{"id":8613,"date":"2024-07-30T09:10:51","date_gmt":"2024-07-30T09:10:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/epirusexplorer.com\/?p=8613"},"modified":"2024-07-30T13:31:37","modified_gmt":"2024-07-30T13:31:37","slug":"papigko","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/epirusexplorer.com\/en\/zagorohoria-en\/papigko\/","title":{"rendered":"Fairytale Papigo: The Most Famous Village of Zagorohoria"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Papigo is one of the 46 villages in the cultural and historical region of Zagori. It is located northeast of Ioannina, 59 kilometers away, and is one of the most famous Zagorochoria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Mikro Papigo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Mikro Papigo is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved settlements in Zagori. It is not only the architecture but also the stunning location within the Vikos \u2013 Aoos National Park, under the imposing formation of Astraka and other peaks, a unique picture of natural beauty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In Megalo Papigo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It consists of two neighborhoods, Megalo Papigo<\/strong> and Mikro Papigo<\/strong>, which, despite being about 15 minutes apart by car, form one community. Megalo Papigo is located at an altitude of 900 meters, and Mikro Papigo at an altitude of 980 meters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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To reach Megalo Papigo<\/strong>, follow the road from Aristi, cross the bridge over the Voidomatis River, and drive approximately 7.5 km along the \u201ckagkelia,\u201d the winding road with 14 sharp turns and stunning views. Continuing from Megalo Papigo, you reach Mikro Papigo, where the road ends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Bridge of Voidomatis River<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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The Winding Roads of Papigo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Historical Information About Papigo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

General Historical Information<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Archaeological findings suggest habitation in the area since prehistoric times. According to historian I. Lampridis (Chapter 8, page 25), the village was founded immediately after the first church of Saint Vlasios was established in 912 \u201cunder Emperor Constantine.\u201d Roman spears and Byzantine coins were found at that time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I. Lampridis, in his work Zagoriaka<\/em> (page 24), mentions that in the past, the word Papigo referred to a province consisting of many villages. However, in his time, it was a small town divided into two sections (neighborhoods) and separated by a stream, over which a stone bridge was built in 1854 at the expense of Anastasios Lolis. The larger section was built in a smooth, water-rich valley. It had about 700 inhabitants, 100 houses, and was the capital of the province, housing courts and workshops. The smaller section, located at the foot of Radovoli and about 20 minutes away from the larger one, had 400 inhabitants and 47 houses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In Megalo Papigo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Etymology<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

According to Kostas Ev. Oikonomou (The Toponyms of the Ioannina Region<\/em>), the place name is considered an Albanian formation and is attributed to the combination of the Albanian prefix \u201cpa\u201d (meaning without) and the noun \u201cpeng\u201d (meaning pledge or hostage). It is difficult to determine the historical conditions that contributed to the creation of the toponym. The same etymology should apply to the name of the mountain in Albania, Maja e Papingut (\u201cthe peak of Papingo\u201d), located about 31 kilometers northwest of Papigo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n\t\t\tHistorical Overview<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h6>\n\t<\/div>\n\t
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Papigo is mentioned for the first time in 1321 in the second gold seal of Andronikos II Palaiologos. Zagori and Papigo are frequently mentioned in the \u201cChronicle of Ioannina\u201d as well as in the \u201cChronicle of the Tocco,\u201d two works by anonymous authors covering the period of the last two despots of Ioannina who ruled the Despotate of Ioannina in the late 14th to early 15th century. In another military conflict in 1399, Papigo and Zagori are mentioned separately, indicating that they were distinct regions. The two areas are also separately mentioned in the call for military assistance by the new ruler, Carlo Tocco. (Source: Papigo and Zagori in the Late Byzantine Period<\/em>, Stefanos Kordosis)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to P. Aravantinos (Chronography of Epirus<\/em>, page 124): \u201cThe inhabitants of Papigo are people residing in the westernmost part of the Zagori region, which belonged to the town of Papigo in the 15th century, as a regional part including Ano and Kato Soudena, Ano and Kato Ravenia, Doliana, Mavrovouni, Mesovouni, Arpsista (Aristi), Agios Minas, Veitzikon (Vitsa), Alizot Tsefliki (now Geroplatanos), and others, some of which were abandoned and others incorporated into the administration of Konitsa.