Vrysochori
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Vrysochori (Greek:Βρυσοχώρι), (alternate names/ spellings: Vrysochóri, Vrysochorion, Vrysochóri, Vrisokhorion, Vrisokhóri, Vrisokhori, Vrysochori, Vrysochórion, Vrisokhórion, Lesinítsa, Lesinitsa) is one of 44 Zagori villages (Zagorohoria), or settlements, in the Ioannina Prefecture, in Greece. Vrysochori is in the Tymfi municipality, and is about 75km (47mi) from Ioannina.
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[edit] Location and climate
The elevation of Vrysochori is 1157m (3799ft) above sea-level.[1] It is located at latitude 39.999167° North and longitude 20.884722° East.[2] Vrisohori is surrounded by conifer forests and rivers at the foothills of Gamila of the Tymphis mountain range, and borders the Vikos-Aoos National Park. Vrisohori is the 3rd largest village of Zagori Villages in terms of land size. The village is located in between the 2nd the the 5th highest peaks of Greece, just 5 km away from the Vjosë (Aoos) River. It is the only area of Greece where snowbanks stand throughout every season of the year.
[edit] History
Vrysohori was founded in 1295. It was called Liasintsa (or Lesinitsa), until 1927, when it was renamed to Vrysochorion. The church of St. Charalambos in the village square dates back to 1814. The town suffered severe damage in both World War II and the Greek Civil War, and lost a large portion of its population during the 1940s as a result. The Germans burnt much of the settlement in 1943.
[edit] Population
In the early 20th century, its population was more than 1600. The residents of the area speak a Latin dialect which is spoken in various areas of the Balkan peninsula (Vlach dialect).
[edit] Notable people
- Euterpi Bouki-Dukakis, mother of Michael Dukakis, American Democratic politician, former Governor of Massachusetts, and the Democratic presidential nominee in 1988.[3]
- Nikola Ioannis Kassavetes, father of American actor/director John Cassavetes.
[edit] References
