Kalpaki: Monument, History and Milling Traditions

Kalpaki invites you to discover history through a monument, a war museum and traditional types of mills. On Seilitouria Hill in the north stands the bronze monument of the “Έλλην Μαχητής του 1940-41”; Kalpaki is also home to the 1940–1941 War Museum. There are also traditional watermills and fulling mills that are still in operation and have been designated protected monuments. These places offer different perspectives: on remembrance of the war and on milling traditions. When looking for a holiday apartment, it is worth first considering whether you want to plan your trip around an annual event or focus on several cultural themes.

Monument and Commemoration Day on 28 October

The monument stands on Seilitouria Hill in the north of Kalpaki. The bronze figure depicts a Greek fighter from 1940–41; Professor Lazaros Laméras created the work in 1966. A road leads up the hill to the monument. The years have different meanings: 1940–41 refers to the fighter, while 1966 is the year the monument was created.

Every year on 28 October, the historical «ΚΑΛΠΑΚΙΑ» events are held at the monument. They include wreath-laying ceremonies, speeches and a reenactment of the Battle of Kalpáki. Remembrance, speeches and a dramatic commemoration thus come together at an annual event. If you want to experience this event in particular, plan your trip around 28 October and check the specific dates for the year in question.

War Museum and Digital Tour

The 1940–1941 War Museum in Kalpaki opened on 28 October 1975. This date should be distinguished from the annual event day at the monument: 1975 marks the museum’s opening, while 28 October is the recurring date of «ΚΑΛΠΑΚΙΑ». This makes it possible to relate the museum’s history to the commemoration day without confusing the role of each date.

In March 2026, a report announced the introduction of a digital tour of the museum exhibits. The report at the time described access via a QR code on a mobile phone. This adds a digital way to explore the museum to the visit. Before visiting, check whether the tour is currently available.

Mills and Choosing the Character of Your Trip

Kalpaki’s traditional watermills and fulling mills reveal another side of its culture. Both types of mill are still in operation and have been designated protected monuments. They broaden the focus beyond remembrance of the war to include local milling traditions. If you plan to visit the mills, it is advisable to check in advance what visiting options are available.

For families who want to talk together about history and tradition, the different themes offer conversation starters: the monument refers to the fighter from 1940–41, the museum to the war years, and the mills to another tradition. When choosing a holiday apartment in Kalpaki, you can start with the reason for your trip. If «ΚΑΛΠΑΚΙΑ» is your main focus, 28 October is the key date. If you would like to shape your stay around a broader range of cultural themes, the monument, museum and mills offer different points of interest.

Discover more destinations: Klidonia, Sirako, Pyrsogianni, Zitsa, Dodoni, Arísti, Kato Pedina, Paliochori.

For the full travel overview: Ioannina.