Parga
Encyclopedia
Parga, is a town and municipality located in the northwestern part of the regional unit of Preveza in Epirus
, northwestern Greece
. The seat of the municipality is the village Kanallaki. Parga lies on the Ionian coast between the cities of Preveza
and Igoumenitsa
. It is a resort town known for its scenic beauty.
. The village of Parga, once known as Hypargos ( - ˈipaɾɣos) stands from the early 13th century. It was originally built on top of the mountain "Pezovolo". In 1360 the Pargians in order to avoid the attacks of the Albanians transferred the village to its present location. During that period, with the help of the Normans
who held the island of Corfu, the fortress of Parga was built. In 1401 was signed a treaty with the Venetians, and the rule of Ionian Islands passed to them. The Venetians respected the lifestyle of Pargians who provided in turn, invaluable assistance to the fleet of the Venetians. At the same time Pargians fought by the side of their compatriots to throw off the Ottoman yoke. As Parga was the only free christian village of Epirus, it was a perfect refuge for persecuted fighters and their families. In 1797 the area, along with the Ionian Islands and Parga, fell into the hands of the French, and in 1800 proclaimed free city status with broad authority under the protection of the Sublime Porte. In 1817, following a treaty between England and the Ottoman Empire, the English granted Parga to the Ottomans. This resulted in the Good Friday of 1819 where 4000 Pargians having with them the ashes of the bones of their ancestors, their sacred images, flags and a handful of soil from their homeland, exiled themselves in Corfu where they settled in. Therefore they never ceased to dream of returning to a free country and to participate actively in the struggle for liberation. But they had to wait almost 100 years for this. Parga and the rest of Epirus was liberated from the Ottoman rule on 1913 following the victory of Greece in the Balkan Wars
.
, Ali Pasha
enhanced it even more and put on its top its harem and its Turkish bath, improving radically the rooms of the castle. On this castle, the free-besieged population of Parga and Souli fought epic battles and kept their freedom for centuries. On the arched gate of entrance, on the wall, you can see the winged lion of Agios Markos, the name “ANTONIO BERVASS 1764”, emblems of Ali Pasha, two-headed eagles and relative inscriptions. Archways, gun emplacement rooms, supplies lodges, strong bastions with gun safe boxes, safe boxes of small arms, secret passage to the sea, barracks, jails, warehouses and two block-houses at the last defense line: prove the perfection of the defense plan, which along with the natural fortification made the fortress unconquered.
City amphitheatrically built, Parga is a picturesque resort situated between the coastal region of Preveza and Igoumenitsa and combines uniquely mountain and sea. One of the most picturesque and cosmopolitan places in northwestern Greece, the “Bride of Epirus”, the beautiful Parga challenges you to experience up close its long history, its diverse natural beauty and hospitality of its inhabitants. Parga is at a distance of 65km. from the airport of Aktion – Preveza and the summer months is connected with the surrounding islands (Paxos – Antipaxos – Corfu).
) to other Greek cities and towns such Igoumenitsa
and Preveza
. There are also non-direct connections to and from Athens
, Thessaloniki
and Ioannina
although during July and August there is a daily direct bus connection to Ioannina.
The closest airports to Parga are located at Aktio
(65 km) with seasonal direct flights to and from Athens and Thessaloniki and other domestic destinations and is also served by charter flights
from abroad, at Ioannina
(105 km) with regular flights to and from Athens, and at Corfu (46 km + car-ferry from Igoumenitsa) with regular flights to and from Athens, Thessaloniki, European destinations and the Ioanian Islands.
Parga is located at a distance of (10 km) from the national road
and (34 km) from national motorway 
.
Epirus (region)
Epirus is a geographical and historical region in southeastern Europe, shared between Greece and Albania. It lies between the Pindus Mountains and the Ionian Sea, stretching from the Bay of Vlorë in the north to the Ambracian Gulf in the south...
, northwestern Greece
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
. The seat of the municipality is the village Kanallaki. Parga lies on the Ionian coast between the cities of Preveza
Preveza
Preveza is a town in the region of Epirus, northwestern Greece, located at the mouth of the Ambracian Gulf. It is the capital of the regional unit of Preveza, which is part of the region of Epirus. An immersed tunnel, completed in 2002 which runs between Preveza and Actium, connects the town...
and Igoumenitsa
Igoumenitsa
Igoumenitsa , is a coastal city in northwestern Greece. It is the capital of the regional unit Thesprotia. Its original ancient name used to be Titani....
