of view of choice and savings when buying a treasured fur coat, will almost certainly become one of the most pleasant moments of traveling in Greece. Especially if in this heavenly place you still find the fur coat of your dreams.

On a picturesque peninsula, surrounded by the waters of the famous mountain lake Orestiada, in Western Macedonia is located the magical city of Kastoria. The crystal clear waters are located in the heart of the plain, hidden by two Greek massifs - Vitsi and Grammo. The second occupies a third of the territory of the Kastoria prefecture in the southwest. Mountain ranges rise to heights from a thousand to 2520 meters above sea level, and the waters of the Aliakmon River rush along their slopes.

Those who are just dreaming of a trip here should imagine a charming picture of these lands: tranquility small town, the purest mountain air filled with the aromas of plants and herbs, cozy streets where ancient churches are everywhere, as well as incredibly beautiful landscapes - this is the essence of Kastoria. The picture is complemented by a mirror lake that seems to embrace the city, located 650 meters above sea level.

In summer the air warms up to an average of 25 degrees, and in winter it rarely drops below 5 degrees Celsius. It happens that during cold periods at temperatures below 0 the lake freezes. For such frosts, which are atypical for Greece, Kastoria has long been called the Greek “Siberia”. Swimming in Orestiada is not accepted here, so residents of the city use the lake for fishing, which is very successful.

City `s history

Tracing the beginning of the history of Kastoria is an impossible task, because it is lost somewhere in the distant past. Research by some scientists suggests that the first settlers appeared on the territory of the current city around 5500 BC. The myths about the divine king Kekrops with a human body and snake-like legs tell specifically about Kefalonia. The founding date of the city is considered to be 840 BC, so it is considered one of the oldest in Western Macedonia.

Under the rule of the semi-mythical king, it was ordered to build the “Kekrop wall”. The structure blocked the only passage to the peninsula hidden by the waters of Lake Orestiada. The reservoir was named in honor of the Hellenic leader Orestes of Argos from Southern Greece, who was persecuted by the Dorians in the 11th - 10th centuries BC.

The erected wall was destroyed, and in its place in 525, already in our time, Emperor Justinian I ordered the construction of a fortress wall with tower structures. This is due to the fact that Kastoria during the Byzantine era served as the western bastion of the empire.

There are several versions of the origin of the name of the settlement. A popular one is that the name of the city is related to the word “kastor” from the ancient Greek language. It is translated as “beaver”: quite a few of these animals actually live in the lake. The second hypothesis explains the origin of the name Kastoria with the help of myths. Castor is the name of the presiding god Zeus. According to legend, a young man lived on the mountain. Seli, which is located near the city. In the mornings he peered into the waters of Lake Orestiada, only then was he able to meet his great father, whose wrath filled the horror of the Greeks.

Entertainment

The most famous entertainment of this Greek city is the local theater. Noisy concerts and festivals attract hundreds of guests. In anticipation New Year's holidays The Ragutsaria carnival, which originates from the Winter Dionysia, is held here. The carnival procession covers everyone who is in Kastoria these days. Noise, songs, dances, brass bands sounding from all over the city - and all this is supported by local wine.

The name of the carnival comes from the Latin "beggars". Dressed-up townspeople come to houses, asking for gifts, and in return they offer to drive out the evil spirits living in their homes. Initially, the costumes resembled various animals; the Byzantine period introduced a ban on such outfits, so from that time on, the range of images expanded significantly.

Another advantage of winter in Kastoria is Mount Vitsa, where the modern ski resort. Mountain skiing enthusiasts from all over the world come here. Also at a distance of 16 kilometers you can visit the hydrotherapy clinic of the village of Ammoudara, famous for its healing mineral springs.

The city itself is rich in various bars, taverns, fun discos and shops. In summer, the theater offers a wide selection of concerts and performances for every taste and age. A lot of entertainment is also available thanks to the lake: water skiing, fishing, sailing, water rowing - every tourist can choose what is closer to him.

