Eastern Kastoria
Starting from the center of Kastoria, we reach Militsa by car in about 15 minutes, passing by the Prehistoric Settlement of Dispilio (6th millennium BC) and its fascinating museum, which is well worth a visit. The Church of Agios Dimitrios in Militsa is an impressive 17th-century church, as is the Church of Agios Nikolaos in Mavrochori (16th century), which we reach in less than 10 minutes.
From there, we ascend the western slopes of Mount Askio, reaching the Monastery of Agios Nikolaos in Tsirilovo in 15 minutes, passing through Korisos, where we find an excellent example of traditional folk architecture, the Church of Agios Georgios (1882). A 15-minute drive takes us to the foothills of Mourikio, where we visit the Monastery of Agia Paraskevi, offering a stunning view of the Vasiliada region and the surrounding plains. In Vasiliada, just 5 minutes away, we come across the Church of the Presentation of the Theotokos (1861).
Continuing toward Kleisoura, we arrive in 20 minutes at the Monastery of the Nativity of the Theotokos, one of the most important religious monuments in Western Macedonia, located at an altitude of 970 meters. Also noteworthy is the Church of the Transfiguration of Christ in Asprogeia (1856), which is a 25-minute drive away. About halfway along this route, we pass through Lechovo, where we find the Church of Agios Dimitrios (1812).
We then begin our return journey to Kastoria, driving 40 minutes toward Melissotopos, where we visit the Monastery of Agioi Anargyroi, the oldest monastery in the region (1080). Nearby, we can take a break at the Melissotopos Dam, enjoying the stunning natural scenery. Along the way, we pass through several villages, offering rest stops for coffee and food, before finally arriving back in Kastoria, about half an hour from the monastery, where we conclude our journey.
