Byzantine Churches of Kastoria
Over the course of four days, we visit and explore significant churches and monuments in the city of Kastoria. The distances are short, and urban walking—through such a beautiful and well-preserved city characterized by both traditional architecture and a modern ambiance—is ideal for getting around.
Day 1
We gather at Omonia Square. Our tour begins at the Church of Agios Nikolaos Kasnitzis (12th century), near the Byzantine acropolis of Kastoria. We continue south to the Church of the Three Saints (Gourias, Samonas, and Avivus) from the 15th century (Agioi Treis). Our next stop is the Church of the Archangels of the Metropolis ("Taxiarchis Mitropoleos") from the 9th century, where Pavlos Melas is buried. Continuing in the same direction, we come to the Church of Agios Athanasios Mouzaki, one of the most important Byzantine monuments in Kastoria (14th century). Our final stop, as we head back toward our starting point, is the Church of Panagia Koumpelidiki (11th century), also known as “Panagia Kastriotissa,” the emblem of the city.
Day 2
Our starting point is Agios Minas Square. We head toward the Church of Agios Stefanos (9th century), one of the oldest churches in the Balkans. The next church on our route is the Church of Agioi Anargyroi (10th century), one of Kastoria’s most important Byzantine monuments. Continuing north, near the lake, we visit the Church of Agios Georgios tou Vounou ("of the Mountain", 14th century), in the Varlaam neighborhood. We end the day’s tour at the Church of Panagia Mouzeviki – Agios Minas (the patron saint of Kastoria), featuring significant 14th-century frescoes.
Day 3
Today’s visits take place around Doltso Square. We begin with two picturesque 18th-century churches, the Church of Agios Nikolaos Karydis and the Church of Agios Andreas, both timber-roofed basilicas located in the Doltso neighborhood. Next is the “Panagia Evraida” (Church of the Life-Giving Spring), one of Kastoria’s most important post-Byzantine churches. We conclude with the Church of Agioi Anargyroi (19th century), a post-Byzantine three-aisled basilica.
Day 4
We begin at the Byzantine Museum of Kastoria. Our first stop is the Church of Agios Nikolaos Magaleiou (16th century), near the lake. We then visit the Church of Agia Paraskevi Xenia from the 17th century and the Church of Agios Nikolaos of the Nun Efpraxia (also known as Agios Nikolaos Doikos), from the 16th century—both located very close to each other. Nearby is also the Church of Panagia “Xenia,” which reopened in 2018. We wrap up our tour with a short ten-minute drive to the famous Holy Monastery of Panagia Mavriotissa (11th century), on the eastern shore of Lake Orestiada, one of the most important religious and historical landmarks in the region. On the way back, we can take a drive around the lake and enjoy the view from the Church of Prophet Elias, one of the best vantage points in the area.