Fur history of Kastoria

The rich history of the city, spanning more than one century, is filled with numerous sieges and invasions of the Bulgarians, Normans and Turks. But even this dangerous position of Kastoria did not affect the safety of Byzantine-era churches, historical relics and luxurious mansions, testifying to the heyday of the city. It came at a time when active trade in fur products with major European cities began.

Fur products were considered a sign of the nobility of their owners, a manifestation of social status, therefore, for wealthy people of that time, such an element of clothing was a necessity. Antoine Olivier, a 17th-century traveler, said that Constantinople women of that era had about 12 outfits trimmed with fur, each of which cost fabulous money. Poor Greeks also wore fur, but they used cheaper animal skins: hares, jackals, sheep. The enterprising people immediately responded to such attention to fur from the nobility, so fur craftsmen became especially valued, and trade in products expanded all the way to Holland, Austria and Hungary.

The glory of Kastoria as one of the fur capitals of Greece is still known today. Numerous fur workshops sell their products throughout Europe, and the quality of the products made makes them truly luxurious and not accessible to everyone. Every year a large-scale fur exhibition is held here, and it is an honor for local producers to take part in it.

Despite the attractiveness of a relaxing holiday and the opportunity to touch the history of Greece through ancient churches, tourists still prefer “fur” trips to Kastoria. The city's fur factories make up an important part of the budget. Almost all Kastoria families own either a factory for the production of fur products or a store, from where the products are distributed throughout the world. This zest of the city has become a defining feature that attracts guests from different parts of the world. The high quality of the products is not their only difference. Local manufacturers follow fashion trends, so when you purchase a fur coat or cape here, you get a truly modern item. Of course, following fashion significantly increases the cost of purchase, but those who try to follow the trends of the fur industry are ready to pay considerable sums.

Attractions

Kastoria is located on a peninsula surrounded by the crystal waters of Orestiada. The local landscape looks like a painting by a talented artist, and the views of the city are created to become the location for filming a wonderful film: streets paved with colored stones, intricate architectural designs of buildings, various flowers, greenery - and all this complements the hospitality of the local population, joyfully welcoming visitors to the city.

The historical wealth of Kastoria is an important distinguishing feature that cannot be ignored once in the city. Byzantine churches, which have preserved their original appearance, amaze with their filigree frescoes and paintings. It is definitely worth visiting at least a few of the 72 surviving shrines. The oldest of them is the 10th-century Church of the Virgin Mary Mavriotis. But ancient icons can be seen in the Byzantine Museum, located nearby.

A visit to the fish market, the pier, and Homonym Square will help make your walk around Kastoria complete.

Unique place is located not far from the city: having moved 24 kilometers away from it, the tourist finds himself in the town of Mostimo. This is where stone forest, where petrified trunks of ancient trees and animal remains are preserved. The age of this find, made during coal mining, is about 15-20 million years. Once upon a time there was the bottom of the sea, and later a tropical forest grew here. The volcanic lava and ash that poured into this place stopped time, hiding all living things in stone. The marine inhabitants have retained their shape almost entirely; the trunks of chestnuts and palm trees have also been identified; these plants were the basis flora antiquities. More fossils can be seen in the museum. The most interesting exhibits are a 25-meter shark jaw and huge teeth of herbivorous creatures that lived here many millennia ago.

The miracle of Kastoria, hidden from the eyes of the traveler, is located next to the monastery of the Virgin Mary. The Dragon Cave is so named due to the natural shape of the entrance, similar to the open mouth of this mythical creature. Another version of the origin of the name is associated with an ancient legend, according to which a dragon lived here, guarding gold mines.

There are about a dozen underground rooms and freshwater lakes here; cave galleries descend 600 meters, delighting researchers. The cave is notable for its natural ventilation and incredible internal microclimate. The stalactites and stalagmites continue to grow, so the cave is constantly changing. Tourists are allowed to dive to 300 meters, which, although not the full depth of the place, allows them to feel the scale of the natural monument. Equipped paths for travelers and lighting make it possible to see in detail the unique growths and deposits, the birth of which goes back centuries.

