NOMOS EYRYTANIAS

KARPENISI

Population (according to 2021 census): 6.788

Photo source: https://www.travel.gr/

History

Karpenisi and Evrytania: The History of a Land – From the Mythical Eurytus to Modern Greece

A Journey Through History – From Antiquity to the National Resistance

-Karpenisi and the wider region of Evrytania constitute a beautiful destination with a rich history, deep-rooted traditions, and unique natural beauty. The area has a fascinating and multifaceted past, spanning from antiquity to modern struggles. -In ancient times, the area where Karpenisi is located today most likely corresponded to the city of Oechalia. According to myth, the king of the region was Eurytus, the hero of the Evrytanians of Aetolia. He was considered an excellent archer, even the inventor of the bow. Homer mentions that Eurytus challenged the god Apollo to an archery contest—a bold act that cost him his life. The name of the prefecture (Evrytania) derives from this mythical king. -On the hill of Paliokastro, remnants of fortress walls are still visible, while in the area of Kaminia, tombs and bronze artifacts have been discovered, indicating ancient human activity. -The present-day town was rebuilt on its old site during the Byzantine era (10th–11th century). The name Karpenisi is thought to originate either from the Latin carpinus (hornbeam tree) or the Turkish Kar-benis (snow-covered place). -During the Ottoman occupation, Karpenisi flourished and became an important intellectual center for the subjugated Greek nation. In 1645, the renowned scholar Eugenios Giannoulis the Aetolos founded the famous School near the Church of the Holy Trinity. The school operated for nearly two centuries, teaching philosophy, language, and medicine, and played a vital role in preserving Greek education and culture. -The region took part in uprisings such as those led by Dionysios the Philosopher (in 1600 and 1611) and became a center of armatoloi (Greek insurgents), like Livinis, due to its mountainous and inaccessible terrain. For a time (1684–1699), the Venetians attacked and plundered the town. -The Revolution in the area broke out on March 21, 1821, with local chieftains such as the Gioldasai family and Ioannis Braskas. Karpenisi is forever linked with the heroic death of Markos Botsaris. On August 8–9, 1823, in Kefalovryso, Botsaris led a victorious yet fatal battle against superior Turco-Albanian forces commanded by Mustafa Pasha of Scodra. Though the hero fell in combat, the Greek victory saved the Peloponnese from grave danger. Karpenisi was finally liberated on November 23, 1828, after the withdrawal of the Turks. -On the steep slopes of Evrytania, in 1942, the armed National Resistance was founded, led by Aris Velouchiotis (real name Athanasios Klaras, who took his nom de guerre from Mount Velouchi). The village of Koryschades, near Karpenisi, hosted the National Council—the “Parliament” of Free Greece—in May 1944. -The region found itself at the heart of conflict during the Greek Civil War. In January 1949, the Democratic Army of Greece occupied Karpenisi for eighteen days. -The battles and the German occupation caused immeasurable destruction to the town and surrounding villages, many of which were burned to the ground.

Traditions

The Living Soul of Roumeli: Traditions and Customs in Karpenisi and Evrytania

The Folk Culture of Karpenisi

-Tradition in Karpenisi and Evrytania is rich and vibrant, deeply infused with mountain life, faith, and the region’s historical memory. -The area preserves unique folk customs, especially during the Carnival season and the Epiphany. -“Panaratos”, performed during Carnival, is a distinctive folk theatrical event that is revived on the last Sunday of Carnival. It is a variation of Chortatsis’ “Erofili”, in which the king beheads Panaratos (the princess’s lover), the princess commits suicide, and finally, all are symbolically “resurrected” by Death himself. This custom is connected to ancient ritual songs (agermika ethima) and symbolizes the death of nature in winter and its rebirth in spring. -The “Kalimerades” custom, observed on the eve of Epiphany—especially in the village of Megalo Chorio—features groups of adult men (over 20 participants) walking through the narrow streets singing special carols in antiphonal style, accompanied by drums. The lyrics are personalized for each household (for a guest, an unmarried girl, etc.), and the money collected is used for the village’s communal feast. -Evrytania belongs to the musical tradition of Roumeli (Central Greece). Its folk songs are rich and often refer to history, the klephts (mountain fighters), and the armatoloi (militia leaders). The dances of Evrytania are mainly Tsamikos and Syrtos, characterized by strong rhythm, pride, and deeply rooted technique that reflect the mountain spirit and the Roumeliot temperament. -Religious tradition in Karpenisi and Evrytania is deeply ingrained, centered around the Holy Monastery of Proussos, the most important pilgrimage site in the region. It houses the sacred Icon of the Virgin Mary of Prousiotissa and serves as a source of spiritual and cultural identity. -The peak of religious worship and the annual festive cycle occurs during the “Roumeliot Easter.” On Good Friday, the meeting of the Epitaph processions in the town square is an impressive sight, followed by Easter Sunday’s revival of the unique “Lakkos” custom, during which lambs are roasted in pits lined with vine branches—blending the worldly aspect of the feast with mountain life and communal celebration. -Throughout the year, the region honors its local saints, such as Saint Nicholas of Karpenisi, with festivals (e.g., those of Prophet Elias and Saint Paraskevi). These feasts serve as major social events that keep folk traditions alive through music and dance. -The villages of Evrytania (such as Megalo Chorio, Koryschades, and Fidakia) preserve their traditional stone-built architecture. The houses are constructed from local stone and wood, harmoniously integrated into the natural landscape. Moreover, the art of weaving and embroidery—using natural materials and vivid colors—has traditionally played a significant role in the region’s social life.

