General information
Bewitching scenery and an invigourating climate are the main features
of Evritania prefecture. It is the mot thickly wooded, best-watered
region in Greece. There are so many fir trees in Evritania that you
think you 're in the midst of a magnificent endless forest, and in
fact the region has been nicknamed "The Switzerland of
Greece" for this reason.
According to Homer, the first
known inhabitants of northern Evritania were the Dolopes, who took
part in the campaign against Troy. During the Byzantine era, the
people of Evritania had the rare privileges of self- government and
tax exemption. For this reason the northern part of the district was
also called "Agrafa", (unwritten), because the residents
were not listed in the Imperial tax registers. Its mountainous
countryside also discouraged would-be counquerors.
Karpenissi
Karpenissi,
capital of the prefecture, is located at the foothills of Mt.
Timfristos, at an altitude of 960 metres. It most probably owes its
name to the maple trees that abounded in the area in the 12th century
(Carpen = maple tree, Carpenis = land of maple trees). The clear
atmosphere, the dry healthy climate, the plane trees, fir and chestnut
forests make Karpenissi an ideal place for winter and summer holidays.
Among the town's most characteristic features are the workshops that
produce hand-made brass bells for animals. The tinkling of the bells
being tested is a picturesque, melodious welcome.
When eating at a Karpenissi
taverna, try the feta cheese roasted in wax paper and the local
sausages, and before you leave buy some goat butter and cheese,
chestnuts and walnuts. You 'll also be impressed by the lovely hand-
wooven fabrics made on traditional looms and the skillfully carved
wooden objects on sale in the shops.
Other Sights
The church of Agia Triada, the Gorgianades and the site
of Kefalovrisso are among the places in the vicinity we
recommend that you visit. Just 5 km. southwest of the capital,
concluding one of the most beautiful drives, you come to Korishades,
a village of well- preserved stone mansions. Here the GNTO has
recently renovated and opened several traditional homes as
guesthouses. Not far away there are traces of ancient ruins, which
have not yet been studied. Many scholars say that this was the ancient
capital of Evritania, Oichalia.
Next comes Mikro Horio,
a marvellous place for a summer holiday, nestled in a small fir forest
interspersed with apple, cherry and pear orchards. The view from here
is magnificent. Megalo Horio lies nearby, situated in an
equally lovely setting on the slopes of Kaliakouda, opposite Mt.
Helidona. A little trip around the area will never be forgotten. At Klidi,
a lush, majestic gorge, stands the Byzantine church of Agios
Athanassios. 
After a drive through trees
alongside the Trikerioti river, you arrive at the stately monastery of
the Virgin Proussiotissa which possesses a miracle - working
icon said to have been painted by St. Luke. The monastery church was
built in 1754 and is full of remarkable icons, wood carvings, sacred
treasures and silver utensils. There is also a small museum in the
monastery containing some personal mementoes of Karaiskakis, the
Revolutionary hero.
On the 15th and 23rd of August, the monastery becomes a place of
pilgrimage, attracting the devout from all over Greece. Opposite the
monastery stands the chapel of Agioi Pantes, decorated with old icons.
Above it loom Karaiskakis' watch towers.
The village of Proussos, 800 metres above sea level, is not
only picturesque; it has an interesting cave, the Black Cave or "Apokleistra"
as it is also called. Believed to have been the site of an oracle, the
cave has two entrances, one in the village, the other some distance
away.
East of Karpenissi, the road
from the verdant village of Agios Nikolaos to Krikelo (1,120 m.
alt.), which has a charming square with little cafes, passes through
some especially beautiful, sprucefilled scenery. Near Krikelo is
historic Kokalia. Even though the road is no longer paved after
Krikelo, it is well worth making the effort to get to Domnitsa,
a village crowded with little churches containing superb wooden icon
screens and icons. The region is full of wildlife - hare, partridge,
woodcock, and if you 're in Iuck, you may even spot a wild boar. 
West of Karpenissi lies Anatoliki
(Eastern) Frangista with Ditiki (Western) Frangista 4 km
further on, a Iush area with a wonderful climate. Here the little
church of the Saviour (Sotir) is worth a visit; built in 1725, has its
walls covered with byzantine frescoes.
From Ditiki Frangista the road leads north to the village of Granitsa,
whose folk museum is well known.
The more intrepid will want to
venture as far as Agrafa, a remote village encircled by thick
spruce forests. If you like fishing, the Agrafiotis river is full of
trout. All these mountain villages are "buried" under snow
for many months of the year.
Continuing south on the road
from Ditiki Frangista, you reach the lake of Kremaston, the
largest artifical lake in Greece, and from there on to the prefecture
of Etoloakarnania.
Useful information
Mountain Climbing-Skiing
The Greek Skiing and Mountain
Climbing Association maintains organized refuges on Timfristos (at
Diavolotopos, alt. 1,840 m.), Tel.: (0237) 24.483, 23.051, and the ski
centre at Velouhi (alt. 1,840 m.) has three ski slopes and a ski
school, tel.: (0237) 23.506. EOT Traditional guesthouses at Korishades
Tel.: (0237) 22802/23484.
How to get there
By intercity Bus
(KTEL):
Terminal: 260 Liossion Str. Athens - Karpenissi (2 departures per
day), tel. 01/831.5991.
Local transport:
For trips inside the prefecture or for connections between Karpenissi
and other larger cities outside Evritania call the KTEL office in
Karpenissi, (0237) 22.313.
Useful telephones
Karpenissi
Area code: 0237, Town Hall: 22221, Police: 22233, Municipal Tourist
Office: 22481(2)