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Until the capture of Ioannina in 1430, Papigo played a significant role in repelling Ottoman invasions. Near the village of Agios Minas, on the hill of Grambala, is the medieval castle \u201cKastraki,\u201d as it is known today. This castle is identified with Revnikos and must have played an important role due to its location as a link between the areas of Konitsa, Pogoni, and Papigo, while also protecting the inhabitants from the east.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After 1430, the granting of privileges by the Turks to communities or groups of communities in Zagori helped these communities achieve self-governance and complete freedom in practicing their religious duties. The abolition of privileges in 1868 had an impact on the economic life and human resources. At the same time, the gangs of bandits plundering the area, mainly targeting wealthy families, resulted in most aristocratic families leaving Zagori. In 1913, Papigo, like all the villages of Zagori, was liberated from Turkish rule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The war of 1940 led to the complete disorganization of the area. After the war, migration and depopulation of the region began. In the 1980s, the recognition of the ecological value of the area led to the recovery of some villages and the initial attraction of mountaineering tourism. Subsequently, the development of tourist infrastructure attracted a broader tourist audience.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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\n\t\t\tPapigo over time<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h6>\n\t<\/div>\n\t
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The region of Zagori is mountainous, and the barren land pushed people towards migration. The inhabitants of Papigo emigrated mainly to Romania, Serbia, and America, helping the village financially. During this time, rich houses and public buildings were built in Papigo. Those who remained in the village engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry. Many residents were involved in business, and many became teachers and scientists. Since 1780, there has been a Greek school with scientists practicing as doctors. (Lampridis, Z<\/em>\/8\/52,55)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the mass naturalization after the liberation of Epirus, the registration of male Sarakatsani in the Male Registers drawn up for the liberated areas occurred. Thus, in the lists of the villages of Zagori, Sarakatsani born before 1900 were recorded. Fewer than 30 were in Papigo. \u201cThe gradual assimilation of different cultural customs, Sarakatsani and Zagorian, led to the removal of cultural boundaries to some extent, resulting in the Sarakatsani settled there declaring and feeling equally, if not more, \u2018local\u2019 rather than Sarakatsani.\u201d (Source: The Social Transformation of the Sarakatsani of Epirus<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, most villagers are engaged in tourism, with only a small portion involved in animal husbandry. Papigo is one of the few places in our country that began to increase its population in the 1980s. One of the main reasons is that in 1980, the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) undertook the restoration of some mansions and operated them as guesthouses. This marked the beginning of Papigo\u2019s appeal to visitors. Simultaneously, some mansion owners restored them, promoting the area\u2019s tourism development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1988, the European Union Ministers\u2019 Summit was held in Papigo, bringing the first spotlight to the village. Until then, visitors were mainly mountaineers attempting ascents to the surrounding impressive peaks.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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\n\t\t\tNotable Figures from Papigo<\/a>\n\t\t<\/h6>\n\t<\/div>\n\t
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Source: http:\/\/www.papigo.gr\/el\/istoria\/evergetes_01.php<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The villages of Ottoman-occupied Greece owe their prosperity and progress to benefactors. Zagori has a large number of people who migrated to distant lands, became wealthy, and contributed to their homeland\u2019s economic and intellectual development. Papigo\u2019s benefactors exceed 73.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Michael Anagnostopoulos<\/strong>, a great benefactor of Papigo, known internationally as Michael Anagnos, was born in Papigo on November 7, 1837, to very poor parents, Dimitrios and Kalina Anagnostopoulou. He completed elementary school in Papigo and continued his studies in Ioannina, at the Zosimaia School and the Faculty of Philosophy at the University of Athens. In 1861, he received a doctorate in philosophy with honors. He worked as a journalist and editor-in-chief of the newspaper \u201cEthnofylakas,\u201d fervently supporting the Cretan Revolution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1866, he met the philhellene Dr. Samuel Howe, director of the Boston Institute for the Blind, and in 1867 followed him to America, where he taught Latin at the Institute as his assistant. In 1876, he became the Institute\u2019s director and distinguished himself as a specialized educator, creating the embossed alphabet for the blind and founding the model kindergarten and special printing house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In his hometown, Papigo, he oversaw the construction of the Kalineia School (named after his mother, Kalina), providing 5,000 sterling pounds, while he also donated another 40,000 dollars for the establishment of a library.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

