Kastoria

Kastoria is a city in northern Greece, serving as the administrative capital of the Kastoria regional unit in Western Macedonia. It lies on the northern shore of Lake Kastoria, a large natural lake, and is surrounded by hills and rural settlements that form a scenic backdrop for the town.

The area has ancient and medieval roots and developed as a trading and crafts center in late antiquity and the Byzantine era. Under Ottoman rule it remained an important regional marketplace, reflecting its long-standing role in commerce and craft.

The economy of Kastoria is widely recognized for its fur industry. The town hosts numerous fur workshops and trading firms that produce and export fur garments worldwide. Tourism also contributes, drawn by the lakeside scenery, the traditional stone houses of the old town, and several historic churches that reflect the region’s heritage.

The old town of Kastoria sits along the lake and is noted for its traditional architecture, narrow streets, and a lakeside promenade. The city preserves a number of Byzantine churches and religious monuments, and there are museums that illustrate local history and folklore, contributing to its cultural appeal.

The surrounding area offers outdoor recreation and natural scenery, with opportunities for hiking and boating on the lake, and nearby mountains provide additional scenic and recreational options for visitors and residents alike.