Epirus

Epirus

Epirus is a beautiful place in southeastern Europe. It is shared today by Greece and Albania. Long ago, it lay between the Pindus Mountains on one side and the Ionian Sea on the other. Today, it is split between northwest Greece and two counties in southern Albania. The biggest city there is Ioannina.

Ancient Times

In ancient times, Epirus was home to Greek tribes like the Chaonians, Molossians, and Thesprotians. It was well-known for the sanctuary of Dodona, the oldest oracle in ancient Greece. People visited Dodona to ask for advice from the gods. The area became one state around 370 BC under the Aeacidae family. Later, it became famous because of Pyrrhus of Epirus, a brave leader who fought many battles.

Nature and Animals

Epirus is a rugged, mountainous area mostly made up of the Pindus Mountains. These mountains are very tall and steep. The highest point in Epirus is Mount Smolikas, which is 2,637 meters tall. Low flat areas are found mostly near the coast. Important rivers flow through Epirus, including the Vjosë. The Vikos Gorge is one of the deepest gorges in the world and is part of a beautiful national park. The climate along the coast is warm, while inland areas are cooler. The region has many forests and is home to animals like bears, wolves, and foxes.

Travel Today

Epirus has been a remote place because of the mountains and the sea around it. Today, the Egnatia Odos or A2 motorway connects Ioannina to other places and helps people travel more easily. Another highway, the Ionia Odos highway, links Epirus to the south. There is also an undersea tunnel, the Aktio-Preveza Undersea Tunnel, that connects Epirus to western Greece. Ferries leave from Igoumenitsa to islands and Italy. The main airport is the Ioannina National Airport, with another near Preveza at Aktion National Airport. There are no railroads in Epirus.