Location
The captivating beauty of Konitsa makes it the ideal destination for those who love mountain excursions and for those eager to explore the nature, history, and culture of Hepirus and mainland Greece.
Picturesque, with imposing stone-built mansions and enchanting cobblestone streets, Konitsa retains its traditional beauty unchanged to this day and transports us back in time, while its amphitheatrical architecture offers a magnificent view of Aoos River from every corner.
The team at Hotel Gefyri is always at your disposal to suggest sights and points of interest in Zagorochoria and the surrounding areas, and to guide you to the most beautiful paths and routes.
The banks of Aoos River and Gefyri Hotel will become your base, a warm and welcoming refuge, the ideal starting point for all your adventures in the beautiful town of Konitsa, the Zagorochoria villages, and throughout the region of Pindos and Ioannina.
The Bridge of Konitsa
A piece of local history
The famous Bridge of Konitsa, one of the most characteristic and recognizable images of the mountainous beauty of Epirus, is the largest single-arch stone bridge in Greece and all of Europe. It stands imposingly at the southwest edge of Konitsa, overlooking the entrance to the Aoos Gorge. At its center, on the highest point of the bridge, there is a bell to warn those crossing it when strong winds may sweep them away.
The bridge was built in 1870 to connect the two banks of Aoos River and facilitate the transportation of the residents as well as the entire region, a significant event for that time. Illustrating its necessity and usefulness, both the wealthy landowners and the majority of the surrounding area's inhabitants contributed financially to its construction.
Tradition through the centuries
The Zagori Villages, 46 traditional settlements in the Pindus region, constitute a unique destination that combines stone architecture amidst lush forests, and a rich culture and tradition that remain alive to this day through local festivals and customs. Built at an altitude of over 1,000 meters, they are renowned for their traditional architecture, with stone houses and cobblestone streets, creating a unique scenic landscape.
Among the attractions offered by the Zagori Villages are the famous stone bridges, such as the Noutsos Bridge, Kleidonia, Kamper Aga, and Kalogeriko, which are monuments of cultural heritage. Additionally, the churches of Zagori with priceless frescoes, are points of interest for visitors. However, it is nature that dominates the area. The magnificent waterfalls of Vikos and Voidomatis create impressive landscapes, while the wooded peaks of the surrounding mountains offer unique opportunities for hiking and mountaineering.
Where history meets tradition, and faith
Like every region in Greece, Konitsa boasts exceptional religious monuments and points of interest. Within close proximity to the Gefyri Hotel, through an exhilarating hiking trail, you will find the Monastery of Stomiou, where you can admire a breathtaking view of the Aoos Gorge and gain authentic insight into the monastic life of the area. In Konitsa, the chapel of Agia Varvara offers an incredible panoramic view through a beautiful ascent and is rightfully called the "balcony of Konitsa" by many. In the neighboring Molivdoskepasto, the famous Monastery of the Dormition of the Virgin Molivdoskepasti, built in the 7th century AD, is worth visiting, along with the central church of the settlement. Another landmark of the area, which attracts the interest of many visitors, is the paternal house of Saint Paisios of Konitsa.
