Arta - Άρτα

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THE Arta ([Municipality of Arta] *Peripheral Unit of Arta) is the capital of the prefecture of Arta and its second largest city Epirus, with a population of 21,895 inhabitants.

Generally

Famous for its legendary bridge, founded on a haunted soul, Arta is built on the ruins of Ancient Amvrakia. The city has twice been the capital. King Pyrrhus of Epirus moved the capital of his state to Amvrakia while during the Byzantine years, Arta was the capital of the Despotate of Epirus.

Ideal period of visit

The city of Arta is characterized by relatively mild winters with temperatures that rarely reach values ​​below zero, although the cold wind from the mountain range of Tzoumerka, especially in the morning, makes the cold felt. The visitor must be prepared, especially during the winter months, to encounter high levels of humidity and heavy rainfall. Rainfall is often intense and lasts for many consecutive days, mainly from November to March. In summers the temperatures are relatively high and sometimes even at night, the heat is intense. The warmest months are July and August.

Language

The Greek language is spoken in Arta. The majority, especially young people, know English.

Access

Arta is 348 km from Athena, 323 km from Thessaloniki, 153 km from Patras, 77 km from Janina, 50 km from Preveza and 108 km from Igoumenitsa.

By air

Ioannina State Airport. - It is about 80 km from the city of Arta. 

Akti State Airport. - It is about 60 km from the city of Arta. 

By road

• From Athens: Via the National Road Antirriou-Ioannina .
• From Ioannina: Via the National Road Ioannina-Antirrio .
• From Thessaloniki: Via the Egnatia Odos. At the height of Ioannina, we follow the National Road Ioannina-Antirrio and we arrive in Arta.
• From Preveza: Via the National Road Preveza-Filippiada .
• From Igoumenitsa: Via the National Road Igoumenitsa-Preveza and a few kilometers before the city of Preveza we follow the National Road Preveza-Filippiada .
• From Trikala: Via the National Road Trikala-Arta . Starting from Trikala we follow the route that passes through Pyli, Stournareika, Vathirevma, Mesochora, Kapsala, Athamanio, Vourgareli, Kato Athamanio, Melates, Peta and we reach Arta.
• From Karditsa: Via the Karditsa-Arta Provincial Road. Starting at Karditsa we follow the route that passes through Mouzaki, Argithea, Korakou Bridge, Piges, Grevia, Miliana, Astrochori, Kranies, Xirokampos, Ano Kalentini, Peta and we reach Arta.

Drivers should be especially careful on the route from Amfilochia to Arta because the poor condition of the road, the narrowness of the road and the frequent rainfall have often been the cause of a large number of road accidents.

By train

Arta and Epirus in general do not have a railway network.

By boat

The nearest ports are those of Igoumenitsa and Preveza.

Orient yourself

The city of Arta is small and it is relatively easy to visit it all in a very short time.

Movements

The small size of the city does not make it necessary to use public transport. The visitor can tour almost the entire city on foot.

• Bus: Transportation within the city and in the lowland areas around the city are served by the routes of the Urban KTEL Arta. Also, the Urban KTEL of Arta runs daily services to and from the city hospital. Tickets can be purchased from most kiosks in the city but to avoid inconvenience, it is advisable to go to kiosks which are located near the stops of the Urban KTEL. The stops of the Urban KTEL are located along Vassileos Pyrrou Street and on the ring road at the following points (in the direction from the KTEL station to the bridge):

• The first stop is near the KTEL.
• The second in the public market.
• The third in Kilkis square.
• The fourth near the old hospital building.
• The fifth within walking distance of the bridge of Arta.

All stops of the Urban KTEL have electronic screens, to inform the passenger public about the itineraries and the waiting time. The update is done automatically every 2 minutes, which makes this service very useful. The access to the mountainous areas of the prefecture of Arta is possible thanks to the itineraries of the Intercity KTEL of Arta, the station of which is located on the Arta ring road, in front of the artificial lake of Arta and at a distance of only 1 km from the city center.

• Cab: In Arta, for the service of the passenger public and in specially designed areas for this purpose, there are seven designated TAXI stations that are scattered in various places so that they are easily accessible by the passenger public. The stations are located:

• At the Arta Intercity Bus Station.
• In Diamantis square, on Vlachernon street.
• In Monopoliou square, on Filellinon street.
• In Kilkis square, on Vas. Pyrrou street.
• In Kilkis square, on Anexartisias street.
• In the "Trigono" area, on I. Papavassiliou Street.
• At the General Hospital of Arta.

