Discover Samarina: Churches and Traditions

A large pine tree has been growing in the apse of the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary since around 1850—a distinctive feature of Samarina. Stone village fountains, traditional wool-working equipment and recurring annual festivals add to the cultural attractions, while a hiking trail offers a different focus. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Samarina, these differences can help you decide what you would like your trip to focus on.

Church Art and History

The Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, also known as Megali Panagia, features wall paintings completed in 1829 by painters Christos and Antonios Papaioannou from Samarina. A large pine tree has been growing in its apse since around 1850. The Church of the Transfiguration of the Saviour contains wall paintings created in 1819 by painters Dimitrios and Michail Anagnostou from Samarina, together with the priest Ioannis Anagnostou. These paintings are ten years older than the works completed in Megali Panagia in 1829. Nearby, the Monastery of Agia Paraskevi lies in the forest by the old village, four kilometres south of present-day Samarina; it is dated to 1713.

Village Traditions

The Archaeological and Folklore Museum is in the centre of Samarina and preserves traditional costumes and old tools used by local residents. A traditional mandani is displayed in Samarina: it is a wooden device for agitating and washing woollen fabrics. Traditional dristelles, or water-powered fulling mills, are also among Samarina’s attractions. The terms refer to different aspects of wool processing: a wooden device for agitating and washing fabrics, and water-powered fulling mills. The stone village fountains include Megali Panagia, Mikri Panagia, Gavani, Papazisis and Papakyrgia.

Festivals on Set Dates

The Tranos Choros, also called Tsiatsios, is held every year on 16 August in the courtyard of Megali Panagia. Samarina’s livestock festival takes place annually in early September at Chelimodi, near the chapel of Agios Mamas, about 10 km from the village. The two dates therefore fall at different points in late summer and take place at different locations. If you are planning your trip around a festival, check the arrangements for that year locally.

Hiking and the Wider Region

The Samarina–Valia Kirna–Distrato hiking trail offers another focus. A 2017 hiking guide rated it moderately difficult and poorly marked, and recommended hiking from May to October. As trail conditions and recommendations may have changed, check current trail conditions before setting out.

In the wider region, the picturesque village of Spilaio lies at 1,000 m on Mount Orliakas. Spilaio is a starting point for choosing between the Portitsa Bridge and the Liatissa Bridge. The focus differs accordingly: in Samarina, churches, wool traditions and festivals shape the cultural experience; in Spilaio, the choice is between the Portitsa and Liatissa bridges.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Grevená, Alatópetra, Dotsiko, Aidonia, Smixi, Itea, Filippaioi, Zákas.

For the main travel overview: Grevena.