How to get to kastoria greece. Fur coat town of Kastoria in northern Greece. Transport and movement

main natural landmark of Kastoria is the lake of the same name, also called Orestiada, which is considered the most picturesque lake in Greece and was even declared a "Natural Monument" by order of the Ministry of Culture. From the southern part of the peninsula, there is an amazing view of the coastal road, which goes around the entire peninsula and ends in its northern part.

Another attraction of Kastoria is the Monastery of Our Lady Mavriotisa (XII century). It is located almost on the cape of the peninsula, about 4 kilometers from the city itself. The monastery was founded during the reign of Alexios I Komnenos (1081 - 1118 AD). Its central temple was painted in different periods. Biblical scenes date back to the 12th century. The large scene of the Second Coming, depicted on the eastern and southern walls of the vestibule, is of iconographic interest and dates back to the end of the 12th century. The Baptism scene was added later. The exterior wall paintings, which depict portraits of the emperors and Saints Demetrius and George, date from around 1260.

The monastery of the Virgin Mary Mavriotis played an important role in the cultural and spiritual life of the city of Kastoria in various periods of its life, so there was a special interest in it from the authorities of the Byzantine Empire. On the southern coastline is the old Doltso quarter with a square of the same name. You can walk along it to the northern part of the city and admire the amazing estates of the city. Located next to the square, the manor houses Aivazis, Nadjis and Emmanouil are happy to invite tourists. In Kastoria there are Byzantine and Ethnographic museums with rich collections.

The next natural attraction of Kastoria is its cave - "Dragon's Cave". The cave is located north of the city center, on the 2nd km of the lake embankment - st. Suggaridi, not far from the Monastery of Our Lady Mavriotisa. The entrance to the cave is located 20 meters from the shore of the lake. From the inside, it consists of 10 halls with stalactites and stalagmites and 7 underground lakes, the largest of which is 70 m long. five separate corridors - tunnels and two artificial bridges.

Outside the city of Kastoria, many natural and architectural attractions have been preserved, for example, the striking beauty of Mount Vitsi, which became famous during the civil war. It is an ideal place for nature lovers and outdoor walks. In summer, various hikes are organized here, and in winter - ski resorts. The length of the main ski run is 1,000 meters, the other two side runs are 2,500 and 1,300 meters long. On the way to the mountains, there are three beautiful villages Vissinia, Oxia and Polykeraso.

On a picturesque peninsula surrounded by the waters of the famous mountain lake Orestiada, in Western Macedonia, there is a magical city - Kastoria. Crystal clear waters stretch in the heart of the plain, hidden by two Greek massifs - Vitsi and Grammo. The second occupies a third of the territories of the prefecture of Kastoria in the southwest. Mountain ranges rise to a height of a thousand to 2520 meters above sea level, and the waters of the Aliakmon River rush along their slopes.

Those who only dream of a trip here should imagine a charming picture of these lands: the tranquility of a small town, the purest mountain air filled with the aromas of plants and herbs, cozy streets where old churches are found everywhere, as well as incredibly beautiful landscapes - this is the essence of Kastoria. The mirror lake completes the picture, as if embracing the city, located 650 meters above sea level.

In summer, the air warms up to an average of 25 degrees, and in winter it rarely drops below 5 degrees. It happens that during cold periods at temperatures below 0 the lake freezes. For such atypical frosts for Greece, Kastoria was called the Greek “Siberia” for a long time. Swimming in Orestiada is not accepted here, so the inhabitants of the city use the lake for fishing, which is very successful.

City `s history

Tracing the beginning of the history of Kastoria is an impossible task, because it is lost somewhere in the distant past. Research by some scientists suggests that the first settlers appeared on the territory of the present city around 5500 BC. The myths about the divine king Kekrop with a human body and serpentine legs tell about Kefalonia. The date of foundation of the city is considered to be 840 BC, therefore it is considered one of the oldest in Western Macedonia.

