Kastoria history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Kastoria dates back to deep antiquity. Researchers identify it with the ancient city of Celetrum, which is first mentioned by the Roman historian Titus Livius in chronicles from 200 BC in the context of Roman conquests.

The city owes its second birth and current name to the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. In the 6th century AD, he recognized the strategic potential of the area and ordered the settlement to be moved to a fortified peninsula, surrounding it with powerful walls. There is a version that the name "Kastoria" comes from the Greek word "kastoras" (beaver), due to the abundance of these animals in the lake at that time, or is connected to the mythological hero Castor.

Key Factors of Formation

The transformation of Kastoria into a significant urban centre was driven by a unique combination of geographical and political factors:

• Natural Fortress: The city is located on the isthmus of a peninsula jutting into Lake Orestiada. Water surrounded the settlement on three sides, creating a natural defence against raids, which was critical during the era of medieval wars.
• Political Significance: Thanks to Justinian's walls, the city became an important military and administrative outpost of the Byzantine Empire in West Macedonia, controlling mountain passes.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Already in the early Middle Ages, Kastoria began to form its unique economic and cultural code. The main feature of the city was the emergence of fur craftsmanship. The processing of fur and leather, initially based on local fauna (specifically lake beavers), eventually turned into the main driving force of the region's economy.

Cultural development went hand in hand with religious life. Kastoria established itself early as a spiritual hub, as evidenced by the high concentration of Byzantine temples. Even in early periods, church architecture and fresco painting flourished here, creating a unique architectural ensemble that has survived to this day.

Major Historical Milestones

• 200 BC — Roman troops capture the ancient city of Celetrum, located on the site of modern Kastoria.
• Mid-6th Century — Emperor Justinian I fortifies the settlement and builds powerful fortress walls, turning the city into an impregnable outpost.
• 1018 — Emperor Basil II the Bulgar-Slayer finally returns the city to the Byzantine Empire after a period of wars with the Bulgarian Empire.
• 1083 — Byzantine troops led by Alexios I Komnenos liberate Kastoria from the Normans, who had captured it a year earlier.
• 13th–14th Centuries — The city becomes an object of rivalry between the Despotate of Epirus, the Empire of Nicaea, and the Serbian Empire.
• 1385 — Kastoria is conquered by the Ottoman Empire, marking the beginning of more than five centuries of Turkish rule.
• 17th–18th Centuries — The "Golden Age" of the city: a rapid boom in the fur trade with Europe and the construction of famous merchant mansions (archontiko).
• 1821 — Residents of the region take part in the Greek War of Independence, striving for freedom.
• 1904–1908 — Kastoria becomes one of the key centres of the struggle for Macedonia.
• 11 November 1912 — During the First Balkan War, Greek troops enter the city, and Kastoria officially joins Greece.
• Second half of the 20th Century — The city affirms its status as an international centre of the fur industry and a popular tourist destination.

Stages of Development and Transformation

Kastoria has journeyed from a strategic fortress to an international centre of fashion and tourism. The city's development was defined not so much by conquests, but by the ability of local residents to adapt and establish economic ties.

• Byzantine Spiritual Flourishing (9th–14th centuries)
  During this period, the city transformed into a unique religious centre. The construction of more than 70 Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches formed a dense urban layout and defined Kastoria's cultural code as a "museum city". This heritage remains the foundation of cultural tourism today.
• Globalization of Fur Trade (17th–18th centuries)
  A turning point in the economy: local masters expanded beyond the regional market, establishing trade routes with Vienna, Leipzig, Constantinople, and Russia. The influx of foreign capital allowed the city to prosper even under Ottoman rule, forming a wealthy merchant class.
• Era of "Archontiko" Mansions (18th–19th centuries)
  Economic success was expressed in urban planning. Wealthy merchants built three-story fortress-mansions with thick walls and elegant wooden bay windows. These buildings (archontiko) created the recognizable architectural look of Kastoria, combining the functionality of a home and workshop with luxury.
• Industrialization of the Craft (Mid-20th century)
  The transition from artisanal production to an industrial scale. The introduction of sewing machines and new fur processing technologies (including the use of scraps) turned Kastoria into a global centre of the fur industry, ensuring employment and economic stability for the region for decades.
• Urban Expansion (After the 1950s)
  With population growth, the city expanded beyond the historic peninsula. The development of coastal zones and modern infrastructure began, which allowed the historic centre (Doltso district) to remain practically untouched by shifting administrative and residential loads to new quarters.
• Development of Cultural and Eco-tourism (Late 20th – 21st century)
  Realizing the value of heritage led to large-scale restoration works. Converting ancient mansions into museums and boutique hotels, as well as the landscaping of the Lake Orestiada waterfront, diversified the economy, reducing reliance solely on fur production.

