Konitsa : picturesque, historic, multi-dimentional

Article/Photos: Maria and Konstantina Konstantinoy
Translation: Sofia Drivas
Read this article in greek
 

Visiting Konitsa in spring! Konitsa is a picturesque town that is geographically located about 70 km north of Ioannina in Epirus. Located on the slopes of Tymfi and between the confluence of three rivers, Aoos, Sarantaporos and Voidomatis and counts around 5,000 inhabitants.

Konitsa historically makes an appearance around the 7th century AD. However, because it had constantly been destroyed by raids,it has been built from scratch several times. A feature of the town is that even today,the residents maintain the separation of the area into the Upper and Lower Konitsa, as it was in the old days.

Upper Konitsa is the main residential area of the town. Ascending from the square by crossing the cobbled little roads that appear here and there, the traveler encounters the neat and elegant homes of locals that all have yards,small wells and gardens full of flowers.

As we continue walking the steep streets, the scenery changes revealing to visitors remnants of the past. We are talking of course about the preserved mansions built during the Ottoman rule. Specifically, the home of Hamco, mother of Ali Pasha and also the house of Hussein Bey, which are two typical examples of buildings of the time.

Apart from the mansions, Konitsa is a composition of old buildings, shops, churches and also places for tourists to try the traditional local meals.

Now, the time has come to visit the church of St. Barbara. In order to get there, you will follow a unique path made of dirt and stones which is embraced by tall evergreen trees.

As you approach the monastery, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the indescribable view that will slowly unfold before your eyes: the river Aoos and the gorge with the famous stone arch bridge, and also a panoramic view of neighboring regions. Apart from the church, on the edge of the city of Konitsa are therenmants of the Medieval Castle of the region, which is now in ruins. This castle was a refuge for the local people during war and according to the sayings of an old resident, the castle stones were taken and used to build the homes of the residents of Konitsa.

At the entrance of Konitsa the stone bridge above the river Aoos emerges through a landscape of unique natural beauty. This bridge is one of the biggest in Greece, and was built in 1870, by Z. Frontzos. Safety measures were taken and at the center of the bridge, where the arch is, a small bell was placed in order to warn the people crossing towards which direction the wind was blowing, Till this day the bell still remains in its place. Just over the one-arched bridge, stands the Turkish mosque of Sultan Suleiman.

Konitsa however, is also a great destination for sports and adventures. Hiking and rafting are just two of the activities that you can enjoy.

A wide variety of meats, tasty snacks, local wine and raki, create the gastronomic world of Konitsa!

The little church of St. Barbara