Kastoria, a beautiful city with a long fur tradition, is considered by many as one of the most picturesque places in Greece, mainly due to its idyllic location, at the banks of majestic Orestiada lake, in a valley surrounded by limestone mountains.

There are several theories about the origin of the city’s name. According to the most dominant, the name derives from the Greek word kastoras, meaning “beaver,” a theory that is supported by the fact that fur trade has traditionally been an important element of the city’s economy.

As an important religious centre for the Greek Orthodox Church, this charming city is also the seat of a metropolitan bishop. It originally had 72 Byzantine and medieval churches, of which 54 have survived, along with their beautiful fresco paintings. The Museum of Byzantine History houses many examples of Byzantine iconography.

Take a stroll in the city to admire the 19th century grand mansions, built by the rich fur traders of Kastoria and don’t forget to visit the Costume Museum and the Monuments Museum.

Another attraction definitely worth visiting is “Dragon’s Cave”, the only cave in Greece with fresh-water lakes.