Ioannina

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Vitsa

Vitsa is one of the most beautiful and picturesque villages of Zagori region, located at the beginning of Vikos gorge. With long history, architectural and ecological interest, Vitsa is one of the most representative villages in the area that still preserves its cultural and architectural heritage, thus has been listed as a protected settlement by the Ministry of Culture. Built amphitheatrically on a mountain slope, it has a central square with a huge plane tree like most villages in the area, stone-built mansions and narrow cobbled alleys. The houses are built around the main square, separated into two districts, Ano (Upper) and Kato (Lower) Vitsa, connected with each other through cobbled streets.

The few inhabitants are mainly engaged in animal husbandry and recently in agritourism. Many events and feast take place throughout the year with most important the feast on August, 15th dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and the Tsipouro Festival every November. Apart the traditional stone houses, the churches of Agios Nikolaos (1619), the Assumption of the Virgin (1554) and the Archangels (1607) are important monuments, worth a visit. Vitsa is also famous for its old double-arched bridge of Missios over Voidomatis River. In the area of Genitsari between Vitsa and Monodendri, an important archaeological site has been discovered which includes the antique settlement of Molossoi, inhabited from the 9th until the late 4th century BC and two cemeteries consisting of different types of graves.

Vitsa is located at the beginning of the Vikos gorge, 36 km from the city of Ioannina. It offers great views over the gorge and is ideal for excursions to some of the most important sights of the area. Vitsa is must see village, whilst in the area.