TAXI in Arta is yellow.

Useful phone numbers and addresses

• Radio taxi of Arta: Tel. center, 30 26810 - 78332, 30 26810 - 78333. It is possible to communicate by sending an SMS (simple charge) with the details of the passenger to 306978080979.
• Intercity KTEL Arta: Tel, 30 26810 - 27348, 30 26810 - 27357, Fax: 30 26810 - 27692

parking spaces

Parking is difficult in the city center. There are two paid car parks and a free car park. The first parking lot is located at the intersection of Venizelos and Arachthos and has a small capacity. The second parking lot is located opposite Zerva Square and can accommodate a sufficient number of cars. A free parking lot is located on the ring road, at the height of Eleftheriou Venizelou Street.

Sights

The visit to the monuments of Arta is free and the visitor is not charged with a ticket. On the contrary, in the museums of the city there is a ticket but its price is relatively low.

Classical monuments

•   Temple of Apollo Pythian Savior. — 
•   Small Theater of Amvrakia. — 
•   Amvrakia Cemetery. — 
•   Ancient Amvrakia wall. — 

Byzantine monuments

•   The Comforter. - Byzantine church, which is located opposite Skoufa square. It was founded in 1285 by Nikiforos I Komnenos Doukas and his wife Anna Palaiologina Katakouzinis. Today the church, the Bank and sixteen cells are preserved. Today's church is remarkable for its architecture, its decoration but also its huge dimensions. 
•   The castle. - It is the most representative sample of the medieval physiognomy of Arta. The shape of the castle is an irregular polygon (maximum length 280m. And width 175m.) Which at intervals of 25m. interrupted by semicircular, triangular or polygonal towers. Admission is free to the public. 
•   Saint Theodora. - Located near the main square of the city. The original church was built in the 11th century. in the form of a three-aisled basilica. The relics that are hosted in the temple are also extremely interesting. The portable icon of Christ, dating to 1653, two magnificent silver shrines, with embossed decoration, containing the relics of St. Theodora and the silver-plated icon of St., a 17th century work, created on a thin layer of gold. To the left of the south entrance of the church is the tomb of Agia Theodora. If the visitor is in the city of Arta during Holy Week he can watch the custom of the fire in Agia Theodora. Parishioners and children of Agia Theodora Arta, light a large fire in the churchyard, on the night of Maundy Thursday during the fifth Gospel. The custom symbolizes the fires lit by Jesus' disciples in front of the Government of Pontius Pilate on the night of His arrest. 
•   Santa Claus. - 13th century church, near the city center. In the courtyard of the church operated from 1662 to 1821, the famous Manolaki School. One of the features of the temple is the rich exterior decoration. Remarkable are both clay icons, built into the gable on the east side of the temple. In one there is a relief representation of the Crucifixion, while in the other the three Hierarchs are depicted. 

Post-Byzantine monuments

•   The historic bridge of Arta. — 
•   The clock tower. — 

Museums

•   Archaeological Museum of Arta (at the place "Trigono", near the bridge of Arta.). — 
•   Folklore Museum of Arta (next to the historic bridge of Arta.). — 
•   Arta Municipal Gallery "G. Moralis », Nikolaou Plastira and Tsakalov (former Fire Department), PC 47100,, ☎ 30 26810 24946. Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Sat: 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.. - The Municipal Art Gallery of Arta was inaugurated in December 2010 and is housed in the renovated building of the former Fire Department. It has two main rooms, one of which hosts the permanent collection and the other the occasional periodic exhibitions 
• Museum of Classical Antiquities. - It is housed in the bank (restaurant) of Parigoritissa 
•   Historical Museum "Skoufa, in Skoufa square.. — 

Entertainment

Events

• Celebration of the Patron Saint of Arta: On March 11, Saint Theodora, patron saint of the city, celebrates. On the occasion of this great religious celebration, a procession of the image and a parade take place.
• Celebrations for the liberation of Arta: On the 3rd ten days of June, events take place for the anniversary of the liberation of Arta.
• Trade fair: On September 27 and for a week a big trade fair is organized in Arta and the event takes place at the Arta exhibition center "Kostas Vagias".
• The Women's Carnival: On Wednesday, between the two Carnival Sundays, the women of Arta hold a carnival parade.

Studies

Job opportunities in Arta

markets

The relatively unpolluted and not particularly burdened environment of the prefecture of Arta, has as a result the production of a wide variety of agricultural and livestock products with some of them holding the PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) mark of the EU.

