Vlasti

Vlasti (Greek: Βλάστη, Aromanian: Blatsa) is a former community in Kozani regional unit, West Macedonia, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Eordaia, of which it is a municipal unit.^[1] Vlasti is about 24 km from Ptolemaida. Located at the heart of western Macedonia, it is girdled by the massifs of Mt Mouriki which serves as a home not only to the brown bear (Ursus arctos), but also to a large number of rare birds, including the short-toed eagle (Circaetus gallicus), the Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus) and the long-legged buzzard (Buteo rufinus). The first settlement was established in the 15th century and received an influx of Vlach refugees from Grammos and Moschopoli in the 18th century. The public buildings and the houses which still today adorn Vlasti reflect the flourishing of this village in the 19th century.

The population was 645 as of 2001. Today, it has a population of about 600. However, the village bustles with life in summer as it is then that the Earth Festival is organized. It comprises a series of ecological and at the same time joyful events whose objective is to inform and sensitize people showing them the need to respect natural environment. Moreover, visitors have the chance to come into contact with the locals, experience their hospitality and participate with them in these jolly festivities. Vlasti serves a starting point for fascinating, enjoyable routes either to Mt Mouriki and its shelter or to neighbouring regions. There is good infrastructure to support the touristic development of the place with hotels, restaurants and bars.

References

1. ^ Kallikratis law Greece Ministry of Interior (Greek)