A real open-air museum is Limneos Ikizmos (also called Dispilio). A unique object was discovered about a century ago during excavations. Scientists have discovered an ancient European settlement that arose about 7 thousand years ago and belongs to the Neolithic era. A detailed study of the memo, carried out at the beginning of the twentieth century, made it possible to determine that approximately in the 5th millennium BC. an island was artificially created here, where houses were built on stilts and the pavements were made of wood.

The researchers also discovered various artifacts - household items, weapons, as well as a tablet from Dispilio containing icons reminiscent of ancient writing. These objects can be seen in the museum, and a reconstruction erected at the excavation site helps you see what the settlement itself looked like.

Main natural landmark of Kastoria is the lake of the same name, also called Orestiada, which is considered the most picturesque lake in Greece and was even declared a “Natural Monument” by order of the Ministry of Culture. From the southern part of the peninsula there is an amazing view of the coastal road, which goes around the entire peninsula and ends at its northern part.

Another attraction of Kastoria is the Monastery of the Virgin Mary Mavriotis (XII century). It is located almost on the cape of the peninsula, about 4 kilometers from the city itself. The monastery was founded during the reign of Alexios I Komnenos (1081 - 1118 AD). Its central temple was painted in different periods. Biblical scenes date back to the 12th century. The large scene of the Second Coming depicted on the east and south walls of the narthex is of iconographic interest and dates from the late 12th century. The Baptism scene was added later. The external wall paintings, which depict portraits of the emperors and Saints Demetrius and George, date back to approximately 1260.

The Monastery of the Mother of God Mavriotis played an important role in the cultural and spiritual life of the city of Kastoria in various periods of its life, so there was a special interest in it from the authorities of the Byzantine Empire. On the south coastline located old quarter Doltso with a square of the same name. You can walk along it to the northern part of the city and admire the amazing estates of the city. Located next to the square, the manor houses Aivazis, Nadjis and Emmanouil gladly invite tourists. Kastoria has Byzantine and Ethnographic museums with rich collections.

The next natural attraction of Kastoria is its cave - “Dragon Cave”. The cave is located north of the city center, on the 2nd km of the lake embankment - st. Suggaridi, near the monastery of the Virgin Mary Mavriotis. The entrance to the cave is 20 meters from the lake shore. Internally, it consists of 10 halls with stalactites and stalagmites and 7 underground lakes, the largest of which is 70 m long. A 300-meter route passes through the halls (the central route leads to the lakes), and four of the seven lakes and some halls with stalactites are accessible through five separate corridors - tunnels and two artificial bridges.

Outside the city of Kastoria, many natural and architectural attractions have been preserved, for example, the striking beauty of Mount Vitsi, which became famous during civil war. This perfect place for lovers of nature and walks in the fresh air. Various hikes are organized here in summer, and in winter - ski resorts. The length of the main ski run is 1,000 meters, the other two side runs are 2,500 and 1,300 meters long. Along the road to the mountains there are three beautiful villages Vissinia, Oxia and Polykeraso.

On a picturesque peninsula, surrounded by the waters of the famous mountain lake Orestiada, in Western Macedonia is located the magical city of Kastoria. The crystal clear waters are located in the heart of the plain, hidden by two Greek massifs - Vitsi and Grammo. The second occupies a third of the territory of the Kastoria prefecture in the southwest. Mountain ranges rise to heights from a thousand to 2520 meters above sea level, and the waters of the Aliakmon River rush along their slopes.

Those who are just dreaming of a trip here should imagine a charming picture of these lands: the tranquility of a small town, the purest mountain air filled with the aromas of plants and herbs, cozy streets where ancient churches are everywhere, as well as incredibly beautiful landscapes - this is the essence of Kastoria. The picture is complemented by a mirror lake that seems to embrace the city, located 650 meters above sea level.

