Municipality of Plastiras Lake

Greece

The Municipality of Plastiras Lake with headquarters in Morfovouni, was established by the law 3852/2010 (FEK 87 A/7-6-2010), known as “Kallikratis”. It consists of two municipal units, which correspond to the two merged municipalities of Plastiras and Neuropolis – Agrafa.


Each municipality area consists of local communities which correspond to the apartments of the former municipalities.

The municipal section of Plastiras (former municipality) consists of 3.791 residents and extents to 93.166 acres (2001 census). The former municipality worked from 1999 to 2010 with headquarters in Morfovouni.

The municipal section of Neuropolis Argafa (former municiality) occupies an area of 105.184 acres and its total population is 3.601 residents (2001 census). The former municipal worked from 1999 t 2010 with headquarters in Pezoulas village. The N. Plastira Lake bears the stamp of Nicolaos Plastiras, who maintained and promoted it by fanaticism from the moment of conception the idea until his dead. This undoubtedly great work with unique benefits for the surrounding areas, was going to stigmatize forever the place and the landscape. It’s one of the rare occasions that a human intervention involved to create a natural invironment of incomparable beauty which has established the lake as one of the most famous tourist destinations. Snowy or lush, autumnal or refreshing, Plastira Lake looks “different” each season- every moment of the day – giving us unique images, different landscapes, variety of colors and many other beauties. The Lake Plastira is the most successful example of human intervention in nature. The harmony and the beauty of the landscape gives the feeling that the Lake is natural, and only when one reaches the dam realizes that it is the result of technical work.

Most facilities are concentrated on the western shores of the Lake. You can find a lot of cafes and restaurants here with amazing culinary delights and also guesthouses and hotels for every budget, perched on the slopes on the banks side, offering panoramic view of the lake. These venues are impressive, full of warmth-and sometimes with a luxurious atmosphere that make up Baroque influences. You will find archery side shores, boating, canoeing, horse riding, cycling mountain bike trails Lake, in order to spend your time creatively and pleasantly.

Lake Plastira

Lake Plastira lies on the plateau of Nevropolis, on the western part of the Prefecture of Karditsa. It is an artificial lake, created by human intervention. It was formed in 1959, with the completion of the dam at the southern end of the Tavropos or Megdovas river. The idea for its creation is credited to Nikolaos Plastiras and the lake bears his name since, from when he first conceived of the project until his death, he zealously advocated for it. The dam is managed by the Greek National Power Company.

The depth of the lake varies, as it is determined by the original landscape of the area before it was flooded. It contains 400 million cubic meters of water, has a maximum length of 12 kilometers, a width of 4 kilometers, and an overall surface of 24 square kilometers. The maximum depth is 60 meters and the maximum elevation is 750 meters. This is one of the rare occasions where human intervention led to the shaping of a natural environment of incomparable beauty, which has established the lake as one of the most renowned tourist destinations. Snow capped or in full bloom, in the fall or in spring, Lake Plastira offers images of rare beauty through a collage of varied landscapes, colors and sensations.

This undeniably grand project provided new impetus for growth and development to the entire area around it; it changed the region forever, creating unique benefits. The waters of the lake power the hydroelectric station, irrigate the plain of Thessaly, and provide water to the city of Karditsa and to 38 towns and villages in the Prefecture.

In recent years, the lake has been developed as a tourist destination and it attracts more and more visitors, who enjoy the beauty of the landscape and the excellent tourism infrastructure developed mainly along the western banks. Perched on the lake’s banks are guesthouses and hotels for every budget, offering panoramic lake views, as well as excellent restaurants and cafes; together with numerous opportunities for activities, the region meets the expectations of even the most demanding visitor. This form of development helps keep the region’s population intact and enables the establishment of new activities, focused mainly on mild forms of alternative tourism and on the growth and distribution of local agricultural products.

