Titus livius, an ancient historian, noted that the first settlement on the sites of the contemporary Kastoria was established in the 8th century bc, and it was given the name celetrum. Later, it was renamed to Diocletianopolis. In the 6th century bc, justinian, the roman emperor, moved the city to a more secure location a few miles south, on a small stretch of land near lake Orestiada, and put up protective walls around it.
The townspeople of Kastoria were abundant in wealth, which enabled the city to remain independent, even as a part of the Ottoman empire. This prosperity was attributed to the fur trade, a prosperous industry that started in the late 19th century and made Kastoria one of the major hubs of the Greek liberation movement.
Kastoria boasts of many ancient orthodox churches built in the eleventh century. This is why it is also known as the Byzantine treasury of Greece. The museums in Kastoria house hundreds of fascinating and rare artifacts from the past!
Greece is teeming with myths and legends, and Kastoria is no exception. Legend had it that the dragon cave was the treasure trove of a mythical king Kastor, guarded by a fierce dragon. One day, the dragon was slain and the gold looted. The cave was forgotten for millennia, until it was stumbled upon in 1940 by local explorers.
The entrance of this remarkable cave resembled the maw of a dragon, and within one could discover subterranean lakes and roam around grand chambers with stunning stalactite formations dangling from the ceiling.
Take a stroll along the banks of lake Orestiada and be sure to bring some bread for the swans, ducks, and even a pelican! But that`s not all — this lake has a peculiar occurrence that locals have been talking about. Every year, just prior to the assumption of the blessed virgin Mary (august 15th), the lake`s water turns icy-black and the fish start to swim up to the surface. Scientists haven`t been able to find a logical explanation for this phenomenon yet!
Transfer to Kastoria. On the way a coffe stop may be arranged.
Guided Tour to the Dispilio Lake Settlement
Visiting Kastorian fur factories
Lunch at one of the picturesque taverns of Kastoria
Kastoria City Tour
Transfer from Kastoria to Thessaloniki
We will help you with the choice of yacht or route and verify the availability for the selected date. Fill out the form or call/text us
What to takeWater and money for food and souvenirs. You won’t need anything else to have a great time!
What to wearComfortable shoes, a headgear and appropriate clothing for visiting temples and monasteries.
