The shelter of the mountaineering club in Vounasa (1424 meters) next to the Priono (1615 meters), is a magnet for visitors for all seasons. From here one can see the beauty of the Xirolimnis, the Prionos, Kozani, the plain of Grevena, Lake Polyfytos and the Lake of St. Hilarion, both of which were constructed by the national electricity company.
The shelter has the capacity to accommodate around 50 climbers and hikers and is the base for any mountaineering and climbing expeditions. Its construction has been thanks to the efforts of the Mountaineering, Nature and Ski Club of Deskati, whose objectives are to protect and preserve the natural environment of the Vounasa area.
The small ski centre under the Priono is suitable for all ages and skill levels. The faces of Prionoy will satisfy every category of climber. The rich flora of Vounasa gives the opportunity to gather mountain herbs from which you can concoct 'mountain teas', a favourite of the locals. The Aliakmonas gives the visitor an opportunity to try kayaking and white water rafting.
The club has also formed it's own mountain resue group who are ready for all eventualities.
The shelter is open to visitors on weekends and festive periods. You can stay overnight or simply for a visit to admire the unique natural beauty of the area and walk the two signposted trails in the pine forest. Fresh, traditional food is also on offer.
Some details:
Area: Vounasa 1424 meters
Phone:-
Electric: Yes
Capacity: 50 people
Heating: Central heating, wood stoves, 2 fireplaces
Kitchen: Organized
Toilets: internal and external
Address: Deskati Grevenon 51200
Phone: 24620-31597, 24620-32126
The excavations at Kastri Grevena, between the villages and Polyneri and Alatopetra in the northeastern Pindos revealed a fortified city of the ancient land of Tymfaia. Despite the difficulty of excavation because of the areas inaccessibility and adverse weather conditions the excavation uncovered the remains of an organized citadel.
The findings reveal the existence of an ancient temple in the region and other buildings, built in such a way to show that it was a planned city. This view is supported by the pottery and other objects found during the excavations. The construction of buildings is dated from the late 4th to early 3rd century BC, and their destruction was estimated to be around 150 BC
The archaeological evidence can not reveal to which deity the temple was dedicated. However, it reveals that the castle was built in a strategic position to communicate the ancient cities of Macedonia, Epirus and Thessaly.
Excavations in the area are continuing.
Scientists responsible for the excavation:
Stylliani Drougou
Chr. Kallinousa
L. Trakatellis
Z. Al Saagiach
N. Hadjidakis
I. Gkatzios
A visit to the site of the Kastri excavations is worth it, even if it is to enjoy the fantastic views. The magic of the landscape proves once again that the ancients chose the most beautiful places to build cities and develop their culture.
The museum houses the largest prehistoric tusks ever found in the world. They are from the giant elephant species Elephas (Paleoloxodon) antiquus, found only in hot climates, with a shoulder height of 4 meters, middle-aged (about 40 years old) with characteristic straight tusks, unlike the hairy mammoth Mammuthus primigenius of glacial periods which had curved tusks.
The mastodons along with other animals paints a picture of the past and shows the area was very different from today: the Palaeo included vast expanses of savannah with rich and dense forests. Ruled by large carnivorous cats with huge jagged fangs (machairodontes), bears, lynxes. Herbivores, including rhinos, ponies (small horses with three toes on their feet as opposed to hooves), tapir (relatives of rhinoceros with a shortened trunk), cattle, deer and wild boars that roamed the area before 3 million years.
In 1997, a geological excavation discovered the first pair of tusks of impressive size (length 4.39 m), which were the largest of the species found in Greece, Europe and probably the world, according to data from the record books Guinness. Continued research and excavation has brought to light the mandible of the animal, one of the most complete of its kind in Europe, and other parts of the skeleton.
In 2007, the remains of yet another fossilized animal put Milia in the international spotlight. The tusks of the animal, with a length of five meters, are without doubt the largest that have been found in the world, while the identification of the mandible and a large part of the skeleton of the animal makes this finding extremely important to research. It is calculated that the animal was male and between 25 and 30 years old.
The results of our excavations provide important information on the geological past of the area, for the species which lived in the region and the environment in which they lived. The study findings enrich our knowledge of the paleo period of Greece and all of south east Europe.
Detailed information about the museum, its exhibits, the method and the operating hours are online at http://www.mfi-miliasgrevenon.gr/site/
The city of Grevena small and dense and allows you to see all the key points in a few hours. Starting from one end of the city - the north entrance - the visitor understands easily from the welcome sign that this is the city of the mushroom! As you walk towards the city center you will find the first statue of a mushroom, the stone-built musical conservatory, and perhaps the most modern building in the city that houses the Regional Unit of Grevena and other public services. After passing through the area with some schools you will reach the main street where you will see, hear and feel the pulse of the city.
Moving to the center, the visitor meets the second mushroom statue just before the town hall square and vegetable market. The trademark of the square and the city is the traditional clock built in 1906, originally it formed a part of a mosque during the Turkish occupation. Just above the vegetable market, is the Emilian square, where you will find statues dedicated to local heroes. Most of the tavernas, bars and cafes are concentrated around these two squares.
Going over the square, the visitor passes through the most densely populated streets of Grevena, finally emerging at the top of the hill where they are rewarded with a beautiful view.
From downtown walking to the west, the visitor will find the newly built Cultural Center, public library, outdoor theatre, swimming pool and nursing home. This is also the route to the Ski Cenre Vasilitsas.
If the visitor wants to enjoy a natural environment without being far removed from the center, they should visit Kastraki, a small forest in which to have a coffee, play with your children or just walk and enjoy the tranquility and scents of the forest. In the area there is a small outdoor theatre which hosts plays and concerts during the summer.
Starting from Kastraki, visitors can follow one of the many trails that lead you to the picturesque church of Agia Paraskevi or the church of the Prophet Elijah. The church of Agia Paraskevi is built in the forest and exudes a sense of serenity. The church of the Prophet Elijah is built on a hill, next to Kastraki. The climb is steep, but the view is a great compensation.
Εμπορικό Επιμελητήριο Γρεβενών
Τηλ. +24620 85501 (-2)
Τηλ. +24620 85505 (Δ.Προϊστ.)
Τηλ. +24620 83550 (Προέδρου)
Φαξ. +24620 80310, 83560
Διεύθυνση Εμμανουήλ Παπά 7, Τ.Κ. 51100, Γρεβενά
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