Konitsa - Discover the nature of Epirus

Well, it may be not such a well known touristic destination but this great region reveals and offers every visitor the chance to discover an area of incomparable beauty. Konitsa (its name means in Slavika “alogotopos” (koni = horse, tza = place) is located in the northern part of Pindos Mountain, in the prefecture of Ioannina, in the area of Greece called Epirus, close to the three rivers of the region: Aoos, Voidomatis and Sarantoporo. It is 65 km from Ioannina. North, it borders with the West Macedonia (Grevena and Kastoria) and west with Albania.

How to get there

You can access Konitsa through the National Road Network or with daily flights Athens – Ioannina and Thessaloniki - Ioannina.  From Ioannina you can reach Konitsa by public bus (KTEL). There is also access from Grevena using the road network that connects Grevena to Ioannina by Samarina. Konitsa is 502 kilometers from Athens and 300 km from Thessaloniki.

History

Konitsa in ancient times was an ideal place for hunters since it was very easy for animal’s quarry in its rivers. Thus, during the Upper Paleolithic era Konitsa was rich in natural resources and raw materials and it was the most suitable place for the nomadic lifestyle. The human presence has been proved in the Bronze Age and Iron Age and during historical times with the establishment of the first settlers from Ilida region and later from Corinthos. At the beginning, of the Peloponnesian War (431-404 BC) Tharypas, king of Molossians tribe ruled the region. The Castle of Konitsa was of great strategic and economic interest for Molossians. At that time, the wider area was called Trifylia. During the Roman period (167 BC) the Roman Aimilios Paul attacked in Epirus area, destroyed 70 mainland cities, except Konitsa. During the Paleo-Christian era (4th-6th century), Konitsa is part of the Old Epirus with Nikopolis as the center. The raids of Visigotthes, the Vandals and especially that of the Slavic people (6th century) (most of the villages in Konitsa area have Slavic names) left no chance for the development of settlements. In the following centuries (7th and 8th), the Slavic people affect the local dialect and pastoral terminology. In the Byzantine years (1204 - 1430), Konitsa takes its current name for the first time (1380), when its castle was fortified to face the invasion of Isaim from Leskoviki. The first settlement is located in Lakka. Around 1420 Turks conquered Konitsa and several Albanians settled in the region. Around 1500, Vogiatzit B built a mosque on the ruins of the Christian church and Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent built another in 1536 saved till today and situated next to the bridge Aoos. For centuries, Konitsa was under Turkish invasion until its liberation in 1913 by the Greek troops. In 1940-1941 Italians took Konitsa causing great damage in the area.

In 1943 Konitsa was under German invasion. During the civil war (1947-1950) great battles took place between the army and rebel forces and several villages in the region were destroyed. As a result many residents decided to move to urban centers or live abroad. Today, after the earthquake of 1996, Konitsa tries to grow again depending on its natural beauty and rural tourism.
Flora - Fauna

The mountains of Tymfi and Smolikas as well as the Vikos-Aoos National Park are of exceptional beauty. Picturesque valleys, ravines and steep slopes, rocks and canyons, maples, black pine and oak trees shows the variety of the landscape. In this region there are many endemic, rare, endangered and protected plants of the Greek flora. The area is a small paradise for animals and especially for birds that have disappeared elsewhere (hawks, buzzards, eagles), which nest on unreachable cliffs and thick forests.

Bridges - Watermills

It is worth visiting some of the numerous bridges since Konitsa is famous for its stone-masons and its bridges as they are samples of the traditional architecture. You can visit the Bourazani watermill and walk around Bourazani village, the bridges of Mafropetra, Topolitsa and Voidomatis. Landmark of the region is the bridge at the exit of the gorge of the river Aoos formed between the mountains of Tymfi and Smolikas.

Villages

Some of the villages of the municipality of Konitsa which are built in the slopes and they are perfectly incorporated in the stone morphology of the area are: Pigi (Peklari), Agia Varvara (Plavali) Agia Paraskevi (Kerasovo), Eksohi (Zelista), Molyvdoskepasti (Depalitsa) and more. A detailed list of all the villages is on the official site of Konitsa.

Sightseeing

You will be astonished by the exquisite beauty of the lake Drakolimni in Gamila peak and Smolikas. At an elevation of 2.050 metres, between Ploskos and Lapas peaks, stands the mythical Drakolimni of Gamila. Don’t forget to visit the National Park of Vikos - Aoos. It is located at the northwestern side of the Pindos mountain complex. At the northern side of the Park borders on the gorge of Aoos. The famous gorge of Vikos is on the southern side of the Park, with deep vertical slopes and an exceptional wide variety of wild flowers and plants. You should also visit the Environmental Education Center of Konitsa.

Outdoor activities

Konitsa is an ideal destination for mountaineers and nature lovers and those who desire to discover the alternative tourism. You can choose to Voidomatis rafting, hiking at the Vikos-Aoos National Park or enjoy a horseback ride in the forest and next to the river. Throughout the year there are more events that include hang-gliding, rafting races and mountain bike. Enjoy the quality of rural lifestyle through a wide range of outdoor activities and relax by staying in one of the various traditional houses in the area.

SOURCES

Official website of Konitsa: http://www.konitsa.gr/index.php
Official information gate to Greek rural tourism: www.agrotravel.gr
Wikipeida websiteQ: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vikos-Aoos_National_Park
Environmental Education Center of Konitsa: http://www.kpekonitsas.gr/xorothetisi.htm

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