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 THE AREA ->
AIDONA (IVAN)
It is a mountainous community of south Pindos, at an altitude of 850m, 40Km north-west of Kalambaka. Its population is 128 people in winter and rises up to 700 in summer. They make their living mostly by cattle-breeding.
The old name of the village is owned to the Turkish Pasha, Giovan Ivan. According to the tradition, the old village was moved to its present position because the area was infected by malaria.
The tops Gozora (1,600m), Tsiatsiouli (1,790m) and Neraida (2,078m) are in the village’s south side. Close to Aidona, one can find the springs Paparseni, Loutsa and Drambousti.
The only Preserved Natural Monument in Thessaly, the great Ftelia (Ulmus Minor) of Aidona is found here. Also, Saint Paraskevi’s church is of special interest. It was built in the 18th century with a beautiful bell tower, dating back to 1884.
The village festival takes place on July 26th. A fair is held with a folklore band and plenty of roasted meat. Some traditional houses of the 18th century still stand in the village and the traditional occupation of the blacksmith is practised even nowadays.
The Chasani area has been turned into a recreation area and is suitable for a pic-nic.
Do not forget to taste roast lamb! Beans and frumenty (“trachanas”) are served in every house. Buy some feta cheese and cream cheese (“mizithra”) to take with you back home. Figs and walnuts make delicious sweets if you follow the traditional recipes. In case you feel more active, just visit the nearby forest, climb to Neraida top or even go trout-fishing in spring.
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