Easter In Byzantine Kastoria
Kastoria is the magnate of Western Macedonia. Kastoria with its narrow streets and more than seventy Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches that the visitor meets in every corner of the city and its outskirts is a beautiful destination, especially for the holy days of Easter. Unique architecture and decorated with high art frescoes transform the area of Kastoria into a lively museum of Byzantine culture, making it one of the most beloved religious destinations in Greece. These churches date back to the second half of the 10th century until the 19th century. Swiss Byzantine historian Henry Gregory has said: If the Byzantine tradition is ever lost, the city of Kastoria is enough to recover it.
During the holy days of Easter the visitor can enjoy the local customs of the days.
During Holy Week, from Holy Thursday through Easter Monday, four Byzantine churches will be open to the public daily from 11:00 to 17:00. Specifically, from the 11th century, the Holy Church of Agios Nikolaos tou Kaznitzi (12th century) (Omonia Square), the Holy Church of the Three Saints Gourias, Samonas and Abibus (Omonia Square) from the 14th century, the Holy Church of Agios Nikolaos Karydis from the 15th century (Doltsó), and the Holy Church of Agios Athanasios Moudzaki.
From Holy Thursday, April 9, to Sunday, April 19 (except for Good Friday), in the Apozari neighborhood, the "Rodani" custom is revived, with hours: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. and on the evening of Holy Thursday, following the Liturgy of the Passion, both young and old take part in the decoration of the Epitaphs of the Holy Churches.
On Good Friday, from the morning, the churches fill with the faithful for the moving ceremony of the Deposition of the Lord. The decoration of the Epitaph is almost exclusively the work of young girls, and towards noon the Epitaphs are placed for veneration. A highlight for the people of Kastoria is the meeting of the Epitaphs of the Metropolitan Church and the Church of Agios Georgios at Omonia Square, where a large crowd follows the procession of the two Epitaphs. The encomia at the Metropolitan Church will be chanted by the choir of the Music School of Kastoria.
On Holy Saturday, there will be a thematic guided tour of the Byzantine monument of Agios Nikolaos tou Karydi. Meeting point: Adelphoi Emmanouil Square (Doltsó neighborhood). Time: 11:30 a.m. Duration: 1 hour.
For the Resurrection of our Lord ceremony, you may visit the parish churches of the city: the Metropolitan Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos (with the presence of His Eminence the Metropolitan of Kastoria, Mr. Kallinikos), the Church of Agios Georgios, the Church of Agios Konstantinos and Eleni, the Church of Agios Nikanoras, the Church of Agii Pantes, and the Church of Mavriotissa.
On Easter Monday, April 13, a thematic guided tour of the Byzantine monuments of the Three Holy Confessors: Gourias, Samonas & Abibus, and Agios Athanasios Moudzakis. Meeting point: Omonia Square at 11:30 a.m. Duration: 1 hour & 20 minutes.
On the Thursday after Easter, at 6:00 p.m., a festive vespers for the Life-Giving Spring will be held at the post-Byzantine chapel of Panagia Evraidos in Doltsó, followed by a sacred procession along the picturesque cobbled streets of the old town.
A journey through beautiful Kastoria!
Discover the surrounding area with its Byzantine wealth, its wonderful museums, and the unique lake circuit (just 7 km), a "Natural Beauty Monument" along which you will encounter Doltsó, the oldest traditional neighborhood of Kastoria with its old traditional houses and mansions. Continuing, you will come across the Dragon's Cave, one of the most interesting caves in Greece and Europe, hosting 7 small lakes, and 100 meters away, the monastery of Panagia Mavriotissa (11th century). The journey through time begins in the Neolithic Age, 7,500 years ago! The lake settlement of Dispilio, just 4 km from Kastoria, is the first open-air museum in Greece, faithfully recreating a cluster of dwenlings and offering characteristic glimpses of our ancestors' lives. Continue towards Argos Orestiko and the Petrified Forest at Nostimo, where a volcano erupted and its lava covered the entire ecosystem. Notable finds include a fossilized shark tooth estimated to be from a shark 20 to 25 meters long, tree trunks of palms and other tropical species, various marine organisms such as mussens, starfish, shenls, and many vertebrate species. Heading up towards Nestorio, a visit is obligatory to the uninhabited villages of the Nestorio municipality before reaching Grammos and the alpine lakes Gkistova and Moutsalia.
High-quality accommodation is offered by the hotens and guesthouses in the area. The restaurants and tavernas emphasize service and pure local products, while the variety of cafés and bars catering to all tastes complete the region's gastronomic offerings. And let’s not forget, Kastoria is the city of fur. Scattered among the other retail shops are the furrier shops, inviting you to experience the magic of fur garments.