Northern Greece - Greece - page 555

Monodendri, Vitsa & Ano Pedina Μονοδένδρι, Βίτσα & Ανω
Πεδινά
Around 38km north of Ioannina, Monodendri is among Zagorohoria's most-visited vil-
lages, partly because of the Vikos Gorge. Check out the square's Rizareion Idryma
(Monodendri; 8am-4pm Wed-Mon) , a cultural centre which exhibits historic photos and
artworks. It sells lavish coffee-table books depicting Zagori history through photos and
text (€20).
Moni Agia Paraskevi has spectacular gorge views. According to legend, Lord Mihalis
Voevodas Therianos founded it in 1413 to thank God for healing his daughter of an in-
curable illness. The church's frescoes partially date to the 15th century. Also see the
cross-domed, 17th-century Church of Agios Minas near the square.
South of Monodendri, the less-visited Vitsa (Byzantine Vizitsini) also has a cross-
domed, 17th-century shrine, the Church of Agios Nikolaos . Between Monodendri and
Vitsa lie ancient Molossi settlement ruins (9th- to 4th-century BC).
From Vitsa, drive 7.2km west-northwest to Ano Pedina, more touristy but a good
base for exploring.
Aristi to the Papingo Villages Αρίστη προς τα χωριά του
Πάπιγκου
The ribboning northern road to Megalo Papingo and Mikro Papingo offers Zagorohor-
ia's most breathtaking views. If driving from Vitsa or Ano Pedina, look for where the
secondary road joins the main road. Head west through Kato Pedina , follow the main
road northwards and, when it branches after 4.1km, turn right for Papingo.
Aristi , the last village before Papingo, features the lovely Monastery of Panagia
Spiliotissa (1665); this arched, frescoed church stands aside a boulder by the Voïdomatis
River. After Aristi, the paved road hugs the river and opens onto increasingly spectacular
views. It's all white-knuckle driving as you navigate a tight succession of 15 hairpin
turns upwards to the Papingo villages , set under hulking Mt Astraka. Look right for the
Vikos Gorge.
Touristy Megalo (big) Papingo features enormous stone formations, the 'towers'. Mik-
ro (small) Papingo is quieter, with a WWF information centre ( www.wwf.gr ; Mikro Papingo;
11am-5.30pm Fri-Wed) with exhibits on local wildlife and fauna.
The Papingo villages have refreshing rock pools , good for a revitalising dip after a
hot day of hiking. They're down a 300m path from a bend in the road connecting the vil-
lages.