For years he has been struggling for living status and economic development. Due to that fact Kastoria achieved a continuous production improvement and a thorough adjustment to the seasonal demands. Kastorian furriers have been worldwide famous thus being greatly prized in the fur market, contributing much in the National Economy. Behind the fascinating production activities, there are three stable facts: many industries, large fur working capacity, competitive production. Three facts that can be translated in numbers: 3500 industrial enterprises, 20.000 workers, 5000 fur coats capacity per day. Main coordination of this fascinating and creative activity is the Fur Association of Kastoria which is founded in 1915. The fur craftsmanship flourished again at the beginning of the 20th century. The developed activities urged for the establishment of a Union. In 1915 the Association of Kastoria Furriers "Profitis Ilias" was founded. This Association is functioning efficiently up to now. The President of this Association mentions that economic figures statistically valued, appear after the Second World War. Since 1968, besides sewing of fur pieces, the working of fur consumption began.

The fur industry's Nourishment influenced not only the economical prosperity but also the population growth of the city and the around area. Today Kastoria is the center of world's fur merchandise, having nothing to fear from other countries, mainly Eastern, because Kastoria's fur industry claims only the quality and the tradition of fur making without looking for the easy profit. Together with the fur industry, in Kastoria some other productive activities flourish. "Flokates", rugs, blankets and other similar products (mainly in Argos Orestikon) are promoted in all other Greek markets and are distinguished for their quality. All are hand - made, following the traditional craft of the area.

Kastoria acquired its name front the Macedonian hero of' Mythology, Kastor, son of Zeus. The geographical area of Kastoria is identified as the small ancient Macedonian state of Orestiada, whose inhabitants were called Orestes and the capital Argos Orestikon. From that point, according to history, the Macedonian kings started to merge the rest small states which formed the big Macedonian state whose capital was Eges (Vergina) and later, Pella. During the Roman times, the city of Kastoria had the fate of the rest of Macedonia. Fame and glamour followed in the Byzantine era. In many places of the city one can clearly see traces of the fortification dated from the days of loustinianus protecting the city from barbarian invasions.

Ruins of the Byzantine Wall make us conclude that the lake was at those days, as high as where the modern city is now built. Acropolis was situated on the highest place where now there is the guest - room and the reservoir of the city. It is obvious that during the Bvzantine period many of the inhabitants lived outside the Wall, at the hill where many churches are saved up to now.

In the past Byzantine period, Kastoria has raised many Benefactors and Teachers of the Nation, while it took part in the 1821 Revolution with a corps of its own people. During the 19th century, Kastoria participated in the Revolution against the Turkish and played an important role during the Macedonian struggle against both Turks and Bulgarians, In 1912, Kastoria became a part of Greece. Today, Kastoria is a city of 35.000 inhabitants, a city bursting of life and progress, while it has a strong connection with its history and mythical past.

It is a challenge to the visitors seeing the 40 or more Byzantine churches (Temples) and the numerous - around 250 - Macedonian neo-classical houses. One can see churches appearing at every crossroad and yard. Inscriptions give us the information that the churches were built by Kastorians who had lived most of their lives abroad, or lords in exile, or people of a whole neighborhood and finally from members of a Trade union. Only the old ones are clearly shown, the others - built much later - are placed in the backyards where it is difficult to be seen. On Omonia Square, the visitors make the first acquaintance of Kastoria's Byzantine Art. A little further we can visit Saint Nikolaos Kasnitzi, Taxiarches and Panagia Koumpelidiki. From the Omonia Square we advise you to visit Agios Minas Square from Valala street. There, you could find the Agios Stefanos and Agii Anargiri churches.

While the sunbeams paint with red and golden the waters of the lake, the white swans and the ducks that accompany the fishermen will draw your attention. At the same time the "boats" of Kastoria will move slowly on the waters, making you believe that this is a painting coming back to life.

You can enjoy the beautiful view sitting on a stone bench by the seashore or in the fishermen kiosk built with extreme care by the members of the "Friends of Environment Association", in their effort to protect the traditional treasure of the city.

While you are in the lake, you have to visit the monastery of Panagia Mavriotissa. You will rest under the gigantic old plane trees, you will visit the church of Panagia, the katholiko of the monastery and the chapel of Agios loannis Theologos with the beautiful frescoes, dated back to the II th century. If you ask for more information about the history of the monastery, father Gavriil will be pleased to answer all your questions.

A walk to the Profiti Ilia, will give you the opportunity to enjoy the panoramic view of the city and since you are here, do not hesitate to climb to the shelter of Ai Thanasi, which lays on a 888 meters altitude. You will be fascinated by the view and the beauty God has so generously given to this place.

On your free time we suggest to go fishing which is an unforgettable experience because of the beauty of the lake and landscape. You can buy all fishing equipments in the stores of the city. If you have a sailing boat you can sail and discover another aspect of Kastoria. From November to March, skiing is the main entertainment. Vintsi is the skiing resort of the Ski Club of Kastoria and is situated near the city at a 1800 meters altitude. You can also go water-skiing the take; skating in winter is fun too but can be dangerous if you are not skilled enough, due to the dark sports on the surface of the ice that break easily. If you hunt, arrange a hunting excursion on the near mountains, where you can get great pleasure. Finally if you are an amateur photographer you will find many interesting spots in the area.

Time for fun. If you love dancing, there are a lot of discos which attract the youth. In the suburbs, there are places where you can listen to Greek popular music. If on the other hand prefer a romantic evening, you can dine in one of the beautiful restaurants or taverns where you can try the delicious specialties. n Kastoria, there are pizza places, coffee shops along the seashore, pubs, bistros and places with soft music. For movie lovers, there is a cinema and a movie club. At the end of' our tribute to Kastoria, we propose you spend a day outside the center. If you love Nature, the road to Prespes will offer you an unforgettable experience. You will follow the road from Aposkcpo, Gavro, Laimo Prespon, where the National Park is. Before you return to Kastoria, you can have lunch in the National Tourist Organization or in the village Psarades, where you can visit the roach paintings. Agiographies are painted and not engraved on the rocks.

The road to Kleisoura, Nymfeo and back to Kastoria is for those who are interested in tradition. If you want to combine entertainment and information on the industrial progress of the area, you can follow the road to Ptolemaida, Fragma, Polyfymo and return via Siatista.

Of equal beauty is the road from Prespes, ski resort Pissodendri, Florina, Yugoslavian boarders dnd back to Kastoria via' Aminteo. If you do have more free time, you can choose a big variety of sightseeing's with great historical, natural and cultural interest. You can visit Kleisoura, Nestorio, Argos Orestiko, Koriso, Mavrochori, Makrochori and Eptachori, and above all the Arena lake on Grammos, where the landscape reminds the Alps with the numerous small lakes and waterfalls. somewhere here, sightseeing in Kastoria and the around area, ends.