. It is a resort town known for its scenic beauty.
Municipality
The present municipality Parga was formed at the 2011 local government reform by the merger of the following 2 former municipalities, that became municipal units:- FanariFanari, PrevezaFanari is a former municipality in the Preveza peripheral unit, Epirus, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Parga, of which it is a municipal unit. Population 8,911 . The seat of the municipality was in Kanallaki.-Subdivisions:The municipal unit Fanari is...
- Parga
History
In antiquity the area was inhabited the Greek tribe of the ThesprotiansThesprotians
The Thesprotians were an ancient Greek tribe of Thesprotis, Epirus, akin to the Molossians. The poet Homer frequently mentions Thesprotia which had friendly relations with Ithaca and Doulichi. On their northeast frontier they had the Chaonians and to the north the kingdom of the Molossians...
. The village of Parga, once known as Hypargos ( - ˈipaɾɣos) stands from the early 13th century. It was originally built on top of the mountain "Pezovolo". In 1360 the Pargians in order to avoid the attacks of the Albanians transferred the village to its present location. During that period, with the help of the Normans
Normans
The Normans were the people who gave their name to Normandy, a region in northern France. They were descended from Norse Viking conquerors of the territory and the native population of Frankish and Gallo-Roman stock...
who held the island of Corfu, the fortress of Parga was built. In 1401 was signed a treaty with the Venetians, and the rule of Ionian Islands passed to them. The Venetians respected the lifestyle of Pargians who provided in turn, invaluable assistance to the fleet of the Venetians. At the same time Pargians fought by the side of their compatriots to throw off the Ottoman yoke. As Parga was the only free christian village of Epirus, it was a perfect refuge for persecuted fighters and their families. In 1797 the area, along with the Ionian Islands and Parga, fell into the hands of the French, and in 1800 proclaimed free city status with broad authority under the protection of the Sublime Porte. In 1817, following a treaty between England and the Ottoman Empire, the English granted Parga to the Ottomans. This resulted in the Good Friday of 1819 where 4000 Pargians having with them the ashes of the bones of their ancestors, their sacred images, flags and a handful of soil from their homeland, exiled themselves in Corfu where they settled in. Therefore they never ceased to dream of returning to a free country and to participate actively in the struggle for liberation. But they had to wait almost 100 years for this. Parga and the rest of Epirus was liberated from the Ottoman rule on 1913 following the victory of Greece in the Balkan Wars
Second Balkan War
The Second Balkan War was a conflict which broke out when Bulgaria, dissatisfied with its share of the spoils of the First Balkan War, attacked its former allies, Serbia and Greece, on 29 June 1913. Bulgaria had a prewar agreement about the division of region of Macedonia...
.
Castle of Parga
Before the construction of the strong castle of Parga that survives till now, the residents of Parga were keeping their city fortified in order to confront the invaders. In 1452 Hatzi Beis took over the fortified place and Parga took it back in 1454. In 1537, Hayreddin Barbarossa demolished the fortress and the town. Before the reconstruction of the castle with the contribution of the Venetians, the Turkish demolished it once again. In 1792, the Venetians rebuilt for third and last time a perfect strong fortress that stayed impregnable until 1819, despite the attacks especially of Ali Pasa of Ioannina, who besieges them from the castle of Agia-Anthousa. Venetians created a perfect defence plan, which in combination with the natural fortification made the fortress. Outside the castle, eight towers placed in different positions completed the defence. Inside the narrow space of citadel there were 400 houses, located in a way so that they occupied only a little room, far away from the seaside. On this castle the free-besieged population of Parga and Souli fought epic battles and kept their freedom for centuries. From the faucet “Kremasma” the tanks of the castle and the houses were provided with water. The castle for its provision used the two bays: of Valtos and Pogonia. When Parga was sold to the OttomansOttoman Empire
The Ottoman EmpireIt was usually referred to as the "Ottoman Empire", the "Turkish Empire", the "Ottoman Caliphate" or more commonly "Turkey" by its contemporaries...
