Kastoria is the perfect destination for lovers of the great outdoors. Limestone mountains form a dramatic backdrop, and the city runs down to the shore of Lake Orestiada. Built on a narrow peninsula, Kastoria offers a peaceful lakeside setting where you’ll find yourself climbing steep old town lanes to discover the town’s most famous feature, a variety of hidden Byzantine churches.
Things to do in Kastoriá
Since Byzantine times, Kastoria has been a centre for the Greek Orthodox Church, a medieval site of religious learning and pilgrimage. Here you’ll find 54 of the city’s early churches, displaying some of the best Byzantine architecture and art. Head to the Holy Apostles Church to see some of the finest frescoes, which depict a beautiful gallery of saints.
Culture vultures can take their pick of the museums in Kastoria. With impressive collections of costumes, monuments and folklore, visitors can explore mansions dating from the Ottoman period and admire fine examples of Byzantine iconography in The Museum of Byzantine History. The Museum of Macedonian Struggle tells the story of the Greek Civil War, the final battles of which took place on nearby Mount Gramos.
Eating local cuisine should be high up on your to-do list in Kastoria, as the local chefs are famed for their desserts, particularly the milk pies and saliaroi. A range of vegetable pies made from pumpkin and onion also make for mouthwatering snacks.
Getting around Kastoriá
You can explore Kastoria by bus or on foot. If you’re feeling fit, you can climb up to the monasteries in the surrounding hills, though taxis are also available. To cross the lake, you will need to hop on a ferry or motorboat.