Arta, the city of Epirus with its famous bridge, is another place worth traveling to discover. Its unique environment with traditional villages, running waters of rivers, and verdant paths, will charm you enough to feel that you are completely enchanted by the images you will see. So we left to see the beauties of Arta with a more careful look.
Arta: A place full of natural beauty and history
Arta guarantees you that from the moment you find yourself in its wonderful scenery, you will feel the silence overwhelm you, while you will constantly discover new aspects that compose its beauty. Start exploring the abundant beauty of nature that unfolds in the area. Arachthos River invites you to walk on the path of Otra enjoying the green vegetation, while part of the hike will find you passing a stone’s throw from its cool waters, in which if you are adventurous enough you can also dive. Hiking in breathtaking landscapes has not stopped, since the artificial lake of Pournari, created by the waters of the river, awaits you to cross its green path and become truly one with nature, have your mobile ready to immortalize the unforgettable scenery.
Moving this time, towards the left side of Arachthos, you will have the opportunity to see up close the emblematic plane tree of Ali Pasha, which has been a preserved natural monument since the mid-1970s, while it has become a source of inspiration for much-sung folk songs. History could not fail to give its dynamic presence in the city of Arta, with its Byzantine castle having been the prison of Makrigiannis (a Greek hero during the 1821 revolution).
The museums you will find in its territory will present you with various collections and exhibits that will tell you nuggets of its tradition, from the archaeological findings of excavations in ancient Amvrakia to the wonderful folklore. Do not forget to make a stop at the church of Panagia Parigoritissa with its amazing mosaics, whose suspended dome has been placed in the research center.
Arta: The stories behind its famous bridge
The famous bridge of Arta should be one of your stops on this trip. Four large and three small arches create the most famous stone bridge with a length of close to 150 meters. The well-known folk legend wants its foundation to be made after the sacrifice of the wife of the master builder in the works so that its construction can be completed. Over the years, the popular bridge has held the role of the natural border between the then-liberated and the besieged Greece, with the Nazis years later years planning to blow it up, which was avoided due to the hesitation of the bomber.
Arta: Traditional villages within walking distance that will charm you
The amazing villages near Arta are sure to leave you fully excited since they cover both alternatives of mountains and sea. Visit the mountainous Rodavgi, with its altitude of 700 meters that will magnetize you, while it is only 24 km away. Surrounded by the mountains of Tzoumerka, stretching on a green slope, it creates an immersive view of the landscape of the mountain ranges of Pindos and Agrafa that will surely not leave any visitor unmoved.
If you are the one who prefers seaside scenery, the settlement of Koronisia is the answer. With a route of about 25 kilometers from Arta, you will find yourself on this tiny island connected to the mainland by a strip of land. Built on the top of a hill, this village of less than two hundred inhabitants overlooking the Amvrakikos Gulf will leave you with your mouth open, so do not hesitate for a minute to visit it and try its local dishes with fresh shrimp, the well-known calves.
Arta is the city whose natural landscape is equivalent to its historical value. Plan your next trip to its lands and let their combination fascinate you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Arta is famous for its iconic stone bridge with four large and three small arches spanning close to 150 meters, its Byzantine castle, the historic Panagia Parigoritissa church with stunning mosaics, and its natural beauty including the Arachthos River and traditional villages. The city is located in Epirus, Greece, and is known for both its historical significance and picturesque landscapes.
According to popular folk legend, the Bridge of Arta was built after the sacrifice of the wife of the master builder. The story claims that this sacrifice was necessary for the bridge's construction to be completed. Over the centuries, the bridge served as a natural border between liberated and besieged Greece, and during WWII, Nazi forces planned to destroy it but abandoned the plan due to the bomber's hesitation.
The best hiking trails in Arta include the path along the Arachthos River, where you can enjoy green vegetation and cool waters suitable for swimming. Another excellent hike is around the artificial lake of Pournari, created by the river's waters, which offers breathtaking landscapes and opportunities to connect with nature while capturing unforgettable scenery.
Two notable villages near Arta are Rodavgi and Koronisia. Rodavgi is a mountain village situated at 700 meters altitude, only 24 km away, surrounded by the Tzoumerka mountains with views of the Pindos and Agrafa mountain ranges. Koronisia is a seaside settlement approximately 25 kilometers from Arta, connected to the mainland by a strip of land.
Historical monuments in Arta include the Byzantine castle, which once served as the prison of Makrigiannis, a Greek revolutionary hero from 1821. The Panagia Parigoritissa church features amazing mosaics and a suspended dome now housed in a research center. Additionally, the emblematic plane tree of Ali Pasha, preserved as a natural monument since the mid-1970s, offers both historical and cultural significance.
Natural attractions in Arta include the Arachthos River with its scenic hiking paths and swimming opportunities, the artificial lake of Pournari surrounded by green landscapes, the emblematic plane tree of Ali Pasha, and the verdant mountain paths throughout the region. The area's unique environment combines running waters, traditional villages, and natural beauty that makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers.