Under the power of a semi-mythical king, it was ordered to build a "Kekrop wall." The construction blocked the only passage to the peninsula hidden by the waters of Lake Orestiada. The reservoir was named after the leader of the Hellenes Orestes of Argos from southern Greece, who was persecuted by the Dorians in the 11th - 10th centuries BC.

The erected wall was destroyed, and in its place in 525 of our time, Emperor Justinian I ordered the construction of a fortress wall with tower structures. This is due to the fact that Kastoria in the Byzantine era served as the western bastion of the empire.

There are several versions of the origin of the name of the settlement. Popular is the one according to which the name of the city is associated with the word "castor" from the ancient Greek language. It is translated as "beaver": many of these animals really live in the lake. The second hypothesis explains the origin of the name of Kastoria with the help of myths. Castor is the name of the ruling god Zeus. According to legend, the young man lived on the mountain. Seli, which is located near the city. In the mornings, he peered into the waters of Lake Orestiada, only then he was able to meet his great father, whose wrath terrified the Greeks.

Entertainment

The most famous entertainment of this Greek city is the local theater. Noisy concerts and festivals gather hundreds of guests. On the eve of the New Year holidays, the carnival "Ragutsariya" is held here, originating from the Winter Dionyssia. The carnival procession covers everyone who is in Kastoria these days. Noise, songs, dances, brass bands sounding from all over the city - and all this is backed up by local wine.

The name of the carnival comes from the Latin "beggars". Discharged citizens come to houses asking for gifts, and in return they offer to exorcise the evil spirits that live in their homes. Initially, the costumes resembled various animals, the Byzantine period introduced a ban on such outfits, so since that time the set of images has expanded significantly.

Another advantage of winter in Kastoria is Mount Vitsa, where a modern ski complex is located. Skiers come here from all over the world. Also at a distance of 16 kilometers you can visit the hydropathic village of Ammoudara, famous for its healing mineral springs.

The city itself is rich in various bars, taverns, fun discos and shops. In summer, the theater offers a wide range of concerts and performances for all tastes and ages. A lot of entertainment is available thanks to the lake: water skiing, fishing, sailing, water rowing - every tourist can choose what is closer to him.

Fur history of Kastoria

The rich history of the city, covering more than one century, is filled with numerous sieges and invasions by the Bulgarians, Normans and Turks. But even such a dangerous situation in Kastoria did not affect the preservation of the churches of the Byzantine era, historical relics and luxurious mansions, testifying to the heyday of the city. It fell on the period when an active trade in fur products with large European cities began.

Fur products were considered a sign of the nobility of their owners, a manifestation of social status, therefore, for wealthy people of that time, such an element of clothing was a necessity. Antoine Olivier, a 17th-century traveler, said that Constantinople women of that era had about 12 fur-trimmed outfits, each of which cost fabulous money. The poor Greeks also wore furs, but cheaper animal skins were used: hares, jackals, sheep. The enterprising people immediately reacted to such attention to fur from the nobility, so fur masters became especially appreciated, and trade in products expanded all the way to Holland, Austria and Hungary.

The glory of Kastoria as one of the fur capitals of Greece is known even today. Numerous fur coat workshops sell their products throughout Europe, and the quality of the manufactured products makes them truly luxurious and not accessible to everyone. Every year a large-scale fur exhibition is held here, and it is an honor for local manufacturers to take part in it.

Despite the attractiveness of a relaxing holiday and the opportunity to touch the history of Greece through the old churches, tourists still prefer "fur" trips to Kastoria. The city's fur factories form an important part of the budget. Almost all the families of Kastoria own either a fur factory or a store, from where the products are sold all over the world. Such a highlight of the city has become a defining feature that attracts guests from all over the world. The high quality of the products is not their only difference. Local manufacturers follow fashion trends, so when you buy a fur coat or cape here, you get a really modern thing. Of course, following the fashion significantly raises the cost of the purchase, but those who try to follow the currents of the fur industry are willing to pay rather big sums.