In summer the air warms up to an average of 25 degrees, and in winter it rarely drops below 5 degrees Celsius. It happens that during cold periods at temperatures below 0 the lake freezes. For such frosts, which are atypical for Greece, Kastoria has long been called the Greek “Siberia”. Swimming in Orestiada is not accepted here, so residents of the city use the lake for fishing, which is very successful.

City `s history

Tracing the beginning of the history of Kastoria is an impossible task, because it is lost somewhere in the distant past. Research by some scientists suggests that the first settlers appeared on the territory of the current city around 5500 BC. The myths about the divine king Kekrops with a human body and snake-like legs tell specifically about Kefalonia. The founding date of the city is considered to be 840 BC, so it is considered one of the oldest in Western Macedonia.

Under the rule of the semi-mythical king, it was ordered to build the “Kekrop wall”. The structure blocked the only passage to the peninsula hidden by the waters of Lake Orestiada. The reservoir was named in honor of the Hellenic leader Orestes of Argos from Southern Greece, who was persecuted by the Dorians in the 11th - 10th centuries BC.

The erected wall was destroyed, and in its place in 525, already in our time, Emperor Justinian I ordered the construction of a fortress wall with tower structures. This is due to the fact that Kastoria during the Byzantine era served as the western bastion of the empire.

There are several versions of the origin of the name of the settlement. A popular one is that the name of the city is related to the word “kastor” from the ancient Greek language. It is translated as “beaver”: quite a few of these animals actually live in the lake. The second hypothesis explains the origin of the name Kastoria with the help of myths. Castor is the name of the presiding god Zeus. According to legend, a young man lived on the mountain. Seli, which is located near the city. In the mornings he peered into the waters of Lake Orestiada, only then was he able to meet his great father, whose wrath filled the horror of the Greeks.

Entertainment

The most famous entertainment of this Greek city is the local theater. Noisy concerts and festivals attract hundreds of guests. On the eve of the New Year holidays, the Ragutsaria carnival is held here, which originates from the Winter Dionyssia. The carnival procession covers everyone who is in Kastoria these days. Noise, songs, dances, brass bands sounding from all over the city - and all this is supported by local wine.

The name of the carnival comes from the Latin "beggars". Dressed-up townspeople come to houses, asking for gifts, and in return they offer to drive out the evil spirits living in their homes. Initially, the costumes resembled various animals; the Byzantine period introduced a ban on such outfits, so from that time on, the range of images expanded significantly.

Another advantage of winter in Kastoria is Mount Vitsa, where a modern ski complex is located. Mountain skiing enthusiasts from all over the world come here. Also at a distance of 16 kilometers you can visit the hydropathic clinic of the village of Ammoudara, famous for its healing mineral springs.

The city itself is rich in various bars, taverns, fun discos and shops. In summer, the theater offers a wide selection of concerts and performances for every taste and age. A lot of entertainment is also available thanks to the lake: water skiing, fishing, sailing, water rowing - every tourist can choose what is closer to him.

Fur history of Kastoria

The rich history of the city, spanning more than one century, is filled with numerous sieges and invasions of the Bulgarians, Normans and Turks. But even this dangerous position of Kastoria did not affect the safety of Byzantine-era churches, historical relics and luxurious mansions, testifying to the heyday of the city. It came at a time when active trade in fur products with major European cities began.

Fur products were considered a sign of the nobility of their owners, a manifestation of social status, therefore, for wealthy people of that time, such an element of clothing was a necessity. Antoine Olivier, a 17th-century traveler, said that Constantinople women of that era had about 12 outfits trimmed with fur, each of which cost fabulous money. Poor Greeks also wore fur, but they used cheaper animal skins: hares, jackals, sheep. The enterprising people immediately responded to such attention to fur from the nobility, so fur craftsmen became especially valued, and trade in products expanded all the way to Holland, Austria and Hungary.