• Citrus fruits. The November-February period is ideal for buying Arta oranges and the November-December period for mandarins, which can be easily found in the public market and grocery stores of the city, at a much lower price compared to the big urban centers, due to abundance (Arta produces 17% of the country's oranges) and almost zero transport costs 
• Sweets. Spoon sweets are another delicacy that can be obtained from the city market. 
• Tsipouro. In the area of ​​the plain but also in Tzoumerka, a variety of grape thrives with the name "isabella" or zambella. Zambela is a hybrid grape that is very durable and tasty and is ideal for the production of tsipouro but on the contrary it is not suitable for the production of wine. It has a dark red or black color and is considered a weevil. 
• Arta Conservation. One of the PDO products in the area. 
• Amvrakikos roe. Amvrakikos roe is one of the most expensive dishes of Greek production. During the months of its production, if one has the opportunity to reach the divars, in the lagoons of Amvrakikos, the specific food can be procured directly from the producers at a low price but there is also the possibility of buying it in various stores in the city of Arta. 
• Feta Arta, Kefalograviera Arta, Galotyri Arta. PDO products of the area. 
• Fishery products. Eels, sardines, shrimp, mullets etc. are some of the fish of Amvrakikos that one can get from the city market. Often the inhabitants of the area who live near Amvrakikos, go in the very early morning hours to the divars, to get fresh fish that has just been caught. 

Transactions

In the city there are branches of almost all Greek banks and they are located relatively close to the city center. ATMs are also available in various parts of the city such as the bus station and the General Hospital. Hotels accept credit cards. For convenience it is recommended to have cash for transactions in the shops of the city and in the means of transport

Fun

• Brown Bridge, Theiakogianni 12, Arta, 47100, ☎ 30 26810 22848. Coffee and drink by the river Arachthos but also dishes of Greek cuisine. 
• Mito Del Puente, Ring Road, Arta, 47100, ☎ 30 26810 24404. At the entrance of the city, a few meters from the bridge of Arta and in front of the building of the TEI of Epirus. 
• Capital Cafe, Vlachoutsi 7, National Resistance Square, Arta, 47100, ☎ 30 26810 29039. Modern All day Bar Cafe in the main square. 
• Duomo, Xenopoulou 3, Arta, 47100, ☎ 30 26810 21530. In the heart of the city, in the main square, for fun, coffee and drinks until the morning. 
• Allure, Karaiskaki 9, Arta, 47100, ☎ 30 26810 70180. Drink and have fun in one of the busiest shops in town, just steps from the main square. 
• El Mundo, Karaiskaki 8, Arta, 47100, ☎ 30 26810 73439. Coffee and drink all hours of the day. 
• In Arta 1887, Apokafkou 1, Arta, 47100, ☎ 30 26810 75059. Coffee, drinks and sweets in Skoufa Square, next to the church of Parigoritria and under the shade of the plane tree. 
• Allemi, Zara 10, Arta, 47100, ☎ 30 26810 76104. Cafe Snack Bar Creperie for all hours of the day. 
• Κακκαβάς, St. Konstantinos 1, Arta, 47100, ☎ 30 26810 74266. One of the most historic shops in the city, Kakkavas, since 1907 has been associated with all the events of the city. 
• Eleven, Ring Road, Near Nea Gefyra, Arta, 47100, ☎ 30 26810 26600. Cafe Bar Restaurant at the entrance of the city, close to the historic bridge. 

Spectacles

Night clubs

Restaurants - Taverns

• Master builder, Theiakogianni 17, ☎ 30 26810 75686. —Greek cuisine, meats, pasta and various varieties overlooking the bridge of Arta. 
• In Monoplio, Skoufa 63, Pl. Monopoly, ☎ 30 26810 23232. - Greek cuisine, dishes of the hour and a wide variety of cooked food in the city center. 
• Thrace, Crystal 46, ☎ 30 26810 79230. - Restaurant, Tavern, Ouzo near Zerva square, a few meters from the bus station. 
• Carnagio, Ringroad, ☎ 30 26810 24490. - Seafood delicacies, fresh fish of Amvrakikos and various dishes near the bridge of Arta. 
• Pizza Rusticana, Ringroad, ☎ 30 26810 24600. - Pizza for all tastes, near the historic bridge of Arta. 
• Goody's, Hat 107, ☎ 30 26810 24244. - Fast food from the well-known chain of stores, very close to Agios Dimitrios. 