Attractions

Kastoria nestles on a peninsula surrounded by the crystal waters of Orestiada. The local landscape looks like a picture of a talented artist, and the views of the city are created to become a filming location for a wonderful film: streets paved with colored stone, intricate architectural solutions of buildings, various flowers, greenery - and all this complements the hospitality of the local population, joyfully meeting the guests of the city.

The historical wealth of Kastoria is an important distinguishing feature that cannot be ignored once in the city. Byzantine churches, which have retained their original appearance, amaze with filigree frescoes and paintings. You should definitely visit at least a few of the 72 surviving shrines. The oldest of them is the Church of the Virgin Mavriotis of the 10th century. But ancient icons can be seen in the Byzantine Museum, located nearby.

A visit to the fish market, the marina, and Homonim Square will help make your walk around Kastoria complete.

A unique place is located near the city: having moved away from it for 24 kilometers, the tourist finds himself in the town of Mostimo. It is here that the stone forest is located, where the petrified trunks of ancient trees and the remains of animals have been preserved. The age of this find, made during the extraction of coal, is about 15-20 million years. Once there was a bottom of the sea, and later a tropical forest grew. The volcanic lava and ash that poured out on this place stopped time, hiding all living things in stone. Marine inhabitants have retained their shape almost entirely, trunks of chestnuts and palm trees have also been found, these plants were the basis of the flora of antiquity. More fossils can be seen in the museum. The most interesting exhibits are a 25-meter jaw of a shark, huge teeth of herbivorous creatures that lived here many millennia ago.

Hidden from the eyes of the traveler, the miracle of Kastoria is located next to the monastery of the Virgin. The Dragon Cave is named so due to the natural shape of the entrance, similar to the open mouth of this mythical creature. Another version of the origin of the name is associated with an ancient legend, according to which a dragon lived here, guarding the gold mines.

There are about a dozen underground rooms and freshwater lakes, cave galleries descend 600 meters, causing the delight of researchers. The cave is notable for natural ventilation and incredible internal microclimate. Stalactites and stalagmites continue to grow, so the cave is constantly changing. Tourists are allowed to dive to 300 meters, which, although not the full depth of the place, allows you to feel the scale of the natural monument. Equipped paths for travelers and lighting make it possible to see in detail the unique growths and deposits, the birth of which goes far back into the depths of centuries.

A real open-air museum is Limneos Ikizmos (also called Dispilio). A unique object was discovered about a century ago during excavations. Scientists have discovered an ancient European settlement that arose about 7 thousand years ago and belongs to the Neolithic era. A detailed study of the memo, carried out at the beginning of the twentieth century, made it possible to determine that approximately in the 5th millennium BC. an island was artificially created here, where houses were built on piles, and pavements were made of wood.

The researchers also found various artifacts - household items, weapons, as well as a tablet from Dispilio containing icons resembling ancient writings. These objects can be seen in the museum, and the reconstruction erected at the excavation site helps to see what the settlement itself looked like.

On the shore of one of the most beautiful Balkan lakes, a picturesque lake Orestiada located one of the most beautiful Greek resorts - the city of Kastoria.

The official date of foundation of the city is considered to be 840 BC, but legends say that Kastoria appeared much earlier. Allegedly, by order of the son of Zeus Kekrop, a wall was erected on the site of modern Kastoria, which blocked the path to the Kastorian Peninsula. Later, the wall was destroyed, and in 525 a new wall with towers was erected. The city became a western Byzantine bastion.

Previously, Kastoria had other names: Keletron And Diakletianopol. And about the origin of its modern name, there are two versions. According to the first, the city is named after the mythological hero Castor. According to the second version, the name Kastoria appeared in the Middle Ages due to the large number of beavers that lived in the lake for a long time. Orestiada. In ancient Greek, the beaver sounded like "castor". By the way, it was during the Middle Ages that the city became famous for its fur production.