George Anagnostopoulos<\/strong> (1884\u20131936), a linguist, was also born here. He graduated from the Zosimaia School in Ioannina, the Faculty of Philosophy at the University of Athens, the Sorbonne\u2019s Department of Linguistics, and the Ecole des Hautes Etudes in Paris. He was elected as a full professor of linguistics at the University of Athens in 1927. He published many treatises and significant articles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zacharias Sardelis <\/strong>(1830\u20131913), a philologist, journalist, and publisher of the newspaper \u201cIRIS\u201d in Bucharest, and George Anagnostopoulos<\/strong> (1867\u20131952) are also notable figures.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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In Mikro Papigo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Schools<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Source<\/em><\/strong>: https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20100909151559\/http:\/\/www.papigo.gr\/el\/politismos\/architectoniki_03.php<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Megalo Papigo, next to the church of Agios Vlasios, stands the school building of Megalo Papigo, erected in 1897 with funding from Michael Polychroniou, as stated on an inscription in the courtyard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Previously, two schools operated in Mikro and Megalo Papigo until 1971. Today, an elementary school functions in Megalo Papigo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The primary school<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The greatest contribution to its operation and financial survival came from Papigo\u2019s benefactor, Michael Anagnostopoulos, who in 1888 established the \u201cKallineia\u201d Schools in Papigo\u2014 a middle school, two elementary schools (one in Megalo and one in Mikro Papigo), and a kindergarten in memory of his mother, Kalina. The school also houses a valuable library of 1,200 volumes, donated by Michael Anagnostopoulos and transported from Boston to Papigo. Although many volumes were lost during the war, several remain today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Architecture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Papigo (Mikro and Megalo) is built like all villages in Zagori. Between 1750 and 1850, houses were taller, more spacious, with wooden rooms, and most featured beautiful ceiling and wall decorations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"\u039b\u03b5\u03c0\u03c4\u03bf\u03bc\u03ad\u03c1\u03b5\u03b9\u03b5\u03c2
Details of a house in Megalo Papigo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\u0391\u03c1\u03c7\u03b9\u03c4\u03b5\u03ba\u03c4\u03bf\u03bd\u03b9\u03ba\u03ae
Details on the door in a house in Megalo Papigo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Details on the door in a house in Megalo Papigo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The craftsmen who constructed the houses were mainly from the villages of Konitsa and Tzoumerka, organized into guilds (called \u201cbouloukia\u201d). The painters who decorated the walls were mostly from the village of Chionades in Konitsa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"\u03a0\u03b5\u03c1\u03c0\u03b1\u03c4\u03ce\u03bd\u03c4\u03b1\u03c2<\/a>
Walking in Mikro Papigo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\u039b\u03b5\u03c0\u03c4\u03bf\u03bc\u03ad\u03c1\u03b5\u03b9\u03b5\u03c2<\/a>
Details on a door in Mikro Papigo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Details on a door in Mikro Papigo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In most villages of Zagori, as well as in several houses in Papigo, a significant number of houses with folk wall paintings survive today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In Megalo Papigo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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In Megalo Papigo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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In Mikro Papigo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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In Mikro Papigo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What to see in and around Megalo and Mikro Papigo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Rogovos Pools<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When leaving Megalo Papigo and heading towards Mikro Papigo, just 1 km away, you will notice a small bridge and a sign. Park there and follow the path to admire the Rogovo Pools, also known as the \u201cKolymbithres.