Zagori

Cobblestone streets in the villages and rural areas, mansions, over 80 arched stone bridges, 24 monasteries, countless churches and chapels, stone-built fountains, threshing floors, agricultural stone infrastructure, all these numerous examples of Zagori architecture have been preserved to a significant degree to this day.

This wonderful heritage was achieved mainly thanks to the wealth created by the commercial activity of the expatriates. It is mainly the noble spirit of its wealthy children, who had a very high sense of patriotism and social contribution, that lies behind many important buildings and infrastructures. The bridges in particular bear the name of the benefactor who undertook to finance their construction or the most important restoration work. The same was true for other important buildings. For example, the exceptional Holy Trinity Church of Negades was financed exclusively by Hatzimanthos Ginis, a general supplier to the Ottoman army, who was born and returned to this village in his old age.

Zagori was built and maintained by a caste of exceptional stonemasons from a renowned group of villages in the Konitsa region called Mastorochoria. They were responsible for the equally remarkable architectural heritage of other areas of Greece, such as Pelion, and even remote areas of the Ottoman Empire or even Persia and Egypt.

Zagori, especially in its eastern part, lost much of its architectural heritage during World War II, as its inhabitants aided the resistance against the occupying forces. However, even the villages that were affected still retain important architectural examples, such as private residences, fountains, stone bridges, churches, and monasteries.
In recent years, the architectural heritage of Zagori has been negatively affected by the demand for rapid tourism development and the inadequate protection regulations.
It is hoped that this trend will be reversed, especially now that Zagori has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, since September 2023.
Despite this loss, Zagori still remains a remarkable architectural gem.