Climate and weather

The average summer temperature in Kastoria is +25 °С, and in winter +5 °С. So even in the warm months of the year there is no sweltering heat here, which allows inquisitive tourists to embark on many hours of excursions.

Nature

Connoisseurs of a relaxing holiday, seeking to achieve harmony with nature, will appreciate the rest in Kastoria. There are no noisy beaches here, because it is generally not customary to swim in the lake. Coming here, tourists enjoy the beauty of the mountains and the lake. Orestiada, peace and quiet, which are so lacking in the bustle of the city.

Attractions

In Kastoria, you can devote most of your vacation to excursions. So, for example, there are more than 70 churches here! The most interesting of them are churchesSaint Stephen, Mother of God Mavriotissa And Saint George. But the main symbol of the city is churchPanagia Kumbelidiki, or Kastriotis, the oldest in the city.

Also, having arrived in Kastoria, do not miss the opportunity to look into Byzantine Museum And Dragon Cave.

Nutrition

Cozy family restaurants and taverns with traditional Greek cuisine are ready to pleasantly surprise guests not only with a variety of dishes, but also with a high level of service. In addition, here you will be pleased with affordable prices and large portions in local restaurants.

According to many tourists, the most attractive establishments in Kastoria are located on the southern shore of the lake. We recommend you visit a beautiful tavern Crontiras— here you will try excellent traditional cuisine at an affordable price.

Accommodation

Tourism in Kastoria, along with the production of fur products, is the leading direction of the economy, so a huge number of hotels of various levels have been opened here. Lovers of special comfort will be welcomed by luxury hotels loggas 4*,Esperos Palace 4* and Limneon Crystal Resort Hotel 5 *, which offer their guests a stunning panorama of Kastoria and Orestiada.

Entertainment and recreation

Rest on the lake Orestiada you will not find it boring, in summer you can go fishing, rowing and sailing, and in winter you can go skiing on the mountain Vitsa(22 kilometers from Kastoria). Annually in September, international rowing competitions are held in Kastoria.

In the evening you can have a great rest in the restaurants, bars and cafes of Kastoria.

Purchases

The city is famous not only for its wonderful recreation and cultural and historical values, but also for shopping, because Kastoria is the world-famous center of fur fashion. Here, lovers of natural fur and fur coats will be able to purchase unique items at a great price. In local factories and shops you will find a huge range of products made of high quality materials and a variety of models. For example, visit the Grecopel fur store and see for yourself.

Transport

The nearest airport is located in the suburbs, Argos-Orestikon. From here you can fly to Athens or Thessaloniki. By land, on your own or a rented car, it is convenient to get to such Greek cities as Grevena, Florina, Ptolemais and Kozani, and through them you can go to the Egnatia national highway.

Connection

Mobile communication in Greece is one of the most developed in Europe. Greek mobile operators offer a wide variety of services and tariff plans. In addition, there are tourist international SIM cards in Greece, which are more focused on international calls. The most common of these SIM cards is " Goodline". You can pay for calls thanks to prepaid cards, which are sold everywhere. Keep in mind that in Greece, SIM cards and prepaid cards are sold upon presentation of a passport. This law has been in force since 2009 and applies even to non-residents.

You can make landline phone calls directly from the hotel or from public payphones.

Many hotels and entertainment venues provide visitors with wi-fi internet access for free.

Safety

Kastoria is a very calm and prosperous city where tourists like to come with the whole family.

However, as in any other part of the world, we recommend that you follow the basic safety rules: keep documents and large sums of money in a safe, as well as keep an eye on your bags and equipment.

Business climate

More than 500 factories for dressing fur and making fur products work in Kastoria. Famous brands such as Avanti And Alessandro Bosso, originally from this Greek city.

The main part of the local population is involved in the fur industry, the inhabitants of Kastoria work in enterprises or are privately engaged in furriery. The production of fur products has become an important part of the history of the city and the centuries-old traditions of the population.

