Paramythia

The city of Paramythia lies in the county Thesprotia in Epirus link. The name come from the Paramythia's Virgin Mary's name (in ancient Greek means comforter) where and the monastery which stands in perfect condition in the middle of the town link.

The town's area reaches about the 79,200 acres, while it's population about 10,000. Today, the city is the headquarter of the Paramythia's Municipality which includes 22 municipal departments link. Paramythia was a small Byzantine town built in 1,000 B.C. Lies simile to an amphitheatre at the altitude of 750 m, at Korila's mountain foothill, between the Acheron and Kalamas rivers. The mountain chain Koryla (altitude 1,658 m) lies on the eastern side of the city. On the city limits we find the Kokytos River, known from mythology. Among the city's attractions you can see the Byzantine bath, the Koulia tower, the castle of Paramythia and the Elea's castle, the unique for it's structure watch, while you'll never forget the thesprotian highlands, at the Souli village, but also the near littoral regions as Parga, Syvota, Perdika.

Traditional houses, in the center of the city with the paved market, represent the architectonic characteristic. The major part of the municipality - with exceptions the rivers' Kalamas and Kokytos valleys- is highland and semi-mountain with the higher crests the Chionistra (1,644m) and Koryla (1,658m) on the NE and E of Paramythia. The Paramythia's valley is one of the largest in Thesprotia County and one of the major residential and cultural area in Epirus. The [[archaeological]] remainder - stone tools, ceramics from the Paramythia's valley, the richest area in Greece in stone tools date from the latest Paleolithic till the copper age- attest the uninterrupted inhabitancy in all Stone age. Southern by the Paramythia, in the Tsardakia area, on polygonal wall and one tomb with shape of box date in the latest Copper age, are among the few samples of the Mycenaean culture in Thesprotia. Recording the historical ages, in the eastern side of Kalamas river, among natural fortified hills, or mountains' foothills, was constructed fortified settlements (Five churches, Petrovitsa, Gousbany, Plakoti, Kallithea etc.), which controlled the Kalamas' valley. In the same period grow a settlements' chain in the Valley of Kokytos River (Paramythia, Elea, St. Donatos of Zervochori), a few others in the western side of the Kokytos' Valley (Grika, Sevasto, Kyra Panagia) and, some other, smaller settlements on the highlands of Paramythia (Saloniki, St. Kyriaki).

The Municipal area, which, in the largest part, covers the ancient Eleatida, where lived Thesprotian Eleates, was one of the most densely populated Thesprotian area and flourished by Hellenistic ages.

Paramythia and the area around it, provide the visitor, a series of activities of alternative tourism. Trekking, extreme games, visiting areas with great, ancient and historical, interest there are a few activities of alternative tourism for the visitors of this region. The agritourism is a form of alternative tourism in order to maintain and promote the Hellenic traditional and rustic way of life. Paramythia represents an rural area which maintains the true traditions and it's characterized as traditional settlement. Above, follows a short description of activities provided to the visitor of Paramythia.

1 Municipal districts
2 Ancient times
3 Touristic Suggestion
4 External links

[edit] Municipal districts

Agia kyriaki
Grika
Elataria
Agia kyriaki
Kallythea
Karvounari
Karioti
Krystallopigi
Neohori
Xirolofos
Pagrati
Petousi
Pente Ekklisies
Petrovitsa
Plakoti
Polidroso
Prodromi
Saloniki
Sevasto
Hrisavgi
Psaka
Ambelia

[edit] Ancient times

The Roman colony Fotiki stands on the today’s region of St. Donatos (Sametia), and was established in 167 BC. There, was found the sarcophagus of Pirus, the King of Epirus. You can see the sarcophagus within the Ioannina’s museum. There are also other cities, as Nikopolis, built during Roman period. There was a movement of population from the surrounding region to new built Thesprotian cities. The exact placement of Fotiki (Liboni), was revealed by 2 inscriptions. The first one referred the Roman commander Pompeeo Sabino, and was found in 1890. Is written in Latin and was dated at the end of the 3rd century BC. In 1906 was found the second inscription, written in Greek. It’s content is about citizens’ of Fotiki decisions.

