The site of present-day Kalývia Kleidoniás was once home to storage rooms and makeshift huts. Residents of Ano Kleidonia used them during agricultural work; that is why the settlement was called Kalývia on old maps. The name on the map thus refers to the site's former use and to the residents' working life.

Settlement History and Former Uses

On the way from Kleidonia to Ano Kleidonia, you will pass the Byzantine Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior. It was once the main church of the monastery of the same name. The map and the church offer two different glimpses into the past: here, the storage rooms and huts used for agriculture; there, the church building's former role as a monastery.

A spring with sulfurous water rises on the northern side of Kalývia Kleidoniás. Thermal baths are said to have operated there during Roman and Byzantine times.

The Voidomatis Gorge

The Voidomatis Gorge lies near Klidonia, beginning at the Kleidonia stone bridge and extending to the western exit of the Vikos Gorge, between Papingo and Vikos. The gorge is about 1.5 kilometers from the settlement. Ancient plane trees, alders, and other trees grow in its landscape. For kayaking and rafting enthusiasts, it has been one of the most popular destinations for years.

A well-maintained path runs along the river through the gorge for two hours, passing prehistoric rock shelters and the Chapel of Agioi Anargyroi.

Bridges, Trails and Historic Sites

The Kleidoniavista Bridge, also known as the Voidomatis Bridge, is a single-arch bridge built in 1853 on the banks of the Voidomatis. It is about two kilometers from Kleidonia. A path that crosses the gorge begins at the bridge.

The rock shelters can also be distinguished by their location: the Boila rock shelter is near the Kleidonia stone bridge; two others lie inside the gorge, near its main path. Kleidi is considered the most significant of the three. The rock shelters are therefore not all located in the same section of the gorge.

The Monastery of Agioi Anargyroi was built in 1658 and is near the main path through the gorge. Only the main church, surrounded by ruins, remains of the monastery complex; it features an elaborately crafted iconostasis and frescoes and is classified as a preserved historic monument. The stated walking time from the Kleidoniavista Bridge to the monastery is about one hour and 30 minutes. This time refers to the walk to the monastery; the two-hour estimate refers to the path along the river through the gorge.

Traditions Throughout the Year

On August 6, the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Savior, the Cultural Association and the Brotherhood of Kleidonia hold a traditional panigyri in the village center. On the feast day of Saints Cosmas and Damian, July 1, a church service is held; afterwards, people celebrate traditionally on the banks of the Voidomatis beneath centuries-old plane trees. The occasions also differ in location: the panigyri takes place in the village center, while the July 1 celebration is held by the river. If you are planning your trip specifically around these events, check the program for the relevant year in advance.

Discover more destinations: Ano Pedina, Ioannina, Tiria, Elafotopos, Drosopigi, Negades, Kastania, Doliana.

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