Epirus is perhaps the least known of Greece’s major regions. It’s a powerful force in its history – few know that Alexander the Great’s mother is from Epirus – and its cultural and geographic anchor in the Balkan region.

Like any region, Epirus is comprised of several unique and interesting areas, the land of Souli, near the Ionian coast not least among them.

Before he became mayor of the Municipality of Souli, Ioannis Karagiannis was a manager with Piraeus bank. Both his parents are from Agios Donatos, which was established after the Nazis burned nearby Eleftherochori. His love for his homeland permeated his conversation with The National Herald.

Karagiannis’ emphasis was on being informative, but a sincere welcome was wrapped around every fact.

“Souli was one of the four settlements in the famous ‘Tetrahori’ which Ali Pasha desperately tried to conquer in the 18-19^th centuries. “Only after betrayals by the locals did he finally succeed.”

He noted that, “there are ancient ruins in the region constantly under archeological exploration, and that archaeologists “believe that in the area are the remains of one of the oldest synagogues in the world” – a Romaniote establishment – “but the foundations have yet to be discovered.”

The area’s once-dominant place in the geopolitical struggles and economy of the Balkans has yielded to appreciation of its beauty. After Karagiannis offered some background – “Paramithia was an important commercial center, a key town on the road to Ioannina” the larger region’s main city – he emphasized what visitor can enjoy today.

“There are numerous cultural societies in the area that are very active. They organize events in addition to those of the municipality, which presents theatrical programs, and the churches, which host feasts,” especially those of the Prophet Elias on July 20 and the Dormition of the Virgin Mary on August 15.

He is delighted about “a brand new initiative called ‘I paint my town’ which aims at beautifying certain parts of the towns. We bring in young artists to do things like creating paintings on walls that visitors can enjoy.”

The Mayor emphasized, however, that “the area’s painter is Frederiki Pappas,” who offers guidance to us.” She is known in the Greek-American community for paintings that she has presented as gifts and which are featured in her wonderful book ‘Portraits of American Philhellenes’, which spotlights the support of Americans for the Greek War of Independence.

Karagiannis noted that, “there are are ‘musical nights’ of various kinds in different places,” in Souli. “Each year the offerings are enriched, thanks to the efforts of the societies and municipalities. We are trying to fill the months of June, July, and August with events that visitors will enjoy.”

It is also a major argricultural area, and is known for producing high quality cheeses. Producers are committed to organic farming and animal husbandry. “There are items of high purity in the ‘Souli’ brand,” he stressed.

He also noted that “the Acheron river can be visited in the winter as well” and that, “in winter the tavernas of the area are a strong attraction are popular hiking paths and climbing areas. “We are expanding them,” Karagiannis said.

PARAMYTHIA: A MOST CHARMING LITTLE TOWN

With a population of 2,608 inhabitants, Paramythia is built on the site of ancient Eurya, which was destroyed in 551 AD by the Goths under Totila that was founded in 1000 BC. It was a small Byzantine town and took its current name, in modified form, from the 14th century church of Panagia Parigoritria (the Comforter), with the city’s patron saint being Agios Donatos. It is built in an amphitheatrical manner at an altitude of 350 meters, at the foothills of Mount Gorila, between the Acheron River, which originates from the mountains of Souli, and the Kalamas River, both of which flow into the Ionian Sea. Among the city’s attractions, we can find the Byzantine baths, the Castle of Kouli, the unique Venetian Clock Tower, the Castle of Paramythia, and the Castle of Elea. The buildings in the city center with the cobblestone market showcase the areas characteristic architecture.

For centuries, it was a commercial and cultural center of Epirus, with Sotirios Bulgari, the founder of the renowned jewelry house Bulgari, opening the first silver and goldsmith shop in Paramythia. The valley of Paramythia is one of the largest in Thesprotia and the most important residential, agricultural, and cultural area in Epirus.
The town attracts visitors with its natural beauty, rich history, and culture, preserving its cultural heritage unchanged over time.

During the period of Ottoman rule, the persecuted Christian population of Paramythia fought until it was liberated on February 23, 1913. With the declaration of the Greco-Italian War in 1940, the Muslims of Paramythia conspired with the invaders and closely collaborated with the occupying forces, leading to the German administration executing 49 prominent citizens of the city. Today, Paramythia is included in the list of martyr cities and villages in Greece that experienced the atrocities of Nazism.

SOULI

Souli is a historical and geographical region in central Epirus, consisting of a group of villages known as the Souli villages. Its border to the east is the village of Lakka Souliou of the Ioannina Prefecture, to the south are the villages of the Preveza Prefecture, and to the north and west it is bordered by the neighboring villages of Thesprotia. The region is mountainous, steep, inaccessible, wild – and purely enchanting.

The residents are mainly engaged in animal husbandry due to the nature of the terrain. The Souliots who lived there distinguished themselves in all the struggles for the liberation of Greece and became legends for their military abilities and other virtues. They were indomitable and fearsome warriors, which is why the Ottomans sought to conquer them, with Ali Pasha of Ioannina organizing three campaigns against them. After reaching a treaty, the Souliots abandoned Souli but still participated in crucial battles for the liberation of Greece. Today, some ruins of Kougiou and Kiafas, as well as the famous ‘Pigadia’ in Samonida, are preserved. Visitors can explore the mountains of Souli and admire the wild beauty of nature up close, as well as visit the Souli Parliament and the famous residence of General Lambros Tzavelas.

Every year, on the last Sunday of May, the Anniversary of the Holocaust of Souli and the self-sacrifice of monk Samuel are celebrated with special splendor. In 1803, the monks blew themselves up in Kougi, at the Monastery of Agia Paraskevi, to prevent the food and supplies from falling into the hands of Ali Pasha’s army. Souli represents an international model of heroism and self-sacrifice, and its history remains a sacred legacy for future generations.