, Ali Pasha
Ali Pasha
Ali Pasha of Tepelena or of Yannina, surnamed Aslan, "the Lion", or the "Lion of Yannina", Ali Pashë Tepelena was an Ottoman Albanian ruler of the western part of Rumelia, the Ottoman Empire's European territory which was also called Pashalik of Yanina. His court was in Ioannina...
enhanced it even more and put on its top its harem and its Turkish bath, improving radically the rooms of the castle. On this castle, the free-besieged population of Parga and Souli fought epic battles and kept their freedom for centuries. On the arched gate of entrance, on the wall, you can see the winged lion of Agios Markos, the name “ANTONIO BERVASS 1764”, emblems of Ali Pasha, two-headed eagles and relative inscriptions. Archways, gun emplacement rooms, supplies lodges, strong bastions with gun safe boxes, safe boxes of small arms, secret passage to the sea, barracks, jails, warehouses and two block-houses at the last defense line: prove the perfection of the defense plan, which along with the natural fortification made the fortress unconquered.
Geography
Beaches
Parga rightfully attracts thousands of tourists every summer, not only because of its natural beauties, but also because of its beautiful beaches. You can enjoy your bath in the calm and hot water, but also you can do many of your favorite sea sports or games. The coasts of Parga are probably the best part by the beaches of Ionian Sea. The most popular and most visited beaches are: Valtos, Kryoneri, Piso Kryoneri, Lychnos, Sarakiniko, Ai Giannakis and other steep but also of rare beauty beaches.Krioneri Beach
Krioneri Beach is the main beach of Parga and is located within the bounds of the community in a distance only a few meters away from its centre and its port. Just across it and in a distance only of a few meters is located the magnificent and picturesque small island of Virgin Mary, which can be accessed by swimming or by sea bike.Valtos Beach
Valtos Beach is one of the longest beaches of Parga with a coastline that approaches (3 km) km. It is located just under the impressive rock that is built the castle of Parga, on the opposite side. Because of its clear and calm waters and its distance from Parga gathers crowd of swimmers. It is covered by sand and pebbles, is safe enough because it is surrounded by the bay of the castle of Parga and also by the bay of Vlacherna, whereas the length of coastline allows the natural renewal of the water without the strong streams. Finally, the visitor can also enjoy a variety of sea sports, while around the beach there are complexes and hotels, many units with rental rooms, picturesque taverns and mini markets. You can visit the beach by car, with small boats that set off from the port of Parga but also by foot or even by renting a motorbike or a bike.Transport
The town of Parga is linked with direct suburban buses (KTELKTEL (Greece)
KTEL is a Greece coach service It started in 1896....
) to other Greek cities and towns such Igoumenitsa
Igoumenitsa
Igoumenitsa , is a coastal city in northwestern Greece. It is the capital of the regional unit Thesprotia. Its original ancient name used to be Titani....
and Preveza
Preveza
Preveza is a town in the region of Epirus, northwestern Greece, located at the mouth of the Ambracian Gulf. It is the capital of the regional unit of Preveza, which is part of the region of Epirus. An immersed tunnel, completed in 2002 which runs between Preveza and Actium, connects the town...
. There are also non-direct connections to and from Athens
Athens
Athens , is the capital and largest city of Greece. Athens dominates the Attica region and is one of the world's oldest cities, as its recorded history spans around 3,400 years. Classical Athens was a powerful city-state...
, Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki , historically also known as Thessalonica, Salonika or Salonica, is the second-largest city in Greece and the capital of the region of Central Macedonia as well as the capital of the Decentralized Administration of Macedonia and Thrace...
and Ioannina
Ioannina
Ioannina , often called Jannena within Greece, is the largest city of Epirus, north-western Greece, with a population of 70,203 . It lies at an elevation of approximately 500 meters above sea level, on the western shore of lake Pamvotis . It is located within the Ioannina municipality, and is the...
although during July and August there is a daily direct bus connection to Ioannina.
The closest airports to Parga are located at Aktio
Aktion National Airport
Aktion National Airport is an airport serving Preveza and Lefkada in Greece. It is also known as Lefkada Airport. The airport is also used by NATO and Hellenic Air Force Command.-Airlines and destinations:-External links:...
