Kastoria

Kastoria offers two distinct perspectives: historical collections and buildings, and the habitats around Lake Kastoria. Choosing your destination based on specific interests can give you different points of reference for planning your trip, from icons, domestic culture and church architecture to birdlife.

At Lake Kastoria: habitats and birdlife

Reed beds and small wet meadows extend along the shores of Lake Kastoria; there is also a lakeside forest on the northwestern shore.

The lake is an important breeding ground for many species. It serves as a feeding ground for the two pelican species that breed at nearby Lake Mikri Prespa. The two bodies of water therefore have different roles: Lake Mikri Prespa is identified as a breeding site, and Lake Kastoria as a feeding ground. According to regional tourism information, the birds at Lake Kastoria are accustomed to human presence because of the continuous activity along the shore, and can be observed from an unusually close distance.

The Kastoria Aquarium displays 56 freshwater fish species, mostly native and endemic species of Lake Orestiada.

Museums with different focuses

The Byzantine Museum of Kastoria is located in Dexamenis Square and is a thematic museum dedicated to icons. Its permanent exhibition is divided into three sections: “Byzantine Kastoria,” “Post-Byzantine Kastoria” and “Post-Byzantine Art Workshops.” The titles distinguish the two periods from the separate section devoted to art workshops.

The Kastoria Folklore Museum is housed in the Nerantzis-Aivazis Mansion in the traditional Doltso quarter. Its exhibits illustrate the customs, celebrations and daily life of an aristocratic family from Kastoria. The areas described on the ground floor include a stone-paved courtyard and utility rooms. The museum also features a traditional kitchen, called a hagiati, a well and a traditional Kastorian wooden boat. Another room is dedicated to daily life in winter and summer.

The two museums therefore have different emphases: the Byzantine Museum focuses on icons and its three-part exhibition structure, while the Folklore Museum connects a family’s way of life with specific rooms and objects. This distinction can help you better identify your interests in cultural history or everyday culture.

Churches, mansions and historical names

The Church of the Archangels of the Metropolis is a small, three-aisled basilica with a barrel vault, dedicated to the Archangel Michael. According to regional tourism information, the Church of Agios Stefanos contains the oldest depiction of the Last Judgment in Greece.

The Church of Agios Nikolaos of Archontissa Theologina also has a specific art-historical feature: its original frescoes date from the late 15th century. The Tsiatsiapas Mansion is in the Apozari quarter in the north of Kastoria.

Nearby is the Monastery of Panagia Mavriotissa. It was originally known as the Monastery of Mesonisiotissa and is dedicated to the Dormition of the Mother of God. Its former name and dedication add another trace of religious history in the Kastoria area to the architectural and museum themes.

Discover more destinations: Argos Orestikón, Mesopotamia Aliakmonas, Maniakoi, Korisós, Vogatsiko, Aghia Triada, Kato Nestorio, Dispilio

For the main travel overview: Kastoria.