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Kastoria

Kastoria is one of the most important cities of Macedonia with a long history, which cannot fade, with the passing of time. Its history begins in Pre-historical ages according to the archaeological findings such as stone-tools etc., in the lake settlement. During the Byzantine years Kastoria welcomed many emperors and developed to a city of Byzantine art and nobility.

Kastoria acquired its name front the Macedonian hero of Mythology, Kastor, son of Zeus. The geographical area of Kastoria is identified as the small ancient Macedonian state of Orestiada, whose inhabitants were called Orestes and the capital Argos Orestikon. From that point, according to history, the Macedonian kings started to merge the rest small states which formed the big Macedonian state whose capital was Eges (Vergina) and later, Pella. During the Roman times, the city of Kastoria had the fate of the rest of Macedonia. Fame and glamour followed in the Byzantine era. In many places of the city one can clearly see traces of the fortification dated from the days of loustinianus protecting the city from barbarian invasions.

Ruins of the Byzantine Wall make us conclude that the lake, in those days, was as high as where the modern city is now built. The Acropolis was situated on the highest place, which is now the reservoir of the city. It is obvious that during the Bvzantine period many of the inhabitants lived outside the Wall, at the hill where many churches are saved up to now.

In the past Byzantine period, Kastoria has raised many Benefactors and Teachers of the Nation, while it took part in the 1821 Revolution with an army of its own people. During the 19th century, Kastoria participated in the Revolution against the Turkish and played an important role during the Macedonian struggle against both Turks and Bulgarians, In 1912, Kastoria became a part of Greece. Today, Kastoria is a city of 35.000 inhabitants, a city bursting of life and progress, while it has a strong connection with its history and mythical past.

It is a challenge to the visitors seeing the 40 or more Byzantine churches (Temples) and the numerous - around 250 - Macedonian neo-classical houses. One can see churches appearing at every crossroad and yard. Inscriptions give us the information that the churches were built by Kastorians who had lived most of their lives abroad, or lords in exile, or people of a whole neighbourhood and finally from members of a Trade union.

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