- Arta Bridgethe most famous bridge in Greece, it is located at the entrance of the city and connects the two banks of the Arachthos River. Its construction likely began in the 3rd century BC, while its current form resulted from successive reconstructions, the last of which took place in 1612 during Ottoman rule.

The bridge is associated with the legend of the master builder’s wife’s sacrifice to stabilize the construction, as told in the folk song “The Bridge of Arta.” Behind the legend lies historical truth: the Turks ordered the reconstruction for military reasons, while the locals resisted by sabotaging the work.

Next to the bridge stands the historic plane tree, approximately 350 years old, which was a site of executions during Ottoman rule. According to tradition, Ali Pasha used to sit beneath it, while King George I carved his name into its trunk during his visit in 1881.

Arta, a city with a long history in Epirus, hosts one of the most impressive collections of Byzantine monuments in southern Greece. 

Starting with the impressive Church of Panagia Parigoritissa (1285-89), which dominates Peranthis Hill and stands out for its five domes and stone masonry, visitors can appreciate the grandeur of the medieval period in the city. 

Nearby is the Church of Saint Theodora, a “living” link between modern Arta and the era of the Despotate of Epirus, as it was founded during her reign and preserves significant elements of architectural and painting tradition.

The also significant Church of Saint Basil in the city (13th century) is an example of this era and provides a wonderful stop on your tour of Arta’s Byzantine treasures.

With a brief tour of the historic center, you can sense the atmosphere of a city that lives with its past — inviting the visitor not just to see, but to feel its history.

In the heart of spring, the city of Arta comes alive with the beautiful celebration of Byzantine Week, a cultural and spiritual experience that combines history, tradition, and religious devotion.

It is organized by the Municipality of Arta, in collaboration with the Arta Ephorate of Antiquities and the Holy Metropolis of Arta, inviting visitors on a unique journey through Byzantine monuments, churches, and choirs that celebrate the city’s tradition. 

During the week, you can experience the magic of chants in historic churches, participate in guided tours that highlight Arta’s architectural treasures, and enjoy events featuring traditional customs, such as egg painting and the splendid procession of the Epitaphs.

It is an opportunity to combine a tour of ancient monuments with the living tradition and hospitality of the region: Arta offers more than just a visit – it provides an immersive experience that stays in the heart.

The Castle of Arta, built in a strategic location on a hill near the Arachthos River, is a notable example of Byzantine fortification architecture and an important monument of Epirus.

The Castle of Arta, built in a strategic location on a hill near the Arachthos River, is a notable example of Byzantine fortification architecture and an important monument of Epirus.

It has an irregular polygonal shape, with walls up to 10 meters high and about 18 towers of various forms. During the Ottoman period, battlements and gun ports were added. Today, the castle, in excellent condition, offers panoramic views of Arta and serves as an important cultural destination that tells the city’s long-standing history.

The Arta is a land rich in flavorsaromas, and traditions deeply connected to the region. Olive cultivation, with more than 1,250,000 olive trees, forms the foundation of the local economy, producing the PDO “Olive of Arta” and the aromatic Lianolia olive oil.

Beekeeping has deep roots, with high-quality orange blossom, fir, and heather honeys continuing a centuries-old nomadic tradition. Dairy production is also significant — feta, kefalograviera, galotyri, tsalafouti — highlighting the strength of local livestock farming.

Traditional pies, such as Zarkopita and Lahanopita, offer authentic flavors of Epirus, while spoon sweets preserve the sweet memory of grandmothers. The Ambracian Gulf provides exquisite seafood — eels, shrimp, sardines — and the Arta plain, with its oranges, mandarins, and kiwis, completes the picture of a place where nature, tradition, and gastronomy coexist harmoniously.

Ο The Holy Church of Panagia Paregoretissaknown as the “lady of Arta,” it is one of the most magnificent Byzantine monuments in Greece and a symbol of the Despotate of Epirus.

Built at the end of the 13th century by Nikephoros I Komnenos Doukas and his wife Anna Palaiologina, it impresses with its innovative architecture: a square plan, five domes, and a unique support system that creates the illusion of the central dome floating.

The church combines Byzantine and Renaissance elements, while its mosaics and fresco decorations reflect high artistic quality. During the Ottoman period, it functioned as a monastery and served as a spiritual center for the region.

Today, it functions as a museum and a place of worship during major religious celebrations, attracting numerous visitors. Parigoritissa remains a living monument of faith, art, and history, connecting Arta’s past with its timeless identity.