NOMOS KOZANIS

SIATISTA

Population (according to 2021 census): 5.057

History

Siatista: From the Peak of Commerce to Liberation

Siatista: The Town of Mansions and Trade

Ο παλαιότερος Ιερός Ναός της Σιάτιστας, η Αγιά Παρασκευή

-Siatista is a beautiful small town in Western Macedonia, built amphitheatrically on the slopes of Mount Velia, 28 kilometers west of Kozani. It is renowned for its rich history, distinctive architecture, and strong traditions. -The etymology of the name “Siatista” is disputed. Possible origins include the Vlach or Latin word Sitis (thirst), the Slavic Setsiam (to divide), or the Turkish Set (fortification). -The town’s golden age began in the 17th century and lasted until the 19th, thanks to the development of commerce, fur processing, and viticulture. The wealthy merchants of Siatista traveled across Europe, bringing back wealth and cultural influences to their homeland — influences that are reflected in the town’s famous mansions. -The people of Siatista preserved their national spirit intact and actively participated in all the struggles for liberation. The town took part in the Greek Revolution of 1821, the Macedonian Struggle (1904–1909), and finally, the Battle of November 4, 1912, which led to its liberation.

Traditions

The Traditions of Siatista: From “Boubousaria” to “Kladaries”

The Traditional Festivities of Siatista

-Boubousaria is a traditional carnival custom that is revived every year in Siatista on the 5th and 6th of January, on the eve and the day of Epiphany. -The roots of this custom go back to antiquity, and its name derives from the grotesque and frightening masks worn by the participants. The event features costumed figures (the “Boubousaria”) parading through the streets of the town, accompanied by brass bands. The purpose of the celebration is to ward off evil and welcome the new year. -On the eve of Epiphany, groups of Boubousaria revelers celebrate in the town squares until the early morning hours, while on the day of the feast, a grand parade of floats and costumed participants takes place, attracting many visitors. The custom is also celebrated in other villages of the Municipality of Voio. -The Kosmatika songs and Macedonian dance performances are part of a living heritage that continues through local events. -One day before Christmas Eve, on December 23rd, the Kolianta festivities take place. Large bonfires, known as “Kladaries,” are lit throughout the town, creating an impressive spectacle.

Local products

The Products That Made Siatista Famous: Fur-making and "Iliasto" Wine

The Products That Defined Siatista's History

-Siatista is famous for its wines, especially the renowned "Iliasto" (Sun-dried) wine. The area's relationship with viticulture goes quite far back in time, dating to the 17th century. Its geographical and geological location plays an important role in its development, as the rocky soils favor the production of high-quality wines. It is a sweet, aromatic wine produced from rare varieties of black Muscat grapes that are sun-dried for a long period. Its name comes from its production process, during which the grapes are spread out in the sun to be dried (sun-drenched). -Dry wines are also produced from local varieties, such as "Xinomavro," as well as from international varieties. Many small wineries operate in the area and are open to visitors, offering wine tastings. -Fur-making (Gounopoiia) constitutes the historical and traditional art of Siatista, directly linked to its economic prosperity from the 17th century onwards. -Siatista's fur merchants reached all European capitals, creating strong commercial networks. The wealth they acquired was returned to their homeland, reflecting the prosperity in the famous mansions. -Siatista's craftsmen are known for their specialization in "loimoxi" (a specialized fur craft), which is the processing of small pieces of fur and the creation of high-quality garments and accessories. -Although the industry has shrunk, fur-making remains an important part of the town's identity.

Tourism

The Legacy of Siatista: Mansions, Museums, and Churches

Siatista: Mansions, Museums, and Nature

-Mansions (Archontika) are the trademark of Siatista. Built mainly during the 18th and 19th centuries by wealthy merchants, they impress with their distinctive architecture, rich interiors, and elaborate decorations. They convey authentic images of the past and constitute a cultural heritage. Some of the most well-known are the Tzioura Mansion, the Manousi Mansion, the Niarchos Mansion, and the Doukas Mansion. Beyond their architecture, they also hold significant historical value. Many of them function as museums or are open to visitors. -Siatista hosts a series of museum spaces (and more), which reveals its rich historical past. Near the town center are the Ecclesiastical Museum and the Paleontological Museum, located very close to each other. -The Ecclesiastical Museum houses icons dating from the 16th to the 19th century and rare books printed in Constantinople and Venice. The Paleontological Museum houses the skeleton of a prehistoric elephant, which was found in the area of Kaloneri. -Although there is no official, state-run Folklore Museum in Siatista, there is a noteworthy private folklore collection that is open to visitors. This is the home of the couple Christos Tsiotsios and Tatiana Derou, which operates as a traditional residence open to the public. The couple, through personal effort and without funding, collected a rich array of folklore material from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries, exceeding 3,800 items. This collection includes objects from the daily life of the Siatista residents, such as traditional costumes, tools, and utensils, and is considered a real gem for the town. -Siatista is filled with old churches with a special history. It is worth visiting Agia Paraskevi (1677), the oldest church in the town, and the Prophet Ilias (Elijah) temple (1701), which is unique as its frescoes also include ancient Greek philosophers such as Plato. -Beyond mass tourism, around Siatista, thanks to the natural landscape of Voio, there are significant natural destinations. Destinations like Mount Velias (Siniatsiko), on the slopes of which the town is built, offering a panoramic view, and Mount Vourinos, located south of the town, which has a mountain refuge with an amazing view. Also nearby are the banks of the Aliakmonas River, which offer beautiful nature trails.