English
Kleidonia is just outside Konitsa, at an altitude of 880m. It is 52 km away from Ioannina. The village was called Litoniavista until 1953.
Kleidonia is an ideal place for nature lovers. The centuries-old plane trees, alders and other trees (found in the area) create a magnificent scenery. The gorge of Voidomatis is a unique gorge of rare beauty. It starts from the stone bridge of Kleidonia and reaches the western exit of Vikos Gorge, between the villages of Papigo and Vikos. It is a place that words cannot describe. You will also be impressed by the clear waters of Voidomatis river and by a simple glance you will notice trout swimming.
By 1940, the village had 60 houses and a population of 380 inhabitants. Kleidonia is located within the boundaries of the Protected Area of the North Pindos Park. The inhabitants of the village are mainly engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry.
The stone single-arched bridge of Kleidonia, located southwest, at the exit of the gorge of Voidomatis, was built in 1853. Near the bridge of Kleidonia, there are three prehistoric archeological sites: the Klidi cave, the Megalakkos cave and the Boila Cave. It is worth mentioning that archeological finds were found in the caves and date the human presence of the area in the modern period of the Paleolithic era. Boila cave is located near the bridge, while the other two and most importantly Klidi cave are located inside the gorge and at a short distance from the path that crosses it.
The ruins of the ancient castle, known as “Kastraki” (located in a densely forested steep rocky outcrop, southwest of the gorge of Voidomatis) are of historical interest. The castle seems to have been originally built during the Hellenistic era (3rd century BC) and was followed by extensions and improvements of the fortification in the following centuries, until the first years of Ottoman rule. You will notice, both inside and outside the castle, the ruins of older settlements and temples. However, the only church that still stands today is the Church of the Annunciation. The place of the castle belongs to the neighboring village, the village of Agios Minas (a village of Zagori).
It is worthwhile, especially for those who have a love for nature, history and hiking, to take a walk on the hill, with the best preserved castle in the northern part of the Prefecture of Ioannina. It requires more than 1 hour of hiking.
You will be also rewarded, after 1.30 hours of hiking, by the Monastery of Agioi Anargyroi. It was built in 1658 and you will find it after walking from the bridge of Kleidoniavista, near the main path that crosses the gorge. Today, only the temple survives from the monastery.It is surrounded by ruins and has an ornate iconostasis and beautiful frescoes. The monastery has been designated a historic monument.
Also, some other beautiful churches of Kleidonia are Agios Nikolaos, Profitis Ilias, Agios Athanasios, Agia Paraskevi and Agios Sotirios.
On the 1st of July (on the day of the celebration of Saints Anargiroi, Kosmas & Damianos) a service is held and a picturesque traditional feast follows on the river bank of Voidomatis. Under the age-old plane trees and next to the cool waters, this great celebration is an opportunity for the villagers to gather. In addition, on June 30, the church of Agioi Apostoloi celebrates and a feast takes place.
In the village, there are appropriate facilities and accommodation for food and overnight, respectively.
