Kastoria

Kastoria is one of the most significant and representative cities in Greece that has kept its Greek cast of figures intact. It has a high level of social life, culture and prosperous economy solely due to the fur industry, an activity that has existed since Byzantine times. Written reports show that the people of Kastoria had created large trading houses in several cities in Europe and particularly in Konstantinople where they exercised the profession of furriers in the early 17th century.

The traveller who comes here soon becomes an unconscious pilgrim. The city of Kastoria clearly enchants even the most demanding visitor. One can't really plan a visit round the city. You just let beauty and history take you on a stroll round the neighbourhoods of Doltsou and Apozari to admire the majestic mansions of Tsatsapa, Natzi, Bassara, Emmanuel Papaterpou Bros, Nerantzi Aivazi etc, all built between the 17th and 18th century. All of them stand in absolute harmony with the landscape, looking out over the lake. They are all indisputable witnesses to an eventful and exciting past . Most of them are located in the neighbourhood of Doltso, which has kept the old local colour of the narrow cobbled roads. The mansion of Nerantzi Aivazi, in particular, is well worth visiting since it is also a folklore museum. The Byzantine Museum of the city of Kastoria is at the Dexameni square at the top of the hill where the Byzantine acropolis of the city used to be. In the exhibition, you will find 38 icons that date back to the 12th-17th century.