Perched on the rugged mountain peaks, like eagles’ nests, the villages of the Tzoumerka mountain range are considered to be part of an area of outstanding natural beauty. You will be enchanted by the intricate mountain terrain and crystal-clear rivers.
Traditional settlements, as well as the numerous churches and monasteries, bear witness to its former glory.
Monastery of Kipina is located over the gorge of the river Kalarrytikos, at the entrance of the cave of the vertical rock is built one of the most impressive monasteries in Epirus. It is the Monastery of Kipina, which is said that it was named thus by the gardens (kipos in Greek) that its monks grew in the surrounding area.
It was founded in 1212 by Archbishop Grigorios. The monastery flourished during the 18th century and its monks were active in social work. During the Turkish occupation, according to tradition, there was a secret school operated there.
It is a men’s monastery, dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary but it celebrates on Bright Friday, feast day of Zoodochos Pigi (Life Giving Source).
Kalarrytes is a village is built at an elevation of 1200m and it is known as the “gem” or the “eagle’s nest” of Epirus. It is populated mostly by Aromanians and has been officially characterised as a traditional settlement. The village used to be the centre of traditional processing of gold and silver. The distinguished goldsmithing businessmen families of Voulgari and Nessis come from Kalarrytes.
Pramanta Village is situated at an altitude of 840 m., at the foot of the imposing peak of Stroggoula, behind which lies the mountain range of Tzoumerka. It’s at the centre of Tzoumerka and now a mountainous holiday resort, as the visitor can find everything there, from hotels, restaurants, bakeries, cafés and nightlife to a modern health centre, pharmacy, a centre of environmental education, and more. In this traditional village that embraces modern lifestyle, the visitor has access to any kind of information one may need. It is worth visiting the village’s central square, with its centenary plane tree and the famous fountain of Arapis in front of the prestigious church of Saint Paraskevi.
Near Pramanta village, we visit the Anemotrypa Cave, with its three small lakes and colourful stalagmites in shades of grey, bronze and white.
The stone bridge of Plaka at Arachthos River, the largest single-arch bridge in the Balkans and third in Europe, was demolished in 2015 by the surging river waters. It has now been restored and stands once again in its proper place. It is an important historical monument, and a breathtakingly magnificent sight. It was built in 1866, a masterpiece of architecture, 61m long., 21m high, 3,20m wide at the highest point with a 40 m. central arch.
Tzoumerka viewpoint
An amazing viewpoint with a breathtaking view, all Tzoumerka mountainous range in front and below on a huge cliff the ravine of Arachthos River
