Discover Greece: The Magic of Metsovo
The mountain world of the Pindos mountains in northern Greece fascinates with beautiful untouched nature, lively mountain villages, traditional architecture and a diverse history. In the midst of this breathtaking landscape, every active traveler has the best conditions to escape from everyday life. Art and culture lovers don't miss out either.
Greece very different: why to Metsovo?
Metsovo has long since established itself as a coveted holiday destination for Greeks and is also attracting more and more international visitors. The tranquil village exudes one thing above all: serenity. Strolling leisurely through the old streets, immersing yourself in the pure country idyll or enjoying exquisite red wine and hearty smoked cheese - Metsovo makes it possible. L'Officiel Austria presents the most beautiful experiences .
The region's wine tradition is one of the oldest in Greece.
The Katogi Averoff Winery (a short walk above the Averoff Gardens) has a special historical background that makes it a hotspot in Metsovo. Founded by Evangelos Averoff, a prominent Greek politician, it restored Metsovo to its former glory in the 1950s. Averoff had a vision of planting vines on the steep slopes of the Pindos Mountains and introducing the Cabernet Sauvignon grape to Greece . The winery he founded is now run by his grandson, who also runs a quaint boutique hotel and offers excellent tours of the winery. At an altitude of 1,050m, the vineyards are the highest in Greece and the wine cellars are full of artefacts showing both traditional and modern winemaking processes. 1,200 oak barrels and a tasting room that could pass as an underground bar offer a true wine experience.
The Averoff Art Gallery is a fascinating museum of regional paintings, photographs and sculpture.
It features the outstanding art collection of the politician and intellectual Evangelos Averoff (1910-90), whose influence on Metsovo is still celebrated today. The paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries depict historical scenes, local landscapes and everyday life. Important Greek artists such as Nikos Ghikas, Alekos Fassianos and Perikles Pantazis are represented here. Most of the artwork was selected by Averoff himself and the collection is considered one of the most important of the period. In addition to the permanent collection, there are frequently changing exhibitions that include retrospectives, art and photo collections from other museums and galleries in Greece and abroad. The museum also has a children's workshop that stimulates the creativity and imagination of the little ones.
To get a glimpse of how the Metsovites lived (and endured the harsh winters in style), pay a visit to the Tosizza Museum .
Built in 1661 and restored in 1954, this late-Ottoman mansion in stone and timber-frame now houses the Tosizza Museum of folk art and local Epirote crafts. The typical building fascinates with small and large details: carved woodwork, rich textiles in bright colors and handcrafted Vlach furniture . A guided tour through the rooms, stables, warehouses and parlors of the manor house is like a journey through time. Weapons used against the Ottomans in the 1821 revolution, everyday utensils such as kitchen utensils and looms, silverware and other family heirlooms, and an impressive collection of icons adorn the rooms of the house. The third floor is personally dedicated to Evangelos Averoff with private belongings and photos from his life.
The alpine beauty of Lake Aoos is an undisputed highlight of the region.
A breathtaking landscape awaits you here. Aoos River Lake is a 20-minute drive north of Metsovo and is the natural result of a dam project in the 1980s. The lake is approximately 12 square kilometers and is surrounded by mature black pines and robolas, which together create an impressive backdrop and provide significant habitat for birds and other animals. There are no limits for outdoor fans: rafting, kayaking, mountain biking or private hiking tours around the lake with Trekking Hellas are all possible. Regardless of whether you cover part of the 32 km long route by car or on foot or join a kayak tour on the lake, the experience leaves powerful (natural) memories.
