The Regional Unit of Thesprotia in the Northwest is an open-air historical and archeological site. The ruins of a multitude of ancient fortified settlements are indicative of the presence of many ancient tribes in Thesprotia. Apart from that, this area is also famous for its rich folklore. A drive around the ancient settlements of Thesprotia is something you should definitely go for. More specifically, in Souli and at the foothill of the mountains of Paramythia you will come across Elea, the first fortified settlement built in the 4th century BC which flourished during the Hellenistic years and was destroyed by the Romans in the 2nd century AD.
Fanoti (or Doliani) was a settlement built on the top of a hill near Parapotamos and the capital of Fanotea, an ancient Thesprotian tribe.
The Ragiou Tower was a military fortress during the 5th century BC that served as a surveillance point for the shores of the Ionian Sea. Gitana, one of the most important political, administrative and economic centers of Ancient Thesprotia, also stood tall on Mount Vrisella. Finally, Dymokastro, near Perdika beach, was the stronghold of the ancient city of Elina, built by the Elines tribe, and was also taken over by the Romans in 167 AD. All the above ancient settlements are easily visitable on a drive around Thesprotia.
The four settlements of the historical site of Souli are the site of heroic battles and achievements of the Souliotes (the people of Souli) during the Ottoman rule. The Souliotes became a legend thanks to their warlike virtues against the Ottoman conquerors. Our suggestion is a tour around “Tetrahori”, meaning the four villages.
In Igoumenitsa, the capital of Thesprotia, the Archaeological Museum of Igoumenitsa showcases findings of archaeological excavations from the Middle Paleolithic period to the post-Byzantine era. Also, the local tradition comes to life at the “Rena’s House” Museum of Culture and Tradition which was inaugurated in 2012, presenting significant exhibits such as the loom, authentic costumes and textiles, all in a collection of 2,000 objects of everyday life.
More museums await in other parts of Thesprotia. At the Folklore Museum of Plataria, the material of the collection highlights the local traditional culture and the Folklore Museum of Perdika exhibits clothes, agricultural tools, old coins and war treasures. Also, in the well-preserved building that houses the Folklore Museum of Margariti, the loom is still functional, offering a fun and interactive way for the visitor to learn about the tradition. Finish by checking out the folklore museums of Neochori, Nerotrives Duma, Finiki and Tsamantas with more than 3,000 exhibits.
