Kastoria, Lake city in Western Macedonia, Greece.
Kastoria sits on a peninsula jutting into Lake Orestiada, surrounded almost entirely by water with mountains rising in the distance. The old town fills the elevated terrain with narrow winding streets and stone buildings that follow the natural contours of the peninsula.
Fortifications built in the 6th century protected the settlement, placing it at a crossroads between Bulgarian and Byzantine territorial interests. This position shaped the city's role as a defensive and commercial hub during the medieval period.
The city shows its religious character through numerous Byzantine churches spread across the peninsula, built between the 9th and 19th centuries. These structures with their painted interiors reflect how faith shaped daily life and the visual identity of the settlement.
Buses run regularly from Athens and Thessaloniki, or you can take a direct flight from Athens to reach the city. Wear comfortable walking shoes because the old town has narrow streets and steep paths that reward those willing to explore on foot.
The settlement became known for fur production starting in the 14th century, with craftspeople working with both local and imported pelts. This trade left its mark on the city's economy and continues to be part of its identity today.
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