Many tourists, businessmen, designers and just lovers of fur coats come from all over the world to Kastoria in order to make the right choice. Here is the exhibition center "Edika" which specializes exclusively in fur products. In this direction, it is the largest in Europe. In addition, every year in May, Kastoria hosts an international exhibition of fur coats.

It is most profitable in Kastoria to invest in the fur industry and the restaurant and hotel business.

Shops in Kastoria are open daily, except for national holidays. In the middle of the day, outlets traditionally close for a siesta.

Many travel companies offer tours to Kastoria with the obligatory purchase of fur coats for a specific amount. If this obligation is not fulfilled, tourists have to pay compensation to the fur factory, with which the travel agency had an agreement, as well as repay the cost of air tickets and visas.

Kastoria is a region and city of the same name in Western Greece. These places are famous for their mysterious beauty, the purest mountain air and, of course, the world-famous furs. Every year, an exhibition of fur coats is held here, where numerous fur factories of the city show their products. But not only the exhibition attracts tourists from all over the world to Kastoria. In this region, you will get acquainted with the legendary Lake Orestiada, with 72 churches built in the Byzantine era, with interesting museums and wildly cheerful local holidays. You can be sure that a trip to Kastoria will be remembered for a lifetime!

Geography

The nome of Kastoria territorially belongs to Western Macedonia. The area of ​​the nome is 1720 km2. The city of Kastoria is located on a peninsula at an altitude of 703 m above sea level. On three sides, the city is washed by the picturesque lake Orestiada, and the peninsula is connected to the land by a narrow strip of land. In addition, Kastoria is also located between the mountains Vitsi and Grammos. Largely due to the unusual geographical position, Kastoria is called one of the most beautiful cities in Greece.

Climate

The climate is subtropical. In summer, the average temperature is +25 degrees, and in winter +5 degrees. Often there are winters when the temperature drops below zero, and then the water in Lake Orestiada is covered with ice. Due to the peculiarities of the climate and the cold winter by Greek standards, Kastoria was often called the Siberia of Greece earlier.

Population and tourism

According to the latest census, the population of Kastoria is about 19 thousand people. The national composition is quite homogeneous: the vast majority of the inhabitants are indigenous Greeks. By religion, about 98% of the Kastorians belong to the independent Greek Orthodox Church.

Mythology and history

Officially, the founding of Kastoria dates back to 840 BC. In antiquity, the city had other names: Keletron and Diakletianopol, and the current name appeared in the Middle Ages, most likely due to the large number of beavers living here (beaver in ancient Greek is called "castor"). In 525, the Byzantine emperor Justinian ordered the construction of a wall with towers on this site. So Kastoria became the western bastion of Byzantium. At the turn of the millennia, the city was under the rule of the Bulgarians, but in the end, in 1018, it returned to the Byzantine Empire. Further, Kastoria was alternately owned by the Normans, then the Byzantines, and then the city went to the Despotate of Epirus. The Turkish yoke reached Kastoria in 1383 and lasted on these lands for almost 500 years. However, the region, despite the difficult times, managed to maintain national identity and even become one of the most significant centers of Hellenism on the territory of the Balkan Peninsula. In the city of Kastoria, several important operations took place during the national liberation war of the Greeks against the Turks in 1821. Kastoria was finally liberated from Turkish rule on November 11, 1912. During the First and Second World Wars, the inhabitants of Kastoria made an invaluable contribution to the fight against the invaders: Italians, Germans and Bulgarians. One of the main myths of Kastoria is associated with the legendary son of Zeus - King Kekrop. According to legend, this mythical demigod had a human body and serpentine legs. King Kekrop erected his famous “Kekrop wall” on the peninsula, which protected the only passage to this land. Another ancient Greek myth tells us that Kastoria owes its name to another son of Zeus - Castoras (Castor), who loved to look into the surface of Lake Orestiada every morning and watch the life of the gods on Olympus.

