EPIRUS

Epirus, the north-westernmost region of Greece, is flanked to the west by the Ionian Sea and to the east by the Pindos mountain range. For the ancient Greeks, Epirus had great religious importance on account of the Dodona Oracle. Milestones in the region’s later history include the Hellenistic kingdom of Pyrrhus and the late-Byzantine Despotate of Epirus, while during Ottoman rule Epirus was associated with the Greek struggle for freedom, with sites of heroic self-sacrifice at Koungi and Zalongo. After Greek independence, several Epirote benefactors (Arsakis, Tositsas, Zappas, Sinas, Averof) contributed generously to the construction of the newly founded Greek state, which Epirus became part of in two phases (the Arta district was ceded to Greece in 1881 and the rest of Epirus after the Balkan Wars of 1912-13). It was in the Epirus highlands that the Greek army waged its epic battles against the Italian invader in 1940-41. Today Epirus attracts visitors for its stunning natural scenery (Vikos gorge), seaside resorts (Parga, Syvota), traditional settlements (Ioannina, Metsovo, Zagorochoria) and rich folk tradition in music, silver and gold craftsmanship and stone masonry