Plastira's Lake

Plastiras Lake is a successful example of the intervention of the human to the nature. It was the project of a famous man of Karditsa and of whole Greece, General Nikolaos Plastiras. In 1925, Nikolaos Plastiras had the idea to construct a dam in order to create an artificial lake that would serve the irrigation of the Thessaly plain. The project was completed in 1960 and it solved the irrigative and water supply problems and also provided electricity by exploiting the power of the water.

So, Tauropos lake was created, its length is approximately 14km, its width 4km and its capacity 365 cubic meters. Later it was renamed Plastiras lake, after its creator.

Plastiras lake, located 25km in the west of Karditsa, is a dreamy scenery, with verdurous mountain tops, streams and peaceful crystal water. The most developed side is the southwest side, where there are many little villages. The most organized settlement is Kalyvia Pezoulas, which is located really close to the lake.

Before the creation of the lake, the residents of the settlement used to work in the fields that are now covered by the lake, and they had built there their cabins, so the area was named after them (cabins=kalyvia). Those cabins were off-hand constructions with one room, made with canes and mud and they used to store there their agricultural products and their tools.

in Kalyvia Pezoulas you can find many coffee shops, taverns, restaurants and traditional taverns and many spots, where you will have the chance to practice your favorite activities (horse riding, arching, canoe etc). There are also many shops that sell local products, such as herbs, spices and souvenirs.

Sights

During your stay in Plastiras lake you will have the chance to explore the many sights of the area.

Nikolaos Plastiras Lake's Dam: The construction of the dam was completed until 1959, its height is 83m and its length 200m. An elegant arch seems to embrace the lake, a beautiful spot to view the lake. The construction of the dam is a significant project   that solve the water supply problems in Karditsa and in many villages. In the bridge you can also find small shops that offer local products.

Botanical Garden: It is an area of 10 acres, where there are gathered some species of the flora of the area of the lake and of Greece in general.  You can see rare plants, buy herbs and enjoy your coffee while viewing the lake, as the botanical garden abstains only 50m from it.

Observation Post: In 1230m altitude, in the place Mandra there is the observation post. It offers the most amazing view to the lake. You can admire the lake, the alpine forest, the naked mountain tops.

Religious Tourism

In Agrafa there are many churches and monasteries that worth your visit. You will admire the murals, the holy pictures and the unique architecture. Some of the most significant monasteries of the area are:

Holy Monastery of Panagia Pelekiti
The Holy Monastery of Panagia Pelekiti is built on a sharp rock (1400m altitude) in the mountain Pindos, 1km away from the village Karytsa. It is considered as one of the rarest religious monuments of the 16th century. Here, you can admire many significant heirlooms, such as holy gospels, manuscripts, cleric stuff and others. Don’t forget to notice the beautiful wooden chancel and the murals. The monastery celebrates every year on August 15.

Holy Monastery of Petra
The Holy Monastery of Petra is located 4km approximately away from the village Katafygi, on the way from katafygi to the settlement Agios Athanasios in Lampero. It is an impressive temple, made with stones and its murals from 1625 are successfully conserved. Near the chancel there are ruins of the 80 double-decked cells and of the underground store rooms, that were destroyed in 1968. A fraternal lives there today and they take care for its renovation.

Holy Monastery of Koroni
Holy Monastery of Koroni is near the village Mesenikolas. It was built by the Emperor Ioannis Komninos B, at the begging of the 12th century, when the thaumaturgy picture of Panagia Koroni was found. In this Holy Monastery, in the middle of the 16th century, Saint Serafim came to hermit, who became Primate of Fanari and Neoxori and suffered later horrible tortures from the Turks. He died on December 4,1601 in Fanari. It is still unknown what happened with his body, but he remains the protector of the Monastery.