Natural habitat

The lake is the most successful example of human intervention in nature. The harmony and beauty of the landscape creates the illusion that the lake is natural, with only the existence of the dam indicating that it is man-made. A major environmental issue is the large variation of the water level, depending on the season and local irrigation needs. Nevertheless, the lake and the surrounding area have a rich ecosystem: its waters are home to many species such as eels, common carp, trout, bass, gibel carp, lavaret, tench, bleak, and roach. The region is also the habitat of many species of birds, such as herons, Eurasian coots, various species of gulls, grebes and cormorants, and more rarely there are sightings of little egrets, griffon vultures, peregrine falcons and golden eagles. On the banks there are foxes, wolves, wild boars, badgers, weasels and less frequently bears, deer, and wildcats. The most representative species of flora in the 700-to-900-meter elevations is the broadleaf oak that is locally called Dendros; up to 1500 meters there are spruces, while further up in the pseudo-alpine zone there are low bushes. The region’s flora also includes underbrush such as fern, geranium, cyclamen, crocus, narcissus, various orchid species, etc.

sights

Dolopes – Agrafa until present

The area of Lake Plastira and the Agrafa mountains has a long history dating back to ancient times that continues to the present. This uninterrupted historical progression is conveyed through legends and traditions and can be discovered along every step through the region.

Dolopes
In ancient times, the area’s inhabitants were the Dolopes, an ancient Greek tribe that lived around the Agrafa mountain range. Their main city was Ktimenion, where the village of the same name survives. Until the 6th century BC, the Dolopes remained autonomous. Then they came under the dominion of Thessaly and Aetolia. They participated in many campaigns, as well as in the Trojan war. In 374 BC, they were subjugated by the tyrant Jason of Ferres, while in 344 BC they were allied with King Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great. Later, they became part of the Aetolian League until 168 BC, when they were conquered by the Romans. According to Pausanias, the tribe became extinct in the 2nd century AD.

Agrafa
The Agrafa mountain range is an area of great historical interest. Agrafa forms the southern end of the Pindos range; it occupies the entire northern part of the Prefecture of Evritania and the western part of the Prefecture of Karditsa, known respectively as the Evritanian and the Thessalian Agrafa. The Thessalian Agrafa with its 73 villages is the northern part of the mountain range, home to the range’s highest peak, Karaba (2,021m) and Lake Plastira, while to the east it rolls down into the Thessaly plain. The history of Agrafa is ancient. From 1500 to 27 BC it was inhabited by the Dolopes and the Athamanes, who developed their own culture. Later, they were involved in the conflict between Macedonians and Romans, and during the Middle Ages they were overrun by waves of Northern peoples: Slavs, Albanians, Vlachs, etc.

During the Ottoman occupation of Greece, the region of Agrafa flourished, particularly after it was granted autonomy by the Ottomans with the signing of the famous “Tamasi” Treaty of 1525, which is the oldest text of its kind. This Treaty recognized the autonomy of the villages of Agrafa, and despite their obligation to pay an annual tax, it gave rise to a time of great economic growth. Large churches and monasteries were built, the art of hagiography flourished, schools and colleges were built and many scholars were active in the region. The freedom that prevailed drew many fugitives from the Ottoman rule who formed bodies of “kleftes” (rebels) along with local chieftains, like Katsandonis and Georgios Karaiskakis, the most prominent leader of the 1821 Greek revolution, who led the rebel uprising of Agrafa until 1824.

Activities

Riding
Lake Plastira is an ideal location for riding. Both children and adults can enjoy horseback rides provided at organized farms located between the villages Morfovouni and Kalivia of Pezoula. Exploring the lake while galloping on horseback along its banks is a unique and unforgettable experience.

Canoe-Kayak
Lake Plastira is well-suited for canoeing and kayaking. The trails between the islands and fiords, the spectacular views of the majestic mountains and peaks, and above all the beauty and serenity of the lake, will enchant visitors.

Swimming
Every year on the first weekend of August, the Association of Lampero organizes the crossing of the lake. It is one of the most renowned swimming races in Greece, and it attracts large numbers of athletes. The swimmers have to cross a distance of 5km from Pezoula Beach to Lampero Beach.

