Kastania lies at an altitude of 880 metres on the western slopes of 1,750-metre-high Gyftissa. Bridges connect its individual districts; fountains, along with seventeen churches and chapels, form a ring around the village, at the centre of which stands the parish church of Agios Nikolaos. If, on a brief exploration, you want to consider not only individual sights but also the village’s architecture and layout, Kastania offers several specific points of interest. When looking for a holiday apartment, these features can help you choose an area that suits your interests.

Stone Bridges with Different Histories

The four single-arch stone bridges are called Gkalina (1936), Rachi (1895), Mitsaion (1845) and Malnitsa (1934). The Malnitsa Bridge is outside the village. The Mitsaion Bridge is the oldest and highest bridge in Kastania. It was built in 1845 on the site of an earlier bridge, built in 1835 and later destroyed. There is a 91-year gap between the Mitsaion Bridge and the Gkalina Bridge, built in 1936. The dates give the bridges a clear chronological span; at Mitsaion, the history of the earlier bridge can also be distinguished from that of the present structure.

Houses, School and Churches

Kastania’s houses are two-storey stone buildings with courtyards and low stone benches by the entrance. The two-storey primary school, dating from 1894, offers another point of reference. The parish church of Agios Nikolaos dates from 1926; its carved wooden iconostasis was made by Charalambos Skalistis from Tourno. Alongside the house style described above, these are two dated buildings whose construction years are 32 years apart. The iconostasis adds a specific craft detail and the name of its maker to the church’s date.

The chapel of Agios Dimitrios dates from 1670 and is one of the oldest chapels in the village. At Kastania’s highest point stands the chapel of the Holy Apostles, which also marks the end of a walk through the village. Three fountains beside it symbolise the three districts. The walk also takes in the Gkasiou family home, also known as Gkosiadiko. Here, a building along the route, the location of a chapel and the symbolic meaning of the fountains come together in the context of the village.

Feast Days in June and July

On 24 June, the feast of Ai-Giannis, a celebration with food and local dances follows the church service, accompanied by local musicians. On 26 July, the feast of Agia Paraskevi is followed by a celebration with local dances in the village square. The two dates also differ in the stated elements of the celebrations: food and musicians are part of the Ai-Giannis feast, while the village square is the setting for the dances after the Agia Paraskevi service. If you plan to include one of these feast days in your trip, check the latest details for that year locally.

Travel Planning Information

Kastania is 28.7 kilometres from Konitsa; the actual route may vary. The village’s permanent landmarks and celebrations tied to specific dates offer different points of interest when choosing where to stay: the architecture can be compared by its construction dates, while the feast days can provide a specific reason to visit. If you are planning a trip around 24 June or 26 July, check the details for that year locally.

Discover more destinations: Doliana, Kalpaki, Koukouli, Fourka, Sirako, Paliochori, Drosopigi, Ano Pedina

For the wider travel overview: Ioannina.