Zagori Cultural Landscape

The Cultural Landscape of Zagori is located in the mountainous region of Epirus, in northwestern Greece. It is a rural landscape of small villages, known as Zagorochoria, stretching along the western slopes of the northern part of the Pindos mountain range.

In this remote area, characterized by a variety of geological formations, flora and fauna, an impressive network of stone arched bridges, stone cobbled streets and stone staircases connecting the villages of what is now the Municipality of Zagori formed a system that functioned as a political and social unit and linked the communities located mainly in the Voidomatis river basin.

The Cultural Landscape of Zagori is now on the UNESCO World Heritage List following the decision of the 45th Session of the World Heritage Committee in 2023.

According to the selection criterion (v), on the basis of which the inscription was made, Zagorochoria, the traditional villages of Zagori Cultural Landscape, are an outstanding example of traditional human settlements where the characteristics of the stonework showcased in traditional buildings, bridges, pathways, and staircases represent a distinctive culture developed in a remote mountain region. The vernacular architecture, urban structure, and public infrastructure of the villages have been influenced by an exchange with other areas of the Balkans, Central Europe, Russia, Asia Minor, and Constantinople, where Zagorisians practiced temporary migration. Zagorisians imported ideas and styles to their homeland and provided investments which enabled the development of this isolated area of the Pindus Mountain range.

Zagorochoria are representative of the common legacy of Byzantine and Ottoman vernacular architecture of the larger Balkan region, a style that has become rare, but is still reflected in the traditional stone architecture and traditional village layouts of Zagori. Zagorochoria are vulnerable to depopulation, facing the challenge of preserving traditional forms of architecture and building practices whilst serving modern residential needs (water supply, drainage vehicular access) as well as the development of tourism.

The unique geological history of the area result in an extremely wide variety of flora and fauna

More about the natural environment