Kastoria

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Coordinates: 40°31′N 21°16′E

Greece Kastoria (Καστοριά)
Coordinates 40°31′ N 21°16′ E
Country Greece
Periphery West Macedonia
Prefecture Kastoria
Population 16,218 source (2001)
Area 57.3 km²
Population density 283 /km²
Elevation 700 m
Postal code 521 00
Area code 24670
Licence plate code KT

Kastoria is a city in northern Greece in the periphery of West Macedonia. It is the capital of Kastoria Prefecture, located at 40°31′00″N, 21°16′00″E. The town's population is estimated as some 20,660 people (1991 census). It is situated on a promontory on the western shore of Lake Orestiada, in a valley surrounded by limestone mountains.

Panoramic view of Kastoria
Enlarge
Panoramic view of Kastoria

Contents

[edit] Name

There are many theories regarding the name Kastoria (in Greek: Καστοριά IPA: [ˌkasto̞ɾˈja]). It has been claimed that the name derives from the Greek word κάστορας/kástoras (beaver), who may have lived in the nearby lake (Lake Orestiada). Other theories propose that the name derives from the Greek word κάστρο/kástro (castle; from the Latin word castrum) or from the mythical hero Κάστωρ/Kástor, who may have been honoured in the area. The name for the city in Slavic is Kostur/Костур (from kost, 'bone'), the Aromanian name is Kastoria and the Turkish name is Kesriye.

[edit] Subdivisions

  • Aposkepos (Απόσκεπος) (2001 pop: 135)
  • Chloi (Χλόη) (2001 pop: 819)
  • Kastoria
  • Kefalari (Κεφαλάρι) (2001 pop: 451)

[edit] Population

Year Village Population Change (village) Municipal population
1981 20,660 - -
1991 14,775 5,885/-28.48% -
2001 14,813 38/2.57% 16,218

[edit] Ancient History

Kastoria is believed to have had ancient origins; it has been identified with the ancient town of Celetrum, which the Romans captured in 200 BC. The Byzantine historian Procopius records that it was later renamed Justinianopolis. The town's strategic position led to it being contested between the Byzantine Empire and the Despotate of Epirus during the 13th century; it was held by the Serbian Empire between 1331 and 1380.

[edit] Ottoman Kastoria

Around 1385, the Ottoman Empire conquered Kastoria.

During the First Balkan War (1912), Greece took Kastoria. The 1913 treaties of London and Bucharest confirmed Kastoria as Greek territory.

[edit] Greek Kastoria

During both World War II and the Greek Civil War, the town was repeatedly fought over and heavily damaged in the process. It was nearly captured by the Communist ELAS movement in 1948, and the final battles of the civil war took place on the nearby Mount Grammos.

[edit] Economy

Kastoria is renowned for its fur trade, which dominates the local economy. Indeed, the town is named for one of the former staples of the trade – the European beaver (kastóri in Greek), now extinct in the area. Trading in mink fur now predominates and every year an international showcase of fur takes place in the city. Other industries include the sale and distribution of locally grown produce, particularly wheat, apples, wine and fish. Recently a large shopping center has been built in the city of Kastoria.

The town's airport is named Aristotelis Airport.

[edit] Sights of interest

Kastoria is an important religious centre for the Greek Orthodox Church and is the seat of a metropolitan bishop. It originally had 72 Byzantine and medieval churches, of which 54 have survived. Some of these have been restored and provide a useful insight into Greek Orthodox styles of architecture and fresco painting. The Museum of Byzantine History located on Dexamenis Square[1] houses many examples of byzantine iconography.


[edit] Sports Teams

[edit] Football/soccer teams

  • Kastoria FC

[2]


[edit] References

  • The Columbia Encyclopedia, 2004
  • Encyclopædia Britannica, 2005
  • The Penguin Encyclopedia of Places, 1999
  • Rough Guide to Greece, Mark Ellingham et al, 2000

[edit] External links


Municipalities and communities of the Kastoria Prefecture
Agia Triada • Agioi Anargyroi • Akrites • Ion Dragoumis • Kastoria • Kleisoura • Korestia • Makednos • Mesopotamia • Nestorio • Orestida • Vitsi
Arrenes • Gramos • Kastraki
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