Archaeological Sites
Some of the archaeological sites in the area are listed below. The visitor will certainly not be disappointed. The wider area is rich in history and new evidence/findings regarding the past are constantly coming to the surface through the excavations that are carried out.
Archaeological Museum of Igoumenitsa
The new Archaeological Museum of Igoumenitsa has to display valuable exhibits, the product of excavations, from the Paleolithic to the Byzantine era. The Museum's operation began in 2009. The majority of exhibits date from the Hellenistic to the Roman period. There are also exhibits, which date back to the Ottoman Empire. A lending library also operates within the Museum.
Ancient Gitani was founded around 330 BC. It is surrounded by the Kalamas River and was one of the most famous commercial centers of the region at that time. The city during that period was perhaps the most important economic center of the wider region as it had also fulfilled the role of the capital of Ancient Thesprotia. Its population had reached 6,000 permanent residents. You will be able to see the acropolis, the theater, the walls as well as the rectory.
Very close to Karavostasi bay, is the archaeological site of Dymokastro. The settlement developed mainly during the 3rd century BC. and was later destroyed by the Romans. In the area, you will also be able to see the aqueduct as well as enjoy its wonderful view. The settlement continued to be inhabited until the 1st century AD. From 2000 to 2008, the works that were carried out highlighted the two citadels of the settlement.
The ancient Acropolis of Elea is located near Paramythia, near the village of Chrysavgi. It was founded around the year 350 BC. It was also the capital of Thesprotia! You can see here the walls which have been saved, arcades, the market and the theater. During its heyday, Elea had around 10,000 permanent residents.
Η κατασκευή του πύργου του Ραγίου χρονολογείται κατά τον 19ο αιώνα. Μπορεί κανείς να τον επισκεφθεί από την παραλία του Δρεπάνου η οποία και είναι άμεσα προσβάσιμη από την πόλη της Ηγουμενίτσας. Ο πύργος κατασκευάστηκε από τους Τούρκους. Στην τοποθεσία όπου κατασκευάστηκε ο πύργος, βρίσκεται και ο αρχαιολογικός χώρος της Λυγιάς.
From the tower of the acropolis of Archaia Fanotis, you can feel the awe of the Kalamas river gorge. Built on a hill, near the village of Parapotamos (about 10km away from the town of Igoumenitsa), the settlement developed rapidly during the Hellenistic period and reached around 1,600 permanent residents. One can tour the citadel, the walls.
Near the village of Mesopotamos, there is the necromancy of Acheron. Here were also the Gates of the Underworld according to the Ancients where Odysseus wandering towards Ithaca after the Trojan War, met Achilles who had been killed during it. In the well-preserved ruins you can see the central hall and various corridors. It was destroyed by the Romans in the 2nd century BC.