31/01/2008
LAKKAS SOULIOU REGION/NATURAL GEPGRAPHY

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A collar of high mountains: Tomaros (1974m), Thesprotika mountains (1274m), Souli mountains (1815m), Kourenta (1172m) tightly embrace a wild landscape where despite expectations are concealed treasures. Historic monasteries, with stone built area of the congregation, frescoes of exceptional beauty. Traces and finds of the neolithic age and the bronze age. Countless fortifications from the 4th century BC to the 19th century AD, acropoles, houses, water mills and bridges. All that was threatened by some enemy or other who always found the way to cross the few and inaccessible passes. The springs of Aherontas river: at Bestia, at Sistrouni, at Smyrtia, at Georganous, at Derviziana are an astounding natural phenomenon. Aherontas river, deathly, and entertaining, literally and metaphorically: it refreshes, irrigates, murmurs, shapes wild ravines, feeds plane trees, willow trees, rare and endangered flora and fauna. Arbute-trees, hollies, heather in autumn and blossoming myrtle and here and there olive trees and citrus trees which some active monks planted for the good of the community. Black slate is abundant and artfully covers churches and homes. The Gates of Hades at Seriziana and the Tzavelena bridge, bring joy to the wonderer and natural lover. The Souliotes are rebellious and unsubdued like the wild horses that gallop freely on the Souli mountains.