Place Vitsa Info and Map for Vitsa Κεντρικό Ζαγόρι, Zagorochoria

VITSA

Vitsa is one of the most representative villages of Zagorochoria of the prefecture of Ioannina. It belongs to Central Zagori of Epirus and has about 100 residents. The inhabitants of Vitsa are mainly engaged in farming and rural tourism. Vitsa stands at the entrance of the Vikos Gorge, on the southeastern slopes of Stouros peak. The village consists of two spatial units, Ano and Kato Vitsa, and is one of the largest villages of Zagori, built at an altitude of 960m. The well-preserved mansions, the stone-churches, the narrow streets and the square of Vitsa will attract your interest. It seems that in the region there was life in the prehistoric period, as confirmed by evidence found in the location "Key", on the right bank of Voidomatis. Before the conquest of Epirus by the Turks and until 1753 Vitsa and Monodendri formed a community called Bezitsa. The name of the community came from the Slavic «bezati» which means I run or flow rapids and the ending -ica.

ACCESS TO VITSA :

Vitsa is 37km. away from Ioannina. From Thessaloniki you can cover a distance of 260 km. through Egnatia Road and arrive in Ioannina, or head to Konitsa. From Athens you can come to Ioannina via Patras, covering 445km., or via the National Road Athens - Lamia.

ATTRACTIONS IN VITSA :

In Vitsa particular architectural interest have the churches and monasteries. Generally, in Zagori churches and monasteries are the oldest buildings and are usually built by benefactors. The Monastery of Prophet Ilias was built in 1632 at an altitude of 1117m. The monastery was among the richest of Zagori and often had been looted by the Turks. In Prophet Elias monastery functioned concealed school where they learned the first letters Marcus Botsaris and teacher of the Nation Georgios Gennadios. The monastery is situated in a magnificent location and in 1965 was declared a historical landmark museum. The church of the Assumption was probably founded before 1554, and in 1728 was restored and now serves as parish church of Kato Vitsa. The St. Nicholas Church was built in 1612 and was painted a few years later. The frescoes of the church is well preserved until today. In Vitsa you will also find the Monastery of Panagia and the church of the Archangels was built in 1606 and reconstructed in 1855. Also popular attractions in Vitsa are:

• the ancient settlement Molossos located in Genitsari, between Vitsa and Monodendri.
• the ladder of Vitsa that connects Vitsa with Koukouli. There is also the bridge of Misiou from which passes the river of Vikos.
• landscapes of natural beauty that are located in the limits of the National Park of Vikos - Aoos and in the beginning of Vikos Gorge.

ACCOMMODATION IN VITSA – BOARD – ACTIVITIES :

In Vitsa you will find hotels, hostels, rental rooms, restaurants, cafés and bars. You can select Vitsa for your stay, as the various categories of accommodation that offers promise to satisfy the different tastes of guests. In Vitsa drink a coffee in the picturesque square with the plane tree that is 600 years old and taste the pies of Zagori and local meats. Also in Vitsa you can do activities such as climbing, hiking and mountain bike. From the village of Vitsa start downhill trails in the gorge of Vikos. If you visit the village, browse to the National Park of Vikos - Aoos to experience the rare ecosystem that involves and to see landscapes of incredible natural beauty.

NEARBY DESTINATIONS TO VITSA :

Near Vítsa are other villages of the Zagorochoria such as Ano Pedina, Monodendri, Koukouli, Dilofo, Kipoi, Kapesovo, Vradeto etc. The nearest city from Vitsa is Ioannina.

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