Traditions and customs

Many traditions of Kastoria are associated with the main activity of the locals - furriery and fur production. This tradition is passed down from generation to generation: some families have been engaged in this craft for centuries. Kastorians cannot live without holidays and festivals. When festive festivities (carnivals) begin in the city, all other things fade into the background. Many local traditions are associated with carnivals. For example, during the Ragutsariya holiday, mummers dressed as beggars tease passers-by on the streets, go from house to house and ask for treats from the owners. Previously, the inhabitants dressed in animal costumes, and then in the clothes of people of the opposite sex or in the costume of the god Bacchus. As usual, a mask is worn along with the costume. At night during carnivals, no one sleeps: everyone walks, dances, plays musical instruments and sings.

Attractions

Kastoria cannot be called a resort, since there are no beaches in the city as such. Despite the fact that Kastoria is washed by Lake Orestiada on three sides, it is not customary to swim in it, it is more suitable for fishing and for walking on water transport. The peculiarities of the geographical location have rather peculiarly influenced the development of the tourism industry in the region, and if you are going to visit Kastoria, you should imagine that you are not waiting for hot beaches on the seashore, but interesting historical sights, exhibitions and sales of famous local fur coats and, of course , amazing nature of the region.

Entertainment

Kastoria has a lot to offer for everyone who wants to honor this wonderful city with their attention. The most inquisitive tourists will be satisfied with a variety of excursion routes to the sights of Kastoria, which have been prepared for them by local guides. Active recreation here is represented by all kinds of water sports, including windsurfing, rowing and sailing. Rowing competitions are often held on Lake Orestiada. A well-equipped ski complex is located 22 km from the city on Mount Vitsa. For those who prefer to have a quieter time, special places for fishing are organized. Nightlife in Kastoria is very vibrant. Toward evening, local bars, taverns, restaurants and discos begin to fill up with visitors. Traditional local holidays give the city a special flavor. The popular Ragutsariya carnival takes place from 6 to 8 January. At this time, the streets of the city turn into a huge stage, where you can see wonderful performances with songs, performances and dances. Holidays in Kastoria can also be beneficial for health. In the village of Ammoudara, which is 16 km from Kastoria, there are several mineral springs with healing properties. There is also a hydropathic facility here.

shopping

Of course, the main object of shopping in Kastoria is local fur products, especially fur coats. For these goods from many countries of the world, special shopping tours are held. If you are going to Kastoria to buy a fur coat, then first of all you need to get to the exhibition and sale in the EDIKA shopping complex. It sells products from world-famous fur manufacturers: Avanti, Afrodita Furs, Naoumi, Unipel, Fantastik Furs, Chrissos, Estelle and many others. Be sure that here you can definitely find a fur coat for every taste and budget.

Transport and movement

The easiest way to get to Kastoria is by bus from the intercity bus station "Macedonia", which is located in Thessaloniki. The bus runs every 2 hours, and the travel time will be 3-4 hours. In the city itself, many tourists prefer to travel on foot, although you can always call a taxi or rent a car. Airport. The bulk of tourists enter the city through the airport near Thessaloniki, located 220 km from Kastoria. This distance is overcome quite quickly, since there is a high-speed highway between Thessaloniki and Kastoria. There is also a local airport, from where flights from Kastoria to Athens are carried out three times a week. Water transport. On Lake Orestiada, you can rent a boat and retire somewhere in the center of this legendary reservoir. The boat offers beautiful views of the shores of the lake, in addition, you can fish here. Bus traffic. From Kastoria you can take a bus to Thessaloniki and Athens. From the city itself, bus excursions are constantly organized to popular attractions located outside the city: the Dragon Cave, the lake settlement of Dispilio, etc. Car rental. Renting a car in Kastoria is not difficult. However, when driving a rental car, you should be aware of some of the peculiarities of local traffic. The city center is oversaturated with transport, so it is often quite problematic to find free parking.Taxi. Many tourists who value comfort and speed of movement prefer to use a taxi. Taxis can be called by phone or found at a special parking lot.