Local products

The Taste of Mountainous Greece: Traditional Products and Gastronomy of Karpenisi

The Gastronomy of Karpenisi

-The traditional products of Karpenisi and Evrytania form an integral part of the region’s culinary identity, with mountain livestock farming and rich biodiversity ensuring the exceptional quality of local ingredients. -The cold cuts of Evrytania are perhaps the most famous products of the area, thanks to the ideal microclimatic conditions of the fir forests that favor natural curing. -Evrytania Prosciutto (Akrokólion) is the region’s most recognizable product. Made from select pork leg and naturally aged for at least 12 months in mountain conditions, it develops a unique aroma and refined flavor. -Rustic sausages with leek are renowned appetizers, made from premium pork meat and slowly matured to acquire distinctive mountain aromas. -In addition to sausages, the area also produces other popular naturally cured meats, such as Salami Aéros and Lonza, both perfect meze companions for tsipouro (a traditional Greek spirit). -The region is also famous for its local meats, with game dishes—such as wild boar stew (agiogourouno stifado)—holding a special place in local cuisine. During traditional festivals, locals enjoy the famous kokoretsi (seasoned lamb offal wrapped in intestines) and kontosouvli (spit-roasted pork). -The rich livestock farming in the Agrafa mountains supplies local dairies with high-quality milk. Tsalafouti (or Katiki) is a traditional, creamy, soft white cheese with a distinctive mildly tangy flavor reminiscent of yogurt. Made mainly from sheep’s or goat’s milk, it is a hallmark of Evrytania’s cuisine. The region also produces excellent Feta (mostly from sheep’s milk) and Kefalograviera cheeses from Agrafa milk, known for their rich flavor, as well as goat butter, widely used in local cooking. -Completing the culinary palette are handmade pasta (such as hilopites and trahanas), traditional pies, and the famous spoon sweets (especially walnut and cornelian cherry). The area also produces high-quality fir honey and local tsipouro, making Evrytania a true gastronomic destination.

Tourism

Evrytania: The “Switzerland of Greece” – Natural Beauty, Historic Villages, and Adventure Tourism

Karpenisi: Mountain Tourism and Adventure

-Evrytania is one of Greece’s top mountain tourism destinations, combining wild natural beauty with historic villages and a wide variety of activities. It is a complete mountain destination, often called the “Switzerland of Greece” because of its alpine landscape, dense fir forests, and rushing rivers. Karpenisi serves as the ideal base for exploring the surrounding areas. -The “star” of the region is the enchanting Panta Vrechei Gorge (“Always Raining Gorge”), a unique natural wonder where the waters of the Krikellopotamos River fall from the cliffs, creating the sensation of constant rainfall. It is ideal for visiting and hiking during the summer months. Equally important is the religious and historical center of the region, the Holy Monastery of Proussos, built impressively on a steep rock and accessible through a scenic mountain road that winds through dramatic gorges. -Among the area’s notable water landscapes are Lake Kremasta, the largest artificial lake in Greece, and Kefalovryso, an idyllic site shaded by plane trees with flowing waters, located 3 km from Karpenisi, where the monument of Markos Botsaris stands. The Hill of Saint Demetrios offers panoramic views of the town. -Around Karpenisi, a series of stone-built, well-preserved villages offer an authentic mountain experience. -One of the most famous and visited settlements is Megalo Chorio, nestled on the slopes of Mount Kaliakouda, known for its Folklore Museum and its traditional taverns. -Koryschades is a historic and traditional village set within a fir forest, just 5 km from Karpenisi, home to the Museum of the National Resistance, housed in the historic building of the Old School. -Fidakia is a declared traditional settlement, distinguished for its unique architecture, cobbled streets, and breathtaking views over Lake Kremasta. -Other popular destinations include Mikro Chorio and Neo Mikro Chorio, the picturesque Voutyro, and Proussos (with its monastery). -With its untamed nature and rich network of rivers, Evrytania is an excellent hub for adventure tourism year-round. In winter, the Velouchi Ski Center on Mount Tymfristos attracts visitors for skiing and snowboarding. -During the warmer months, adventure moves to the rushing rivers Acheloos, Tavropos, and Trikeriotis, offering thrilling rafting and canoeing–kayaking experiences, while Lake Kremasta provides calmer water activities. The region is also a paradise for mountain hiking and canyoning, with top destinations including the unique Panta Vrechei Gorge and the historic Black Cave Gorge, which also features climbing routes. -Finally, the dense network of forest roads and marked trails makes the area ideal for mountain biking and horseback riding, firmly establishing Evrytania as a premier destination for outdoor activities in an alpine environment.