The Architectural Mosaic of Kastoria

The urban planning appearance of Kastoria is unique because it developed within the limited space of a peninsula. This created a dense, picturesque layout where majestic Byzantine temples sit alongside luxurious merchant mansions, and narrow cobbled streets follow the complex terrain. The city's architecture is a chronicle in stone, intertwining the spirituality of Byzantium with the wealth of the merchant class of the Ottoman period.

Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Architecture (9th–19th centuries)

Kastoria is often called the city of churches — more than 70 have been preserved here. This is a rare example where religious architecture dominated the urban environment for so many centuries.

• Style: Byzantine and Post-Byzantine.
• Characteristic Features: Small dimensions of the temples, use of decorative masonry techniques (alternating stone and brick, creating patterns), modest exterior facades contrasting with rich interior decoration and frescoes.
• Landmark Object: The Church of Panagia Koubelidiki (9th–11th centuries) — the only temple in the city with a disproportionately high cylindrical dome, which has become the symbol of Kastoria.

Traditional Macedonian Architecture (17th–19th centuries)

The most recognizable element of the cityscape is the majestic mansions, or "archontiko". They were built by wealthy fur traders and represent the pinnacle of Balkan civil architecture of that time.

• Style: Traditional Macedonian (North Greek) style with elements of Ottoman Baroque.
• Construction: Buildings usually have three floors. The ground floor is massive, made of stone, with minimal windows (served as a warehouse and protection). The upper floors are light, framed, projecting over the street.
• Architectural Details: Characteristic projecting bay windows supported by wooden beams (so-called "sachnisia"), numerous windows for natural lighting of workshops, carved wooden ceilings, and slate roofs.
• Landmark Buildings: The Nantzis Mansion (interiors with murals), the Emmanouil Brothers Mansion (now the Costume Museum).

Historic Districts: Doltso and Apozari

To experience the authentic atmosphere of old Kastoria, one should visit two neighbourhoods that have preserved their historical layout and buildings almost without change:

• Doltso: The southern part of the old town. This is the most picturesque quarter with a high concentration of restored mansions, many of which have been turned into museums and boutique hotels. Here, narrow alleys create a cosy, intimate atmosphere.
• Apozari: The northern part of the peninsula. The district is distinguished by a calmer rhythm and beautiful views of the lake. Magnificent examples of residential architecture and Byzantine churches, harmoniously integrated into the residential development, have also been preserved here.

Modern Development

In the 20th century, the city expanded beyond the isthmus. New districts were built in the style of modernism and typical Greek construction ("polykatoikia"), characteristic of the second half of the century. However, thanks to strict heritage protection legislation, the historic core on the peninsula avoided mass modern construction, preserving its authentic medieval and renaissance spirit.

Figures of Culture and Art

• Athanasios Christopoulos (1772–1847)
  Poet, lawyer, and linguist.
  One of the key figures of the Modern Greek Enlightenment. Born in Kastoria, he became famous for his elegant lyrical poems, for which contemporaries called him the "new Anacreon". His works played an important role in the formation of the modern Greek literary language.
• Lucas Samaras (1936–2024)
  Artist, sculptor, and photographer.
  A globally recognized master of the avant-garde, born in Kastoria. His works are featured in the collections of leading museums worldwide, such as MoMA in New York. He is known for his provocative installations, "photo-transformations", and innovative approach to art.
• Leonidas Papazoglou (1872–1918)
  Photographer.
  An outstanding photo-chronicler of the region. His archive is an invaluable historical source documenting the daily life, costumes, and lifestyle of Kastoria's residents during the complex period of changing eras in the early 20th century.
• Aristotelis Zachos (1871–1939)
  Architect and researcher.
  A native of Kastoria who became one of the founders of the Neo-Byzantine style in Greek architecture. He deeply studied traditional architecture and successfully combined folk motifs with modern architectural solutions when designing buildings across the country.

Historical Figures

• Ioannis and Panagiotis Emmanouil (18th century)
  Patriots, associates of Rigas Feraios.
  Brothers from Kastoria who went down in history as active participants in the early stage of the Greek liberation movement. They were executed in Belgrade together with the national hero Rigas Feraios, becoming symbols of self-sacrifice for freedom.

Sports

• Dimitris Diamantidis (born 1980)
  Basketball player.
  A legend of European basketball, born and started his sports journey in Kastoria. A multiple EuroLeague winner and one of the most titled players in the history of Greek sports, bringing fame to his hometown on the international arena.