Economic options

Middle class

High benefits

Accommodation

Economic options

•   Hotel Amvrakia, N.Priovolou 13, Arta, ☎ 30 26810 28311. - It has bathroom with bath, refrigerator, heating, bathroom with shower, air conditioning, TV, Cafe / bistro, rooms with balcony, hotel bar, Room Service, Restaurant, parking service, Lobby, Laundry services, Pets allowed. 

Middle class

•   Hotel Cronos, Kilkis Square, ☎ 30 26810 22211. - It has 55 renovated and air-conditioned rooms, breakfast room, bar, wireless internet, parking, meeting room. 

High benefits

•   Hotel Byzantine, Filothei Arta, ☎ 30 26810 52205, e-mail: [email protected]. - It has single, double, triple rooms and suites with central air conditioning, satellite TV, whirlpool, Bar, Cafe, Seminar rooms, Restaurant, catering service, swimming pool, pool bar, pool restaurant, parking, 5x Tennis courts, Volleyball. From 125 € the double. 
• Arta Palace, 5th km E.O. Arta - Agrinio, ☎ 30 26810 61530, 61532NOCC, 61222NOCC, e-mail: [email protected]. - It has 85 rooms and 3 suites, air conditioning, satellite TV, free wireless internet, Mini bar, Car rental service, safe, Restaurant - Bar, Pool Bar, 3 swimming pools, SPA, 4 event rooms, parking. 

Stay safe

Arta is a fairly safe city for the visitor but also for its inhabitants. The Arta Police Department is located a few meters from the city center. In case of need for medical treatment, the hospital is located on Peranthis hill, at an altitude of 197 meters, on the outskirts of the city of Arta and is about 4 km from the city center and 3 km from the bus station. The center of EKAB is located next to the bridge of Arta.

Useful phone numbers and addresses

• Arta Police Department: Agios Artemios & Irini, T.K. 471 00, tel. 30 26810 - 80100, Fax. 30 26810 - 78074, E-mail: [email protected]
• Arta General Hospital: Tel. 30 26810 - 22222.
• Municipal police: Peripheral Road & Afxentiou, T.K. 471 00, tel. 30 26810 - 75555, 30 26810 - 62238, Fax. 30 26810 - 75808.

Communications

Internet access

Arta offers the possibility of wireless and free internet network to all residents and visitors of the city. Wireless nodes are located in the following areas:

• town hall
• Kilkis Square
• "Triangle" area
• Central Square (Agios Dimitrios)
• Skoufa pedestrian street
• Public market
• KTEL

Mobile

The city of Arta is covered in its entirety by the mobile network. In all the squares of the city there are prepaid telephones as well as in the OTE building, in the central square and in the KTEL station. The post office of Arta is located at 4 Aristagora Street, PC. 47100, tel. 30 26810 71015.
If you want to visit the city with your car, it is good to know that it is quite difficult to find a parking space near the city center. Due to the difficulty of finding a parking space, those living outside Arta start searching for a vacancy very early, with the result that after 8 in the morning most of the seats are exhausted and drivers are forced to leave their car far enough away from the center. An important problem is the traffic on the two roads of the city: the descent of Vassileos Pyrrou Street but also the ascent of Vassileos Konstantinou.

Small problems

In case your destination is the camp of Arta, it would be good to call a taxi because the walking route, in the upper part of the city, can easily distract you and there can be a delay. If for some reason you get lost among the alleys of the city there is no reason to panic because Arta is a small town and you will easily return to Skoufa Street, the main street of the city.

Although there are no barriers at the entrance and exit of the pedestrian street of Skoufa Street, you should not enter this zone by car or motorbike for any reason because the traffic of pedestrians is high and makes it difficult to cross, but above all the municipal police will charge you with a call and a fine.

In case a visitor needs to procure items such as cigarettes, airtime renewal cards, phone cards, etc. after midnight, to avoid inconvenience it is advisable to go to kiosks along Skoufa Street and mainly in the main square (Agios Dimitrios), which remain open until late (especially in the summer months) but also in the area of ​​Trigono, near the bridge of Arta.

Arta is one of the cities where the camp is located very close to the center, on the hill of Peranthis, almost next to the hospital. Although the environment and the view from the camp are admirable, the visitor should avoid taking photos because, as in the rest of Greece, there is a ban on taking photos near military installations.

Nearby destinations

• Monastery of Kato Panagia
• Ορραόν
• Τζουμέρκα
• Amvrakikos Gulf
• Agios Dimitrios of Katsouris

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