Friday, May 18, 2012
Situated on the Ionian coast of Epirus and surrounded by olive groves and emerald sea, the picturesque town of Parga boasts the island-like vibe that makes it "an island in the mainland." The town was built in the early 11th century and was under Venetian rule for the largest part of its history (1401-1797). The passage to Ottoman rule (1801) signifies a landmark in the city’s history: refusing to live under Ottoman rule, 4,000 Pargans exiled themselves to Corfu on Good Friday of that year, only to return in 1913, when Parga became part of the Greek state.
The icons, soil and relics they kept during the 112-year exile are kept in the city’s Church Museum. For its picturesque architecture and sunset views, Parga is a favourite with romantics. The near-by beaches make it one of the most popular destinations in Epirus, with sandy Lichnos Beach the most famous.
The Castle of Parga stands on a hill and offers magnificent views of the town and the bay. Although an exponent of Venetian architecture (with the Lion of Venice at its entrance), it also features a hammam (Turkish baths), as the Ottoman Pasha installed his harem’s apartments in the upper part of the fortifications. Kathimerini: Parga: Guarded Jewel