Cuisine and food

In Kastoria, tourists can always taste the famous dishes typical of Northern Greece. Most of the dishes include meat and vegetables baked in pots. Here you will definitely be treated to local pies, cabbage rolls, pies with sesame seeds. One of the popular local dishes is Smyrna cutlets, which are oblong-shaped meatballs with a signature tomato sauce. You can also try moussaka - a Greek casserole made from eggplant, minced meat, bechamel sauce and potatoes. Local taverns, restaurants and cafes offer a fairly extensive menu and rich wine list. Among soft drinks, frappe is very popular. Real Greek coffee can be found in almost any eatery in the city.

Kastoria is the center of the nome (district) of the same name. The population is approaching 20,000 inhabitants.

The city is located at an altitude of 630 meters above sea level, between the mountains of Vitsi and Grammos, and is surrounded by a lake, connected to the land by a strip of land formed during the bulk works.

During its centuries-old history, the city was repeatedly besieged and invaded by Bulgaria, Normandy and Turkey. But, despite this, in Kastoria, a huge number of Byzantine churches, as well as relics and mansions, have been preserved to this day as evidence of their heyday - during the active trade in fur products in many large cities of Europe.

Story

According to Procopios, a historian of the Byzantine era who wrote the treatise “On Buildings” (553-555), in the region adjacent to Kastoria was the Thessalian city of Diocletianoupolis, which archaeologists identified with the ancient city in the Armenochori region, located 4 kilometers to the south. Two and a half centuries after the founding of the city, the Byzantine emperor Justinian moved the city (527-565) to a fortified place on Lake Kastoria. And, as it usually happens, this is how the city, standing on the lake of the same name, began to be called.

Procopius wrote in his work: “In Thessaly there was once the city of Diocletianoupolis, which knew its heyday in its past, however, over time the city was destroyed by barbarian invasions, as a result of which it was devastated and remained abandoned for many years. Near the city is Lake Kastoria, and right in the middle of the lake there is an island, which is washed by the waters of the lake on all sides, with the exception of a narrow strip of land not exceeding 4.5 meters. A high mountain rises on the island, part of which is washed by the waters of the lake, and the other part juts into it by a cape. That is why Justinian, seeing that the place occupied by Diocletianoupolis was clearly vulnerable to the enemy (which is why, in fact, he suffered the fate that I spoke about before), he decided to build a well-fortified city right on the island and, logically, , gave it the name by which the lake was named ”(“ On Buildings ”, IV, 3.273).

As for the toponym, there is another version. Anna Komnena, another well-known historian of the Byzantine era, the granddaughter of Emperor Alexius Komnenos, believed that the lake was really called Kastoria, but the toponym of the city comes from the word "κάστρον" - "kastron" (from Latin castrum), which means "fortress".

As for the name of the lake itself, known today as Orestiada, it is believed that it comes from the word "κάστορες" ("kastores"), which in Greek means beavers that have lived here for many centuries.

According to surviving data, beavers also lived in the lake itself: document No. 1314 from the State Archives of Venice reports that the inhabitants of Kastoria send "several beaver fur products."

Attractions

As already noted, these places are rich in attractions. The following deserve special attention:

• Byzantine Museum
• Folklore Museum
• Aquarium

Traditions of fur production

Fur products were a necessary part of clothing for wealthy Greeks, considered a symbol of nobility and a manifestation of social status. Late 17th-century French traveler Antoine Olivier noted that most women in Constantinople had up to 12 fur-trimmed dresses, some of which cost between 15,000 and 20,000 francs. I must say that the poor class also used fur products, but from a hare, a jackal and a sheep. The Greek furriers, seizing this trend, created a profitable profession and developed an active trade that went far beyond the borders of their native land, spreading to Austria, Hungary and then distant Holland.

So, since then and to this day, the city of Kastoria is famous for its furs. Today there is a huge number of fur coat workshops that provide almost all of Europe with their products. Every year, one of the largest fur exhibitions is held here, in which all manufacturing companies strive to take part.