 Kastoria town
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Kastoria is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Greece and undoubtedly one of the most remarkable in Western Macedonia. It is the capital of the Kastoria region, located 555 km from Athens and 219 km from Thessaloniki.
The city is built on the shores of **Lake Orestiada**, also known simply as **Lake Kastoria**, which is the city¢s iconic landmark and a true jewel of the region. Morphologically, it is considered the most beautiful lake in Greece and has been declared a “Natural Monument of Beauty.”
Besides its natural beauty, Kastoria has a long and rich history, reflected in its impressive **Byzantine monuments**. Another notable feature of the city is its economic prosperity over the past centuries, which is evident in its magnificent mansions.
The famous **mansions of Kastoria** are characteristic examples of the city¢s peak during the 17th and 18th centuries. They are of great interest for their masonry, architecture, and painting, and are distinguished by their grandeur and impressive construction. These mansions were built during a period of significant economic growth, fueled by the intensive trade and craftsmanship of Kastoria¢s furriers in both domestic and international markets. They stand as living witnesses to the region¢s economic and cultural development, combining safety, comfort, and traditional Macedonian architectural style of modern times.
Most mansions are three-story buildings constructed on sloping terrain. Characteristic features include small windows and pronounced eaves on the roofs. They were built by skilled Macedonian and Epirus craftsmen.
The **Byzantine monuments** of the city and surrounding areas reveal Kastoria¢s illustrious historical journey. About 70 Byzantine churches can be found throughout the city and nearby villages, reflecting both the deep religious faith of the inhabitants and the high cultural and economic level that characterized the region throughout history.
Some of the oldest churches include **Agioi Anargyroi, Taxiarches, Agios Stefanos, Panagia Koumpelidiki, Panagia Myrtiotissa, Panagia Zevgostasiou, Agios Georgios Omorfoklissias,** and **Agios Nikolaos Kosnitzis**.
During your stay in beautiful Kastoria, it is worth visiting the city¢s museums. The **Folklore Museum**, located in the Nerantzi-Aivazi mansion in the traditional Doltso settlement, takes visitors on a journey to past eras. It hosts household items, traditional costumes, furniture, fur-processing tools, and more.
At the **Byzantine Museum**, you can admire an exhibition of Byzantine and post-Byzantine icons dating from the 12th to the 17th century. Around 550 icons are displayed, mostly portable and excellently preserved, collected from the Byzantine churches of the region, representing rare examples of Byzantine art.
Kastoria also offers visitors the opportunity to engage in various sports activities. Rowing or sailing on Kastoria Lake is highly recommended. If a rowing championship is taking place during your visit, you will have the chance to witness top athletes compete in this thrilling sport.
For mountain enthusiasts, activities such as hiking, skiing, and walking are available in the **Grammos** and **Vitsi** mountains.
To make the most of your winter visit, we recommend purchasing a fur, sheepskin, or leather coat from Kastoria¢s famous furriers. After all, you are in the place considered the center of the fur industry—take advantage of it!
As for accommodation, the city and the surrounding region offer hotels and rental rooms that meet all visitor requirements. Regarding entertainment, your stay in Kastoria will be unforgettable, with many options for nightlife and opportunities to enjoy yourself until the early hours.
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