We did long trips, traveled to my heart and this goes ... I hear on the radio, and I have no choice but to travel to your place of my heart, in eastern Argithea, the part that I love to go.
Forgive me on this tour of emotion. I have so many childhood memories, and it could be a different and this is my place of origin.
Many photographic films were filled with trying to imprison in a frame what the eye can not chortasei. Apokrimnes ravines, sares, canyons, caves and awe for the landscape that does not compare! Proud people in this forgotten neighborhood, with a fence high mountain peaks, with birds and wild animals trying to survive in the region that recent studies have classified within the ten most clean and green on the planet.
Before syntaxidepsoume I would like to make recommendations. The area of Argitheas, East and West, is spread geographically in the south-western edge of Karditsa prefecture and a border with western prefecture of Arta and the prefecture of Evrytania south.
With history starting from the depths of centuries, the area was inhabited since ancient times and had played an important role in the Revolution of 1821. In the years of Ottoman rule the region was limeri the Karaiskaki and other heroes of the Revolution. In modern history, and more specifically in 1944, from May to September, the village was Petrilo headquarters of the Greek government under Professor Alexander Svolo.
The community of eastern Argitheas includes the villages Vlasi, Petrilo, DROSATO, Pylos, Fountoto, Leontito, Koumpoyriana, but Stefaniada and smaller settlements, which are scattered on the slopes and lagkadia a region that has nothing to feel jealous of other polydiafimismenes and crowded. Indeed, it is to show unsurpassed natural and wild beauty which has remained aloviti (thankfully) over the years.
Dear companions, before aniforisoume should you and I must clarify: The region is appropriate only for those who want to enjoy nature and explore the beauties. Luxuries and such ancillary or region does not have and I hope not to ever do so.
The few who have generous, hospitality and love. Nature and people in this place move harmoniously, rather supportive move. Nowhere I have seen the landscape so much brutality and fear that causes you to some points, to relieve the maximum sweetness of the locals.
Efchomen o j therefore be looking for "a few" that would endorse apotamiefsete beauty and kindness will collect. If you're looking for something else, simply change destination.
We start from the Planos, the town of Karditsa prefecture, and will aniforisoume to Pefkofyto. For the record, previous years Planos was the meeting point of all Argitheaton, walking come from villages to procure necessary. Now just make a stance to load the necessary, not only in their vehicles.
Next stop, aniforizontas between fir trees and aionovies beeches, is the chapel of Ayios Nikolaos, in Beech at an altitude of 1,500 metres. We are at the highest point on the road route. From there goes international path Q4. The Winter this point can not be reached due to snow. The fog, even the katakalokairo many times, creates the perfect setting.
Each year beginning July, beech, organized the Panantamoma of Argitheaton with dances and songs from the region as well as other celebrations. The closed (kind of dance) leader, accompanied by many traditional dishes.
Katiforizontas by Beech, we have two choices. The first leads us to the Village Petrilo, headquarters of the Community of Eastern Argitheas. The village is built at an altitude of 1,150 meters and consists of many small settlements. From there goes international path Q4. Source "Vrises" there is a cataract height of 20 metres. From its position "Koulia" see the wider region. Recognised as placing exploration led to anexerefniti cave "Katsaros" in the homonymous position.
Second choice is Vlasi village, 27 kilometres from the Planos which is built in the shadow of Karavas at an altitude of 1,000 metres. On the main road there are cafes, barbecues and gas. Above the village is the monastery of Our Lady of the Nativity, built early 17 th century. East of the village flowing river Vlasiotis.
The surrounding peaks "Schizokaravo" in the 2,184 metres which is linked to the path E4 and "Voutsikaki" in the 2,154 metres, is suitable for climbing. From the highest points can be seen the region of Lake Plastiras and the Thessaly plain.
Moving from the river Petrilioti distinguished looking towards the stone DROSATO. On the road we find the settlement Mantzouraiika and continue for Paleohori and Fountoto. Against the Spread Leontito, 40 kilometres from the Planos and at an altitude of 1000 metres. Because of origin, remain here.
Katiforizontas and passing the river and abandoned water Paliantoni of the rising road leads us in the village square. Aionovios tree - which is the size of the attraction for the region-skepazei throughout the square. The kafenedaki aside, which stays open almost all year round is the meeting point of large and small. I remember the summer ... The walks to the river and substandard pestrofon was angling enjoyment. The exploration of the mountains was a surprise every time. The pies, bompota and forgery even cause my palate.
