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KASTORIA
Kastoria is a city in northern Greece in the periphery of West Macedonia.
The city’s population is estimated as some 16,218 people (2001).
It is situated on a promontory on the western shore of Lake Orestiada , in a valley surrounded by limestone mountains.



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.
During the First Balkan War, Greece took Kastoria.
The 1913 treaties of London and Bucharest confirmed Kastoria as Greek territory.
Kastoria is an important religious centre for the Greek Orthodox Church.
It originally had 72 Byzantine and medieval churches, of which 54 have survived.
The Museum of Byzantine History located on Dexamenis Square houses many examples of byzantine iconography.
Kastoria is renowned for its fur trade, which dominates the local economy.
Kastoria, is one of Macedonia's most picturesque cities and is in fact regarded by the Greeks as one of the most beautiful towns in the country (totally true IMO ).

Photos from GoKastoria and ERT aerial photos.





























Have a seat! Brrr!





Typical (Traditional) buildings in Kastoria



















The stadium of Kastoria