Cycling
For those who enjoy cycling, Mountain Bike Centers operate at Kalivia of Pezoula and in Neochori (at the Botanical Garden), offering all the necessities to help visitors enjoy the numerous trails. The level of difficulty differs between the roads on the lakeside and those on the mountains. The total length of the route is approx. 35km.

Fishing
At Lake Plastira, you may only fish with a rod, for environmental protection reasons. If you wish to try your luck and have a fun experience, the local Fishermen Association will show you around and inform you of all applicable regulations.

A fishing competition is organized every year in the first fortnight of August, under the auspices of the Municipality of Morfovouni. Dozens of anglers participate from all municipal districts and from the city of Karditsa.

mountain trails

Monasteries – Churches

Museums – Folk Halls

“ANTONIS SAMARAKIS” Folk Culture Center

The Folk Culture Center “Antonis Samarakis” is a recently renovated, 300-sq.m. hall, located in the Community of Morfovouni, north of the central square. When it was included in the 3rd Regional Operational Program “CONFIGURATION OF EXHIBITION – FOLK CULTURE CENTER ANTONIS SAMARAKIS”, the goal was to establish favorable conditions for the protection and exploitation of folklore material, and to create infrastructure for the networking of cultural resource entities.

Cultural Center of Kerasia

The Cultural Center of Kerasia is located on the top of the village, in a stunning location with endless views of the lush fir mountain, Plastiras lake, Mouzaki and up to Meteora. The building was renovated (it was the old Primary School) with two Leader finances: one relating to the surroundings and the equipment and the other in the same building. The architecture consists of alternating stone and plaster and with respect to the environment it was an excellent fully integrated architectural building.

As for the building, there is a large hall with 200 seats, equipped kitchen, storeroom and toilets accessible to people with disabilities, living room and large terrace. It is fully equipped for musical events, documentary films – films and computers to connect to the internet, two televisions and large call center with photocopier. The surroundings of the Cultural Center is about 2000 sq.m. and is suitable for summer concerts and events. All these together make a great venue for various activities relating to all ages and is a real gem of the Municipality.

Cultural Multipurpose Center of Neochori

It is housed in the renovated stone building of the former 2nd Elementary school of Neochori.

In the main hall of the building, where is the seat of the Cultural Multipurpose Center of Neochori, take place conferences, workshops, seminars and sporting activities such as chess games and ping-pong with the contribution of the Cultural Association.

Folklore Collection of Filaktis

The building of the Folklore Collection is located in the Local Community of Filakti next to the church of St. George. Through various exhibitions the significant history, folklore tradition and architecture of the area is presented. Emphasis is given on trying to connect objects with life and activities of the people in the village. The objects themselves are not treated merely as classified species, but as a standalone components of an alphabet, which in combination with the original historic photographs constitute the raw material for a new reading of images and objects common and relevant.

Mesenikolas House of Wine and Vine

The House of Wine and Vine is located in Mesenicolas village of the Municipality of Plastiras Lake. It housed in a municipal building, which was partly constructed and partly renovated recently. The building operates at three levels (basement, ground floor and first floor) and has a total area of ​​about 280 sq.m. It has maintained the traditional view of the buildings in the area.

Morfovouni Center for Historical Studies

The “Nikolaos Plastiras” Center for Historical Studies was established in 1994, to honor and preserve the memory of the legendary “Black Rider”. The Center manages historical resources pertaining to local and national history. It belongs to the Municipality of Lake Plastira and is housed in a two-storey building at Morfovouni.

The Center houses a permanent exhibition of photographs from the life and work of Nikolaos Plastiras, as well as a collection of documents, newspaper clippings, photographs and personal items. These include hundreds of pre-war articles beginning in 1922, newspapers from the December 1944 events with articles on Nikolaos Plastiras, his message as Prime Minister in 1951, and many front pages and campaign speeches of the same era. Also of interest are 45 cartoon strips from the period between 1949 and 1950, which vividly render the climate of the era.

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Contact

email
dlplastira@plastiras-ota.gr
address
Morfovouni Karditsa Greece ZIP code:43067
phone
0030 24413 52200