\u201d These are natural pools formed in the limestone rocks by the movement of the Rogovo stream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In Rogovos Pools<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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In Rogovos Pools<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hiking Routes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Papigo is located in an area that uniquely combines the beauty of natural and man-made landscapes, offering many different destinations and routes. The area is ideal for hiking<\/strong>, mountaineering<\/strong>, climbing<\/strong>, rafting<\/strong>, mountain biking<\/strong>, and walking tours<\/strong> in the surrounding traditional settlements. It is an ideal place for all seasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the heavy visitor traffic, especially in Megalo Papigo, the abundance of cafes and restaurants, and car parking detract from the village\u2019s authenticity, yet it still manages to captivate visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the most popular hiking routes leads from Mikro Papigo to Drakolimni of Tymfi,<\/strong> at an altitude of 2,050 meters, northwest of Ploskos peak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drakolimni of Tymfi<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

One of the most popular hiking routes leads from Mikro Papigo to Drakolimni of Tymfi. According to myth, a dragon living there was constantly in conflict with another dragon residing in Lake Smolikas. It is said that Ali Pasha attempted to ascend to the lake, but a summer storm thwarted his plan. Detailed information about the Drakolimni Tymfi route can be found here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Drakolimni<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Churches<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Agios Vlasios<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Located in Mesochori, it was built in 1852 on the site of an older church from 912. A few meters from the church stands its imposing and majestic bell tower (1887), which is 15 meters high, hexagonal, and resembles a tower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Agia Paraskevi<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The date of construction is unknown. On the eastern side, a carved stone with the date 1898 is preserved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Agios Georgios<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Located in Megalo Papigo, Zagori, it was built in 1774 as a three-aisled basilica and renovated in 1880. The bell tower of Agios Georgios is rectangular, reaching ten meters in height and decorated with carved black plates depicting various Saints. It was built around 1830, as stated on an inscribed plaque.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Church of Virgin Mary<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Located southeast of the Siopoto neighborhood, it is decorated with exceptional frescoes. On the eastern side, the date 1774 is inscribed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taxiarches<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The only church in Mikro Papigo<\/strong>, it has been designated a protected monument by the Ministry of Culture. The construction date is unknown, but it is estimated that it was built in its current form in the 18th century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Chapels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Panagia Paliouri<\/strong> \u2013 A small and simple church dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. Agios Athanasios<\/strong>. Ai\u2013Lias<\/strong>, 15 minutes away from the village, on a green hill. Agia Kyriaki <\/strong>and the Holy Apostles<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bridges<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lakkos Bridge<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Source<\/em><\/strong>: Bridgeography of Pindos<\/em>, Spiros I. Mantas, Volume B, Page 517<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is located between Mikro and Megalo Papigo, in the Lakkos area. It is a single-arched bridge built on two perpendicular rocks, connecting the two settlements with the old path. It was built in 1854 by Anastasios Lolis. Anastasios Zordovoulis, or Lolis, from Mikro Papigo, practicing as a healer, became a great benefactor of both his village and the surrounding area. It is said that there was once an inscribed plaque that testified to the year of construction and the benefactor, but it was destroyed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"\u03a4\u03bf<\/a>
Lakkos Bridge<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Lakkos Bridge<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Boulougounsa Bridge<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Source<\/em><\/strong>: Bridgeography of Pindos<\/em>, Spiros I. Mantas, Volume B, Page 518<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is a small single-arched bridge located next to the main road before the turn to Megalo Papigo. It bridges the Boulougounsa stream, where the gardens of Papigo\u2019s residents used to be. A fountain is nearby. According to I. Lampridis, Protosyngellos Matthaios Papathanasios paid 6,000 groschen for the construction of the bridge and the fountain (1871).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Boulougounsa Bridge<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Arched Cement Bridge<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This bridge over the Voidomatis River was built with funds from Papigo residents in 1923 and connects Aristi with Papigo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"\u0397<\/a>
The bridge in Voidomatis<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Where to stay if you visit Papigo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Recommended Accommodations:<\/h5>\n\n\n\n