At the top of the village dominated the recently renovated plakoskepasti church of Saint Charalambos, a historic monument for the region. From there begins road that leads higher, the many sources of the region with the main source "Klidera" near the majestic location "Mega Stanos." Around the peaks "Ntelidimi" and "Tsournato" with an altitude above 2,000 metres, creating the perfect frame. Unobstructed view from the point at which transports regions of Arta and Evrytania.
George Karaiskakis lived in the village, beside the Church of Agias Friday near the square and raised strong resistance in battles with the Turks in position "Tourkomnimata". In position "Kalyvakia" found ancient findings probably belong to ancient Athamanes who settled in the region.
From the village opens path for the Monastery of Our Lady cave. Car hits one right twist of crossover for Leontito passing the bridge of the Parapotamou Acheloou "Kryorema".
The important monument of the cave monastery, dating from the 17 th century and is built at an altitude of 1300 metres. It is a benchmark for the fight of 1821, because it was the seat of the Revolutionary Government in 1876. The area around the monastery has seen the landscape of natural beauty.
Another religious monument in the region is the single I.M. Kosti. Located between Villages Koumpoyriana and Stefaniada and is dedicated to the Birth of the Virgin Mary. The founding date is unknown. However agiografisis inscription refers to the year 1759 and kolympithra the year 1007.
In Koumpoyriana Village which is built at an altitude of 1,050 measures dominates the vast square "Blounos." The "Down Country" is the oldest settlement and has been declared an archaeological area, because ruins and ancient tombs found there.
Close to I.M. Cave is also worth visiting one Lake Stefaniadas formed in 1963 - 1964 after a landslide. It has 175 acres of surface and depth of 120 metres. The village is built 3 kilometers from here, at an altitude of 930 metres.
Since so many times I have visited the region leads to the following conclusions:
The area is steep and wants attention. Although most parts of the central road is asfaltostromena, the steep slope and close roads require low speeds. At some points - because of the many sources and bad weather during the Winter months-caused landslides.
The exploration of the region from fysiolatreis and other browsers will always be a surprise. A visit is not enough. The rotation of the landscape, many natural springs, rivers, fishing in the parapotamous Acheloou, hiking and climbing are some of the activities offered generous.
It is prohibitive to start one in the winter there. If anyone dared the risks remain until xecheimoniasei. Adequate time is considered the spring and summer. Especially in summer, because the locals return, the cafes open-barbecues, filled squares and nature are in kalytera.
In the mountains dominated by scents of tea and oregano. The tranquility of nature can be stopped only by kelaidismata of koudoynion of sheep and goats. The unique taste delicacies in each mageireio, pies, which will filepsoun, escorts and tsipouroy loukoymioy are images and moments that make up everyday life and in Eastern Argithea.
During the summer months also many cultural events taking place in the region. Key among them, and I think deserves to be mentioned, was the photo exhibition of the late photographer of the Resistance, Spyrou Meletzis, and the Conference on "The Argithea in the Turkish" in the Cultural Centre of Leontitou, under the auspices of the Cultural Association " The Platanos. " What is certain is that following and continuity and wait with great interest.
Cultural fact is, of course, and the festivities organised with or without cause. Chances are during evening hours from somewhere to antilaloun diplopenies… or rather better sounds of klarinou. Those who qualify to attend do not hesitate to drag dance, because surely will prosklitheite.
* Hostel "Livadia" Petrilo. Tel: 24450-31109
* Hotel Koutsikoyris "close to Beech. Tel: 24450-41296
* Grill-brown "Platanos" in the Leontito. Tel: 24450-31757
* Tavern - Grill "Diaselo" in Mantzoureika. Tel 24450-32213
* Cafe-Grill "Vaios" cave near the monastery. Tel: 24450-32020
* Coffee - Grill "Makryvouni" with a view of the Lake Stefaniadas. Tel: 6974788640
* Cafe-Grill "Hani Nasioka" focal point of the main road for I.M. Cave, next to the river. Tel: 24450 to 31716
Knowing therefore aspects of daily life of my ancestors, one will finally say. If the ashes in the fireplace was capable of in zestanei if podarodromos 40 kilometres search for food was routine and you could be celebrating a dancing "Closed", you were simply Argitheatis. If you are a descendant simply do not forget to epistrefeis ...
