By USI Università della Svizzera italiana
Exhibition curated by Massimo Della Corte and Silvia De Ascaniis (USI UNESCO Chair, Lugano, Switzerland), Filareti Kotsi (Zayed University, UAE)
In this exhibition we have decided to show Kastoria's natural and cultural beauty, highlighted by the Orestiada lake, the dragon cave and the intangible heritage of fur production, deeply connected to the population of the city. To do so, we linked each attraction to the icon of the Saint that best represents it in the Orthodox tradition.
In the beginning the Virgin Mary, connected to the festivities, then the Saints Anargyroi, whose church is one of the city's most iconic. Halfway through, you will see St. George, slayer of the dragon, followed by St. Nicholas, the protector of the sailors and, finally, Prophet Elijah, protector of furriers.
All icons and frescoes belong to the city of Kastoria and were found in the churches around the town. While the frescoes are still located in the churches, the icons are showcased in the Byzantine Museum of Kastoria.
The Monastery of Panagia Mavriotissa
Probably founded in the 11th c., it is linked to the Byzantine recapture of the city from the Normans.
Its name comes from Panagia ("Most Holy") referring to the Virgin Mary and Mavriotissa referring to the village of Mavrovo. The walls are rich in frescoes from the 12-13th c.
The Dormition of the Virgin in Monastery of Panagia Mavriotissa (1400) by Eviana GerousiUSI Università della Svizzera italiana
The Dormition of the Virgin
Depicted in the catholicon of the monastery, it commemorates the Virgin Mary’s ascent to the Kingdom of Heaven. One of the most important Orthodox celebrations, it is observed on August 15. In Kastoria, the festival known as Dekapentagoustos is marked by processions and local festivities.
Agioi Anargyroi
Cosmas and Damian are recognized as the Saints that practiced their medicine without asking for payment. They are a very important symbol for the Orthodox religion and are the representation of charity and speedy recovery.
Church of Agioi Anargyroi
It is one of the most representative churches of Kastoria's Old City and Byzantine heritage.
Despite being one of the oldest churches, built in the 10th century, it still contains original Byzantine marbles and decorations.
Agios Georgios
Often called the Great Duke due to his role in the Diocletian army, St. George was martyred in the 4th c. He is the protector of warriors and is invoked against infectious diseases and snakes.
He is known for killing the dragon that terrorized the population of Silene (Syria).
The Dragon
In the icon, he is depicted on a white horse slaying the dragon, which directly connects two storytelling realms: the Christian legend of Saint George defeating evil and the Ancient Pagan Myth of Kastoria's Dragon Cave.
The folklorist D. Giannousis wrote that, in a cave on the shores of Lake Orestiada, a dragon guarded a gold mine hidden in the depths of the Earth. The fiery breath and the poisonous vapors of the beast avoided everyone from entering. When the mythical king and founder of the city, Kastor, reached the cave, he launched a challenge: whoever was able to slain the dragon would've received great treasures. A young man found the courage to fight the beast, slaying it and throwing it in the lake.
Agios Nikolaos
St. Nicholas, 4th c. bishop of Myra (Turkey), is known for secretly helping a poor man with money so his daughters could marry, giving him the folkloristic nickname "Santa Claus".
In Kastoria, he is honored as protector of sailors and lake traders, vital to the city’s economy.
Saint Nicholas' Miracle
In the Orthodox tradition, Saint Nicholas is the protector of sailors and water merchants. According to the legend, some sailors invoked him during a storm, and he appeared and calmed the sea, allowing the ship to be saved.
Lake Orestiada (2026-02-12) by Melanie MolinariUSI Università della Svizzera italiana
Lake Orestiada
Orestiada Lake and its surrounding mountains shape Kastoria’s natural landscape. On its waters, traditional Karavi boats still appear, though the craft of building them is slowly fading.
Profitis Ilias
Then said Elijah unto the people, “I, even I only, remain a prophet of the Lord, but Baal’s prophets are four hundred and fifty men." [1 Kings, 18:22]
Elijah’s faith gives him power to overcome Baal’s 450 prophets and later ascend to heaven on a chariot of fire.
Fur production is deeply rooted in the city’s heritage. For many years, Kastoria’s economy relied heavily on this industry, whose main customers came from Russia. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and, especially, the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine severely affected the sector. As Russians faced greater travel restrictions, fur producers saw a sharp drop in income, forcing many owners to close their businesses or lay off employees.
The Byzantine Museum of Kastoria
The home of the Byzantine heritage of the city.
We would like to thank the Byzantine Museum of Kastoria for its valuable support and collaboration in the creation of this Digital Exhibition. All the icons featured in the exhibition belong to the Museum, while the fresco is located in a church of the city.
Byzantine Museum of Kastoria
We would like to thank professor Filareti Kotsi (Zayed University, UAE) for the help in the understanding of the local heritage and for the communication with the stakeholders.
The project was born during the 2026 USI Winter School in Kastoria.
USI Winter School
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