PRESPES

PRESPES

The sense of peace that one feels upon reaching Prespa (in the wider area of ​​the two akritic lakes) is absolute and captivating. No description, however atmospheric or detailed, can replace the images of Prespa. The north-western tip of Greece is a completely special place, it is located at an altitude of 850 meters and everyone who wants to be called Greek must visit it at least once.

Prespa is the largest national park in Greece, one of the few natural reserves for birds and other animals (more than 250 species), many of which are endangered. Unique birds, such as rose pelicans, herons and cormorants, struggle to survive in a landscape of incomparable beauty. When one arrives at Prespa, one gazes from above on immovable expanses of water in a verdant landscape, islets, villages hidden in the vegetation. An infinite stillness reigns and the law is tranquility. Nevertheless, the place is by no means virgin. Even on the last stone there are human traces.

The tour starts from Megali Prespa, from Ψαράδες, the small village that is literally inside it. Long narrow boats are the best way to see the lake's treasures up close. Rock paintings and asceticism and a huge crack in the rock, 30 meters higher the Panagia Eleusa standing there since 1410. The islet of Mikri Prespa, o Άγιος Αχίλλειος, it looks like a fairy tale. The recently constructed floating footbridge makes access much easier. Here are the ruins of the famous church of Agios Achillios. Built by Tsar Samuel in the first millennium AD, it shows even today its imperial origin, while if one tries to walk, one will discover dozens of "hidden" churches, as well as its Monastery Panagia Porphyra of the 15th century.

The center of the Prespa area is the village Saint Germanos and the homonymous church of Agios is cruciform with an 11th century dome. Groomed and safe now, it stands glued to the sanctuary of the new church of Agios Germanos. Those who wonder about the bright colors of its interior (fuchsia, electric blue!) the answer comes from the sky, which at such an altitude is usually hazy and dark!