There are some Latin inscriptions from 2nd and 3rd century, when the local Parliament of Fotiki was active, meanwhile it seams that the city was active also during the period after. The city was named after Fotios, the leader of Chanons. It was also the bishop’s quarters. Because the uncertain times, the population was moved to the castle of St. Donatos (built by Ioustinianos). In the area were found, besides the Latin inscriptions, some other ancient findings testimonial of a great cultural activity. Today, all findings are kept in the museum of Epirus, and in other museums abroad. Fotiki became Christian during 1st century. There was involvement in world and local meetings. Although the raids of different nations (Serbians, Bulgarians, Francs, Albanians etc), Epirus didn’t change its national composition. After Christian religion spread in the area, some cities were used as bishop’s quarters (Nikopolis, Dryinoupolis, Fotiki, Apollonia etc)

The Greek tradition was so strong, that when the Byzantine Empire was concurred by Crusaders, the Komninos family established the famous Despotato of Epirus. After Byzantine Empire fall, the Despotato remained independent during the next 2 centuries, maintaining the Greek Byzantine traditions. Its influence helped the entire Greek nation during the Turkish domination. The old greatness came back when Ioustinianos built the castle, afterwards named the castle of St. Donatos. In 1796, at Liboni of Paramythia (the ancient Fotiki), were found 21 bronze sculptures made by the Lissipos School (3rd century BC). Today, we can see these sculptures in several museums in London, Russia and Constantinople.

[edit] Touristic Suggestion

Trekking - European path of long distances E6 In Paramythia, you can use the european path of long distances E6. The path crosses Paramythia and the mountain chain Gorila, rewarding all visitors with its true beauty, as an international recognized path. It startes in Igoumenitsa, the capital of the county, and , as regarding Epirus, finishes in Dodoni of Ioannina. Exploration in regions with dense forests and forgotten villages.

Trekking - Path «Gorila - St. Arsenis» The second worthy path, is the path of mountain chain Gorila At the altitude of 1.658m, the Gorilas is the second higher mountain in Thesprotia. You could reach it by the side of Paramythia, but also from the Agia Kyriaki. Starting from Paramythia, you can choose eiter crossing the town, either through the area of the Elea's Castle. Following the marked path, you can reach the cave of St. Arsenis. Inside the cave, there is a small church dedicated to the Saint. The very same spot is used as camping spot, and you can see all the valley of Paramythia. At the second half of the route, if you choose the first alternative, you'll pass the point of take-off used by the parapente athletes from Paramythia's Airathletic Club. By choosing the second alternative, you shall acquaint the area around the ancient Elea and the Castle which its remains are still standing.

Trekking - Path «Route Skala of Tzavelena - Souli» Route Skala of Tzavelena - Souli. A route of medium difficulty, 4h lond, with the view of Acheron River and destination the turret of the free Hellenism against Turkish domination.

Horse riding on the mountain Gorila, next to the Kokkytos River, et al Short routes on tracks and beautiful forests. The ancient Castle of Paramythia, the ancient Castle of Elea, the valley of Paramythia, highland villages et al.

River Trekking on Acheron Trekking on tracks by the side of the river, and sometimes within the Acheron River. Easy path wich starts from Glyki and endes by the fountainheads near the villages of Souli. Possible passages from one to the other side of the river, since the water at several points is very low. For quite some distance, you have easy access to communal roads.

Canyoning on the Acheron's Canyons Crossing canyons, by walking and by using ropes over the vertical rocks, and spots where the river forms small waterfalls. Acheron-Dalas 2-3 hours, easy wihout rapel.

Rafting, Kayak & Canoe-Kayak on Acheron The descent of river over an inflatable boat, single-seater, double-seater or up to 8-seater, or using canoe. The crew members are from 6 to 8. For the biginners, the Acheron River is the ideal place, since there are organized enterprises which provide the suitable equipment, and professional quides. Extra route Acheron Sertziana-Glyki 12km, 4th difficulty level, while on Kalamas (Vrosina-Plakoti) 15km, 1st level.

Mountain Bike on mountain Korila Routes on tracks and beautiful forests. The ancient castle of Paramythia, highland [[Thesprotian]] villages et al. The wonderful provincial roads, covered by green, and perfumes from herbs and flowers, offer to the visitor amazing experiences.

Parapente. Flihts with special parachutes. The word «Parapente» comes from the french words "para" (from parachute) and "pente" (sidelong). The sport has a lot of funs. You can fly along with the Airathletic Club of Paramythia, on the side of the mountain Gorila.