Sightseeing

The great Plaka Bridge, with architectural value, is a stone arch bridge over the Arachthos River. The bridge connects Tzoumerka with Katsanohoria and by extension Ioannina with Arta. This particular bridge was first built in 1866 and reconstructed in 2019. Its great architecture shows that it is single-arched, with a span of 40 meters, a height of 21 meters and a span at the top of 3.2 meters. It is considered the largest single-arch bridge in the Balkans and the third largest in Europe. History says that it collapsed three times, in 1860, 1863 and most recently in 2015, after rainfall. After its collapse in 2015, its reconstruction was launched immediately afterwards and the main part of the project was completed on December 4, 2019.

Cave "Anemotrypa", a unique sight in the bowels of the earth. 60 kilometers from Ioannina, three kilometers from Pramanta, west of Strongoula and at an altitude of 900 meters, the visitor to the area encounters this unique cave. The discovery of the cave dates back to around 1960 and to date the 270 meters of length have been exploited. Immediately after the entrance to the cave, the corridor leads to the First Chamber, 17 meters long, decorated with beautiful curtain-like stalactites that reach the floor. On the left is the River Chamber. The staircase leads from the narrow, narrow corridor to the Great Hall, 6 meters high and decorated with candle formations, the Waterfall and the Gray Pond. The double staircase then leads to the Chamber of the White Pond, behind a series of stalagmites. Next comes the 52 meters of the Corridor of Wealth with the most impressive colorful decoration.

The Monastery of Panagia Mouhoustiotissa or Plaka Monastery is located between the Plaka bridge and the village of Raftanaioi. The monastery, according to an existing inscription, was renovated in 1665. The frescoes of the narthex were painted in 1694 and include scenes of martyrdom, parables of Christ, etc. The church is a single-aisled, cross-roofed, tiled-roofed, vaulted basilica with a dome and circular choirs on its long sides. The church is also adorned with an impressive, carved, gilded iconostasis. Today, the catholicon (almost intact), the main church and part of the enclosure have been preserved. The monastery was active and prosperous until the beginning of the 20th century. In earlier years, it had an intense social life outside.

The watermill and the bridge of Kouiasa belong to the community of Kalarrites, they are located at an altitude of 807 meters, in the valley of the Chrousia River. To reach the point, we will follow a route towards Kalarrites. The route is about 15 minutes on foot. After the iron bridge and before Kalarrites, on our left hand we find a sign that leads us to the stone bridge of Kouiasa and the old stone watermill.