Klidonia: Village History and the Voidomatis Gorge
Accommodation in Klidonia
You can explore Klidonia during your stay through two themes: the history of the village and the nearby Voidomatis Gorge. There are also festival days with fixed dates and trails with specific time estimates.
Village History and Festival Days
The site of present-day Kalývia Kleidoniás was once home to storage rooms and makeshift huts. Residents of Ano Kleidonia used them during agricultural work, which is why the settlement was called Kalývia on old maps. The name’s history points to a specific former use of the site and its connection with Ano Kleidonia.
On August 6, the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Savior, the cultural association and the Brotherhood of Kleidonia hold a traditional panigyri in the village center. The annual celebration is a regular cultural event. If your trip coincides with this date, check that year’s schedule when planning.
Nearby, a church service is held on July 1, the feast day of Saints Cosmas and Damian. Afterward, a traditional celebration takes place on the banks of the Voidomatis beneath centuries-old plane trees. On the way from Kleidonia to Ano Kleidonia, you will also pass the Byzantine Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior. It was once the main church of the monastery of the same name.
Monastery and Cultural Heritage
The Monastery of Agioi Anargyroi was built in 1658 and lies near the main trail through the gorge. It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to walk there from the Kleidoniavista Bridge. Only the main church remains, surrounded by ruins; it features an intricately carved iconostasis and frescoes. The monastery is designated a preserved historic monument. Its specific construction date, location near the main trail, and surviving church details make it a distinctive excursion destination.
Voidomatis Gorge and Bridge
The Voidomatis Gorge is 1.5 kilometers from the village. It begins at the stone bridge of Kleidonia and extends to the western exit of the Vikos Gorge, between the villages of Papingo and Vikos. Ancient plane trees, alders, and other trees grow in the landscape. The Kleidoniavista Bridge, also known as the Voidomatis Bridge, stands on the riverbank. Built in 1853, the single-arch bridge is about 2 kilometers from Kleidonia.
Trails, Rock Shelters, and River Scenery
A well-maintained, two-hour trail follows the riverbank through the Voidomatis Gorge, passing prehistoric rock shelters and the chapel of Agioi Anargyroi. For planning your time, note that the two estimates refer to different routes: about 1 hour and 30 minutes is the walk from the Kleidoniavista Bridge to the monastery, while two hours is the riverside trail through the gorge.
The Boila rock shelter lies near the stone bridge of Kleidonia; the other two rock shelters are inside the gorge near its main trail. Kleidi is described as the most significant of the three. For years, the gorge has been considered one of the most popular destinations for kayaking and rafting enthusiasts. Alongside the riverside trail, the area thus offers rock shelters and water sports as distinct points of interest.
Spring with a Historical Tradition
A spring with sulfurous water rises on the north side of Kalývia Kleidoniás. Thermal baths are said to have operated there during Roman and Byzantine times. The wording “are said to have” preserves the reported, possible nature of this historical use.
Discover more destinations: MĂ©tsovon, Monodendri, Platania, Kapesovo, Kalendsion, Tsepelovo, Ravenia, Fourka
For the broader travel overview: Ioannina.
