Kostakii: Church Art in Plisioi and Culture in Arta

Around Kostakii, archaeological traces meet distinctive church architecture. The archaeological site of Palaiokklisi in Kostakii includes a mosaic floor. In the neighboring village of Plisioi, next to Kostakii, stands the Church of Agios Dimitrios Katsouris. Its structure and the imagery in its dome offer culture enthusiasts two different aspects to explore: the form of a rare church type and depictions of religious figures.

The domed church in Plisioi

Agios Dimitrios Katsouris was built in a rare variant of the cross-shaped domed church type. A broad, cylindrical dome with a conical roof rises at the intersection of the arms of the cross. The architecture can therefore be understood through two features: its cross-shaped layout and the striking form of the dome.

Christ Pantocrator is depicted in the dome, though the figure is only partially preserved. Around him are tiers of angels and full-length prophets holding scrolls. The building’s form and its imagery offer different perspectives: the geometry of the church gives way to the figures depicted in the dome and those surrounding them.

Local produce and flavors

A festival is also among the place’s traditions: at the first “Kername Paradosi” in Kostakioí, visitors could discover local produce and authentic flavors from the Arta region. The festival took place on a Sunday, June 7. Culinary traditions are therefore part of the local character, alongside the archaeological and church heritage, and can inform your travel plans.

In the wider destination of Arta

The wider destination of Arta adds a rich urban and cultural history to these local themes. The Historic Bridge of Arta took its present form between 1602 and 1606. It is 142 meters long and 3.75 meters wide—dimensions that convey its elongated shape. Beneath the modern city lies the ancient city of Amvrakia, which occupies half of its area. The Byzantine Castle of Arta also incorporates sections of Amvrakia’s ancient fortifications. It stands on a hill in the northeastern part of the city, dates from the Middle Byzantine period, and is considered a typical example of Byzantine fortification art as well as a testament to medieval Arta.

Other historical layers are represented by Panagia Parigoritissa, dedicated to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary and among Arta’s most significant monuments, and the Small Theatre of Amvrakia. The theatre was built between the late 4th and early 3rd century BC, during the reign of Pyrrhus. The Faik Pasha Mosque, known as Imaret, is also part of the city’s cultural landscape: together with the Faizul Mosque, it is one of the two surviving mosques in Arta.

Museum, urban green spaces, and lagoon landscapes

The Archaeological Museum of Arta opened in 2009 near the Arachthos River and the Historic Bridge. Its permanent exhibition is divided into sections on public life, burial customs, and private life. On July 16, 2024, the museum received certification as a certified museum, making it one of the first fully modernized state museums in Greece. The exhibition themes offer a different perspective on archaeology from the city’s buildings and fortifications.

The landscape in the wider destination of Arta also offers different ways to explore the area. Peranthi Hill is Arta’s urban forest, suitable for walking, running, cycling, and exploring. Riverside Park lies on the Arachthos at the eastern edge of the city, behind Krystalli Square and the central bus station. It covers approximately 165,000 square meters and includes a small lake ecosystem and a wetland, with opportunities for walking and recreation. Fishing is prohibited there.

The rare and endangered Dalmatian pelican is native to Tsoukalio Lagoon near Koronisia. Its population is estimated at approximately 35 pairs and may vary seasonally. The Salaora Information Center features an exhibition on the human and natural environment of the Amvrakikos Gulf, a relief map of the region, live images from the pelican colony, and audiovisual information for visitors.

Festivals and regional highlights

Events are also part of the cultural scene in the wider destination of Arta. The Cultural Summer runs from June to September and includes more than a hundred events organized by the Municipality of Arta, local cultural associations, and private organizers. At the Sardine Festival, sardines are offered to the public free of charge, accompanied by traditional songs and dances and local dishes. If you would like to plan your trip around one of these festivals, check the current program.

Koronisia, a fishing village in the wider destination of Arta, is connected to the mainland by a paved road. On Koronisia Island, the small, well-preserved Koulia Castle stands in the southern part of the settlement. It is now used as an event venue; no specific event date is associated with it.

When choosing a holiday apartment, you can decide whether to focus on church architecture and archaeological traces or also include the wider cultural and natural setting of the destination of Arta.

Discover more destinations: Athamanio, Lákka, Mytikas, Agnanta, Trapezaki, Mesopirgos, Theodoriana, Koronisia.

Back to the wider travel overview: Arta.