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 SIGHTSEEINGS -> Route No.3
Kalliroi (Velitsiani)
A mountainous village (1040 m) of Southern Pindos, among the peaks of Dalia (1500m), Kroutsia Paplou (1700m) and Bourdeni (1750m), between the villages of Krania and Polythea, 60 km from Kalambaka. The 200 inhabitants (in the summer) are loggers (8.5 million sq.m. of fir, pine and beech-tree forest) and stock-farmers. In the winter the village is deserted, while in the summer it comes alive with the locals returning to their homes, but also tourists enjoying the healthy climate and beautiful landscape, the population reaching 1,000 people.
The natural environment remains untouched here, permitting the preservation of many wild species in the forests of the area (roe-deer, wolf, fox, hare, bear and squirrel). The river of Kallirroi flowing to Aspropotamos is the habitat of mountain trout.
Although historic testimonies about population migrations during the Turkish occupation are inadequate, we know that Vlachi populations from Asrpopotamos migrated to Tzoumaya in Serres. Maybe such a migration was the reason for the desertion of the village before 1830, as related by local tradition. It is also said that Aghios Kosmas Aetolos, the freedom-apostle, lived for a time and preached in Kallirroi.
The two churches in the village shared its destiny. The church of Kimisi tis Theotokou (Assumption of the Virgin) dated before 1600, was burned to the ground in 1943 by the Germans, and a new church was built in its place. Only the old bell-tower was preserved. On August 15th it celebrates with a feast in the village square after the mass. The church of Aghios Nikolaos, the oldest in the village, was ruined in 1970, replaced by a new church containing a part of the icon screen and portable icons, salvaged from the old church.
During the summer (July 20th-August 10th) the ĞEducational Society of Kalliroiğ organises cultural events, with theatrical performances, folk music and traditional folk dance groups.
BUY Dry beans and string beans from local farmers.
VISIT The peaks of Dalia and Kroutsia Paplou.
ENJOY Trekking in the forest. Kayak and fishing in the river.
DON'T MISS The feast of August 15th.
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