(65 km) with seasonal direct flights to and from Athens and Thessaloniki and other domestic destinations and is also served by charter flights
Air charter
Air charter is the business of renting an entire aircraft as opposed to individual aircraft seats...
from abroad, at Ioannina
Ioannina National Airport
Ioannina National Airport is an airport located four kilometers from the city center of Ioannina, Greece. Its new name is Ioannina National Airport - King Pyrrhus, from the former King Pyrrhus of Epirus.It mainly receives charter flights during the summer period.-History:*1953: Construction of...
(105 km) with regular flights to and from Athens, and at Corfu (46 km + car-ferry from Igoumenitsa) with regular flights to and from Athens, Thessaloniki, European destinations and the Ioanian Islands.
Parga is located at a distance of (10 km) from the national road
Entertainment and Activities
Parga and the surrounding areas have many restaurants and seaside taverns serving fresh fish and unique local recipes. The character of the city is lively and modern but also with intense elements of the past. Place for daily meetings is the main road in front of the port, where every evening you can enjoy the sunset, while the sun disappears in the Ionian Sea, between the Castle and the Island of Virgin Mary. The entertainment in Parga begins early in the morning and never stops. With idyllic walks and tours, with small stoned paths and traditional good food. Even when the daylight doesn’t reflect in the Ionian sea, Parga has many surprises for you and as long as the night is coming around the city reveals to you picturesque taverns by the sea or inside the small paths, tranquil and lounge places for your drink, but also and vigorous and entertaining rhythms for those who seek this kind of entertainment. In Parga and the wider region you could enjoy many sports, marine and other, since there are facilities for diving, water skiing, fishing, wind – surfing, hiking, bird watching, rafting, mountain biking, paragliding and horse riding.Municipal districts
- Agia (Agia, Sarakiniko)
- AnthousaAnthousa, PrevezaAnthousa is a village in the Preveza peripheral unit, in the region of Epirus, in western Greece. Its 2001 population was 624 for the village and 689 for the municipal district. Anthousa is in the municipality of Parga.-Population:...
(Anthousa, Trikorfo) - Livadari (Livadari, Vryses)
- Parga (Parga, Agia Kyriaki, Agios Georgios, Maras, Chrysogiali)
Historical population
| Year | Town population | Municipality population |
|---|---|---|
| 1981 | 1,892 | - |
| 1991 | 1,699 | 3,569 |
| 2001 | 2,022 | 3,846 |
People from Parga
- Panagiotis Aravantinos (1811–1870), historian and scholar
- Dimoulitsas family, fighters of Greek War of IndependenceGreek War of IndependenceThe Greek War of Independence, also known as the Greek Revolution was a successful war of independence waged by the Greek revolutionaries between...
- Pargali Ibrahim PashaPargali Ibrahim PashaPargali Ibrahim Pasha , also known as Frenk Ibrahim Pasha , Makbul Ibrahim Pasha , and referred to him as Maktul Ibrahim Pasha after his murder in the Topkapı Palace, was the first Grand Vizier in the Ottoman Empire appointed by Suleiman the Magnificent...
, one of the most notable grand vizierGrand VizierGrand Vizier, in Turkish Vezir-i Azam or Sadr-ı Azam , deriving from the Arabic word vizier , was the greatest minister of the Sultan, with absolute power of attorney and, in principle, dismissable only by the Sultan himself...
s of the Ottoman EmpireOttoman EmpireThe Ottoman EmpireIt was usually referred to as the "Ottoman Empire", the "Turkish Empire", the "Ottoman Caliphate" or more commonly "Turkey" by its contemporaries...
. - Andreas Idromenos (1764–1843), scholar
External links
| North: Margariti Margariti Margariti is a village and a former municipality in Thesprotia, Epirus, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Igoumenitsa, of which it is a municipal unit. Population 3,032 .-History:... | |||
| West: Ionian Sea Ionian Sea The Ionian Sea , is an arm of the Mediterranean Sea, south of the Adriatic Sea. It is bounded by southern Italy including Calabria, Sicily and the Salento peninsula to the west, southern Albania to the north, and a large number of Greek islands, including Corfu, Zante, Kephalonia, Ithaka, and... | Parga | East: Fanari? | |
| South: Ionian Sea |