It is built on a peninsula that splits the lake in half, and is rightly known as one of the most beautiful cities in Greece. According to tradition it was founded by Orestis in honor of his sister Electra. Titus Livius mentions it as Keletron. It was subjected to numerous raids in the past and was finally destroyed by the Bulgarians, but Justinian built it anew. The name - by which it is still known today - is medieval and its origins lie in the multitude of kastores (beavers in Greek) living in the lakes at the time. It was the birthplace of many great men that pioneered during the Macedonian Struggle, like the Metropolite Germanos Karavagelis and Ionas Dragoumis. Since then many great manor-houses remain in the area which, according to some, represent the evolution of byzantine architecture and dominate the narrow streets of the old neighborhoods with their impressive decorations. Kastoria, being the capital city of its prefecture, is linked to every single village by road, even the ones hidden amongst beeches and fir-trees in the mountaintops of Vitsi and Gramos.

DON’T FORGET TO VISIT
• The manor-houses of the Doltso district.
• The Folklore Museum, which is housed in the manor of Neratzis Aivatzis.
• The Museum of Byzantine Art, whose exhibits date back to the 12th and the 17th century.
• The church of Kimisi tis Theotokou (Assumption of the Virgin), with representative painting specimens from the age of the Paleologos dynasty.
• The churches of Agion Anargiron (11th century) and Agios Stefanos (14th century) with the grand basilicas and the amazing interior decoration.