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Kassopi

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ruins
—°6
Kassopi (Greece)

Weather…

Kassopi was the capital of the Kassopaeans in ancient Epirus, situated on a windswept plateau at the foot of Mount Zalongo. Founded in the mid-4th century BC, the city is regarded as one of the best examples of a planned city using the Hippodamian system in northwestern Greece. The inhabitants chose this location for its strategic advantages, as it overlooked the fertile lands to the south and the maritime routes of the Ionian Sea. The city center features an extensive agora surrounded by monumental stoas, a prytaneion, and a well-preserved theater. The city walls enclosed residential districts laid out in a strict rectangular grid. The decline of Kassopi began in 167 BC when Roman troops under Aemilius Paullus devastated the region. The city was finally abandoned around 31 BC when the population was forced to resettle in the newly founded city of Nicopolis. Today, the ruins provide a peaceful atmosphere and a broad view stretching to the Ambracian Gulf.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C101013151924262724201612
Rain mm12310084503824142385109136153

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The ancient city of Kassopi is an open-air ruin that can be visited freely at any time. Access to the site is unrestricted, but there are no facilities on site.
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Typical hours
As it is an open archaeological site, there are no fixed opening hours. Visiting during daylight hours is recommended.
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Photography
Photography is permitted without restrictions throughout the site. Drone flights may be subject to local regulations.
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Time needed
A walk around the site takes about 30 minutes to an hour. The surrounding landscape invites longer hikes.
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Combine with
Combine Kassopi with ancient Nikopolis and the town of Preveza. The beaches of the region are also worth seeing.
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Getting there
The ruins are about 15 minutes by car from Preveza, accessed via an unpaved road. A rugged vehicle is recommended.
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Insider tip
Bring plenty of water and sun protection as there is no shade on site. Visit the site early morning for the best atmosphere.

Geography

Coordinates
39.12390, 20.67970

Facts

  • Kassopi was designed according to the Hippodamian grid system.
  • The city is located approximately 550 meters above sea level.
  • The city's large theater had a capacity for about 6000 spectators.
  • The North Stoa at the agora was 64 meters long and had two stories.
  • The Prytaneion (town hall) dates back to around 300 BC.
  • Aemilius Paullus destroyed 70 cities in Epirus in 167 BC, including Kassopi.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Shoaiba Power PlantShoaiba Power Plant8 km · SExplore →
NicopolisNicopolis14 km · SExplore →
PrevezaPreveza20 km · SExplore →
Acheron RiverAcheron River20 km · NWExplore →
Amvrakikos Gulf WetlandsAmvrakikos Gulf Wetlands21 km · EExplore →
KoronisiaKoronisia24 km · SEExplore →
Bridge of ArtaBridge of Arta26 km · EExplore →
AnaktorioAnaktorio27 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Kassopi (6)

Cassope🏺 historical

Cassope is an ancient Greek city featuring well-preserved ruins and an urban grid layout.

Katagogion🏺 historical

The Katagogion is the ruins of an ancient inn or hostel located within the site of Cassope.

Monastery of Zalongo📍 landmark

This historic monastery is situated near the monument commemorating the Dance of Zalongo.

Dance of Zalongo📍 landmark

A monument commemorating a mass suicide of Souliote women to avoid capture by Ottoman forces.

Holy Church of Saint Vasilios📍 landmark

A religious site in the Kassopi area dedicated to Saint Vasilios.

🕒 Sa-Su 07:00-11:00

Plazhen basein🎡 recreation

A public swimming pool facility located near the ancient site of Kassopi.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why is Kassopi interesting for city planners?
The city was laid out strictly according to the 'Hippodamian system' with a rectangular street grid.
Where is Kassopi located?
On a high plateau near Preveza, overlooking the Ionian Sea and the Ambracian Gulf.
What are the most important ruins on site?
The theater, the agora, and the prytaneion are still clearly recognizable.
How difficult is access to the site?
You have to walk a short, steadily ascending path from the parking lot.
Can the visit be combined with other sights?
Yes, the Monument of Zalongo and the Monastery of Agios Dimitrios are very nearby.
Kassopi: where is it located?
Kassopi is located in Greece.
Kassopi: what is there to see?
Highlights include Cassope, Katagogion, Monastery of Zalongo.
Kassopi: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Kassopi: why is it worth visiting?
Kassopi was the capital of the Kassopaeans in ancient Epirus, situated on a windswept plateau at the foot of Mount Zalongo.
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