Samarina

Infobox Greek Dimos
name = Samarina
name_local = Σαμαρίνα
periph = Macedonia
prefec = Grevena
population = 701
population_as_of = 2001
area =
elevation = 1430-1550
lat_deg = 40
lat_min = 6
lon_deg = 21
lon_min = 4
postal_code = 51100
area_code = 24620
licence =
mayor =
website =


caption_skyline =
city_

city_

districts =
party =
since =
elevation_min =
elevation_max =

Samarina ( _el. Σαμαρίνα) is a village in the Grevena Prefecture, Greece. Population 701 (2001). It is located in the north-east foot of mountain Smolikas (Σμόλικας) in Macedonia (Greece). With an altitude of 1440-1540 meters is the highest village in Greece. Its population consists of Vlachs. It is not inhabited during the winter months due to severe weather conditions. However, because of its unique location, beautiful pine and beech forests makes it an ideal summer attraction for thousands of tourists every year.

History

This village in the Pindos mountains with its Vlach population enjoyed successful periods of exceptional economic growth and cultural development. On a map it was shown under the name Santa Marina. Its inhabitants tended sheep and goats and wove a woolen fabric called 'velentza', which they sold at the region's trade fairs. The people of Samarina were also involved in trade, and as muleteers they pioneered long caravans that traveled all over the Balkans. The level of culture reached by this town (it had churches, schools and a library) is evident in the excellence of its religious painting. Samarina flourished at the end of the 18th century and during the 19th. The economic success was based on a group of activities, but mostly in the cattle-breading, the small industries, the trade and the arts.

Romanian school was founded in Samarina in 1880 by Aromanian T. Shomu [Ласку, Стоjка. Од историjaта на ароманскиот печат во Македониjа. Списаниjата "Братство" и "Светлина", Скопjе 2007, с. 122] .

An important account of the life of the Vlach population of Samarina at the beginning of the 20th century is provided in a study by A.J.B. Wace and M.S. Thompson entitled "Nomads of the Balkans: an account of life and customs among the Vlachs of Northern Pindus", London 1914.

The Greek folklore song "Children of Samarina" (Greek: Παιδιά απ'την Σαμαρίνα) is associated with it. It refers to local volunteers who fought and lost their lives during the Greek War of Independence against the Turks in 1821. In particular, it refers to the Messolonghi events and the heroic "Exodus of its Guards".

Samarina was the birthplace of Alchiviad Diamandi di Samarina and Nicola Matushi, leaders of the Principality of Pindus during World War II.

Region

The district of Samarina is located in south western Macedonia. This mountainous region is covered with forests full of trees such as beeches, pines, firs, oaken, sfendamos, arkenthos, cornels, poplars, willows and other. The fauna of the area includes animals such as bears, roe deer, goats, wolf, foxes, badgers, squirrels, wild boar, rabbits, and many species of eagles, hawks and other birds.

Southwest from the village, in the foothills of mountain Smolikas and in the left side of the path we come across a glacial lake known as "Drakolimni" (or Dragon's Lake). Here, Alpine tritons can be found while a few meters away the big waterfall of Smolikas exists, known as "Apa Spintziouriata" , whose water crosses the rough glen of Valia Kirna, named Skontina. The current of Valia Kirna is met some miles away with another current named Skordei-Greko, which steams from the areas of Gomara, Tampouri and Samarina.

In the forest of Kioyrista, just above the village of Samarina, the "Fantina Likiraou" spring is located (Spring of the "Lady") next to which a fountain has been built, known for its crystal clear water. A few minutes walk away from the fountain and inside the forest, another water source is located in the middle of a verdurous grassland, the source of "Moutcalia". The place over there is offered for picnics, exhibitions, sports and countryside games.

In the border limits of the villages Smixi, Samarina and Distrato, the mountain Gomara is raised with altitude 2.028 meters. The peak of the mountain is almost naked with interspersed bushes and low beech trees and black pines. From over there one can see the village of Samarina, the city of Kastoria and the mountain Olympos. The mountain Skourtzia (1.840 meters) is in the northeast side of the village and it is a rocky mountain apart from the places covered with beech trees. The Dotsiko village, the Helidonou sink area and the location "Stavros" are the places of the mountain that afford the best view. The Greko-Romios peak, with 1.800 meters has the same characteristics with the Skourtzia mountain.

Notes