Epirus Attractions
Epirus (i.e. the "Mainland", as opposed to the offshore islands) covers an area of 9,200 sq. km/3,550 sq. mi in northwestern Greece, between the Albanian frontier and the Ambracian Gulf and between the Ionian Sea and the Pindos mountains. Historically the territory of Epirus extended into southern Albania.
Epirus is a hilly region with an abundance of rain, which favors the development of agriculture and particularly of stock-farming. In ancient times it was regarded as a rather backward area; but the nekromanteion (oracle of the dead) on the river Acheloos was known to Homer, and the oracle of Zeus at Dodona was widely famed. The most notable historical figure produced by Epirus was the Molossian king Pyrrhos (319-272 B.C.), who was praised by Hannibal as the greatest general after Alexander the Great. In later centuries the region was settled by incoming Slavs and Albanians, and in the 13th century it again achieved some importance under the Byzantine Despot of Árta. The Turkish occupation which began in 1449 lasted until 1914, when it was ended by a controversial demarcation of the frontier between Greece and Albania.
The principal ancient sites in Epirus are Dodona, the Nekromanteion of Ephyra and the city of Nikopolis founded by Augustus. The medieval period is represented by the churches of Árta; and evidence of the Turkish occupation is preserved in Ioánnina, which was ruled by Ali Pasha as a semi-independent principality from 1788 to 1822. Párga, with one of the few harbors on this rocky coast, has attractions as a tourist resort.
Epirus is a hilly region with an abundance of rain, which favors the development of agriculture and particularly of stock-farming. In ancient times it was regarded as a rather backward area; but the nekromanteion (oracle of the dead) on the river Acheloos was known to Homer, and the oracle of Zeus at Dodona was widely famed. The most notable historical figure produced by Epirus was the Molossian king Pyrrhos (319-272 B.C.), who was praised by Hannibal as the greatest general after Alexander the Great. In later centuries the region was settled by incoming Slavs and Albanians, and in the 13th century it again achieved some importance under the Byzantine Despot of Árta. The Turkish occupation which began in 1449 lasted until 1914, when it was ended by a controversial demarcation of the frontier between Greece and Albania.
The principal ancient sites in Epirus are Dodona, the Nekromanteion of Ephyra and the city of Nikopolis founded by Augustus. The medieval period is represented by the churches of Árta; and evidence of the Turkish occupation is preserved in Ioánnina, which was ruled by Ali Pasha as a semi-independent principality from 1788 to 1822. Párga, with one of the few harbors on this rocky coast, has attractions as a tourist resort.
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Konitsa, Greece
Konitsa is a market town that services the surrounding area. With the Pindos range right here the town has also become a popular base for hikers venturing in to the mountains. Of interest in the town are the Folk Art Museum, the church of Áyia Varvára and the nearby Stomiou Monastery.
Paramithia, Greece
Paramithia is the primary town in the Souli region. Built on a hillside the town has angled roads, old mansions, and a castle.
Sivota, Greece
Sivota, known for beautiful beaches, attracting tourists throughout the summer months. The area is known historically for a 432 B.C. naval battle.
