In the Regional Unit of Arta both the city of Arta as well as the rest of the mainland stand as a rich cultural and historical cluster that is worth discovering during your visit in the area.
The city of Arta is built right on top of where Ancient Amvrakia used to be and has an important Byzantine tradition from the time of the Despotate of Epirus. According to historians, the “Amvrakes” – the people of Amvrakia – had divided life into three interconnected units: the “en dimo” public life, the “en iko”, private life and the “en tafo”, afterlife. Upon your visit, you will get to know this ancient culture at the Archaeological Museum of Arta, however you should not miss seeing the Wall of Amvrakia that used to be a strong fortification for the city of Arta, as well as the Small Theater of Amvrakia, the smallest ancient theater in Greece, built towards the end of 4th century BC. Lastly, the temple of Apollo is still standing inside the city.
“45 builders and 60 apprentices, they built it all day, at night it was demolished” says a very famous local song, referring to Arta’s most popular attraction. At the entrance of the city stands the Stone Bridge of Arta that arches over river Arachthos, while in the heart of the city lies the Doric-order Temple of Apollo. We recommend you visit the “Skoufa” Folklore & History Museum, where you will find representations of the old everyday life in Arta. Also, the Municipal Gallery “G. Moralis ” and the Museum of Classical Antiquities at Panayia Parigoritissa will enrich your cultural menu with beautiful images. Last but not least, pay a visit to the Imaret and Feyzul Mosque.
The traditional way of life and the popular culture are very well preserved in the villages around the Regional Unit of Arta. For example, the old primary school in Athamanio houses the local Folklore Museum. In its permanent exhibition, the visitor is teleported 60 years back to the daily life of the villagers. The private collection of folklore material by P. Karalis in the town of Kypseli is also worthwhile, while in the monastery of Panayia Chrysospiliotissa located in Gouriana up in Tzoumerka, the impressive frescoes and the wood-carved altars dating back to 1801 are also truly remarkable.
Finish your tour by visiting the Salaora Information Center, a small port in the Amvrakikos Gulf, where you will be informed about the geomorphology of the Amvrakikos, the rich flora and fauna, as well as its main sights.