The glory of Kastoria as one of the fur capitals of Greece is still known today. Numerous fur workshops sell their products throughout Europe, and the quality of the products made makes them truly luxurious and not accessible to everyone. Every year a large-scale fur exhibition is held here, and it is an honor for local producers to take part in it.

Despite the attractiveness of a relaxing holiday and the opportunity to touch the history of Greece through ancient churches, tourists still prefer “fur” trips to Kastoria. The city's fur factories make up an important part of the budget. Almost all Kastoria families own either a factory for the production of fur products or a store, from where the products are distributed throughout the world. This zest of the city has become a defining feature that attracts guests from different parts of the world. The high quality of the products is not their only difference. Local manufacturers follow fashion trends, so when you purchase a fur coat or cape here, you get a truly modern item. Of course, following fashion significantly increases the cost of purchase, but those who try to follow the trends of the fur industry are ready to pay considerable sums.

Attractions

Kastoria is located on a peninsula surrounded by the crystal waters of Orestiada. The local landscape looks like a painting by a talented artist, and the views of the city are created to become the location for filming a wonderful film: streets paved with colored stones, intricate architectural designs of buildings, various flowers, greenery - and all this complements the hospitality of the local population, joyfully welcoming visitors to the city.

The historical wealth of Kastoria is an important distinguishing feature that cannot be ignored once in the city. Byzantine churches, which have preserved their original appearance, amaze with their filigree frescoes and paintings. It is definitely worth visiting at least a few of the 72 surviving shrines. The oldest of them is the 10th-century Church of the Virgin Mary Mavriotis. But ancient icons can be seen in the Byzantine Museum, located nearby.

A visit to the fish market, the pier, and Homonym Square will help make your walk around Kastoria complete.

A unique place is located not far from the city: after moving 24 kilometers away from it, the tourist finds himself in the town of Mostimo. This is where the stone forest is located, where petrified trunks of ancient trees and animal remains are preserved. The age of this find, made during coal mining, is about 15-20 million years. Once upon a time there was the bottom of the sea, and later a tropical forest grew here. The volcanic lava and ash that poured into this place stopped time, hiding all living things in stone. The marine inhabitants have preserved their shape almost entirely; trunks of chestnuts and palm trees have also been identified; these plants were the basis of the flora of antiquity. More fossils can be seen in the museum. The most interesting exhibits are a 25-meter shark jaw and huge teeth of herbivorous creatures that lived here many millennia ago.

The miracle of Kastoria, hidden from the eyes of the traveler, is located next to the monastery of the Virgin Mary. The Dragon Cave is so named due to the natural shape of the entrance, similar to the open mouth of this mythical creature. Another version of the origin of the name is associated with an ancient legend, according to which a dragon lived here, guarding gold mines.

There are about a dozen underground rooms and freshwater lakes here; cave galleries descend 600 meters, delighting researchers. The cave is notable for its natural ventilation and incredible internal microclimate. The stalactites and stalagmites continue to grow, so the cave is constantly changing. Tourists are allowed to dive to 300 meters, which, although not the full depth of the place, allows them to feel the scale of the natural monument. Equipped paths for travelers and lighting make it possible to see in detail the unique growths and deposits, the birth of which goes back centuries.

A real open-air museum is Limneos Ikizmos (also called Dispilio). A unique object was discovered about a century ago during excavations. Scientists have discovered an ancient European settlement that arose about 7 thousand years ago and belongs to the Neolithic era. A detailed study of the memo, carried out at the beginning of the twentieth century, made it possible to determine that approximately in the 5th millennium BC. an island was artificially created here, where houses were built on stilts and the pavements were made of wood.

The researchers also discovered various artifacts - household items, weapons, as well as a tablet from Dispilio containing icons reminiscent of ancient writing. These objects can be seen in the museum, and a reconstruction erected at the excavation site helps you see what the settlement itself looked like.