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Arta

The bridge of Arta: Arta' s most famous landmark, this bridge lies on the road between Arta and Filipiada Yanina. Its reputation derives not only from its architectural elegance but also from the romantic legends associated with it and immortalized in folk songs and novels, including The Bridge of Arta by Kazantzakis.

Agios Vassilis tis Gefiras (St. Bill of the Bridge): A little church northwest of the bridge. For many centuries, it was half covered in earth; removal works were completed in 1972. Scholars date the construction of the church to the 9th century. It has an impressive dome, which is disproportionately high in relation to the size of the rest of the building.

The Monastery of Kato Panagia: There are interesting frescoes on the facade of the narthex and in the interior of this 12th century church. The bases and capitals of the columns that separate the aisles were taken from Late Roman buildings in Amvrakia.

Agios Dimitrios Katsouris: This is a cruciform church built in the 10th century with a dome and three semicircular apses. The most recent layer of frescoes dates to the 17th and 18th century.

Panagia of Vlaherna: A three aisled vaulted basilica erected in the 12th century with important frescoes painted in the 13th century. The fresco in the narthex depicting the procession of Panaia Odigitria is a unique composition, mainly because of its treatment of detail in its portrayal of the faithful in attendance.

Panagia of Brioni: This 11th century church was once part of a large monastic community dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Of major interest is the ceramic ornamentation both in the lunettes of the cupolas and on the eastern facade.

Agios Nikolaos of Rodia: A 13th century church with 14th century frescoes.

The Red Church: Dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin, this 11th century cruciform church has no dome and only a few of its frescoes are still visible.

Panagia of Koronissia: Built in the 10th century, this church is all that remains of a once flourishing monastery. The exterior of the church is rather unusual in shape: The eastern part is cruciform, while the western part is covered by a continuous inclining roof. Its frescoes are much later, dating from the 17th century.

Apart from the Byzantine churches and monasteries, the scenery of the Arta district is very varied, the wildness of its mountain ranges contrasting with the tranquility of the broad plain of Arta. We leave it up to you to discover the charms of both.

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