Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Dhidhymótiho
DHIDHYMÓTIHO
, 30km northeast of Souflí,
is the last place on the trunk route into
Turkey of any interest. The old part of town is still partially enclosed by the remains of
double Byzantine fortifications, and some old houses and churches survive, but the area
has a feeling of decay despite continuing efforts at restoration. Below the fortified hill,
on the central platía, stands the most important surviving monument, a fourteenth-
century
mosque
, the oldest and second largest in the Balkans. A great square box of a
building with a pyramidal metal roof, its design harks back to Seljuk and other
pre-Ottoman prototypes in central Anatolia, and you'll see nothing else like it between
here and Divriui or Erzurum in Turkey. Unfortunately, the interior is closed
indefinitely for restoration, though you can still admire the ornate west portal.
ACCOMMODATION AND EATING
DHIDHYMÓTIHO
Plotini
1km south of town
T
25530 23400,
F
25530
22251.
A rather gaudy labyrinthine building set back from
the main road. Room
s hav
e slightly anachronistic decor but
are generously sized.
€40
Zythestiatorio Kypselaki
. This small restaurant In the
central market hall, just above the mosque, is the best choice
in town for some home-cooked favourites like baked beef
and potatoes or fried aubergines.
Daily 11am-midnight.
4
