History of Parga
Apart from its natural beauty, Parga can also take pride
in its rich history.It is a place that invites you to
discover its special cultural identity and explore the
paths of its historical past.
NAME AND LOCATION
The name of Parga probably has its origin in the Slavic
word "parg", which means "port". It is located in the
northwestern part of Preveza in northwestern Greece-on
the coastline of Epirus-and is surrounded by the
prefecture of Thesprotia.
ANCIENT TIMES
A significant number of archaeological findings are
witness to the fact that the area of Parga started being
inhabited in the Neolithic era.Also, according to
historical texts by Plutarch and Ptolemeus, Parga is
likely to have been the ancient town of "Toroni" or "Torini"
(3rd-4th c. B.C.). However, between the coves of Lychnos
and Saint John (Agios Giannakis), in the village of Agia
Kiriaki in Parga, the ruins of an ancient town wall are
still visible among the houses, so it is possible that
the ancient town of "Toroni" or "Torini" was situated
there.
THE 14th CENTURY
Unfortunately, Parga's historical course remains in
obscurity for a long period of time and once again comes
to the forefront in 1337 A.D., when it is mentioned by
John Katakouzinos as one of the most important cities of
Epirus. Its advantageous geographical position made it
prone to invasions and attacks. From 1360 to 1393 it was
under the Norman protection but in 1400 it was occupied
by thief Bogoi's troops. After Bogoi's departure, Parga
asked the Venetians for help and on 21st March 1401 they
signed a treaty with Venice which lasted for about 400
years. In this way Parga was under the Venetian
occupation but at the same time protected itself against
the Turks. It is during that period that the famous
Venetian Castle of Parga must have been built.
THE TURKISH OCCUPATION
In 1800 Parga was recognized as an autonomous state
after an agreement between Russia and Turkey. However,
in 1815, when the English seized the Ionian islands, the
English commander Maitland was offered a reward and
ceded Parga to the Turkish ruler Ali Passas. In 1819,
4000 Parga citizens were forced to emigrate mainly to
the Ionian island of Corfu carrying with them their
homeland's holy relics and their ancestors' ashes
THE PARGA CASTLE
Built on the top of a small steep peninsula between
Valtos beach and Parga, this castle can justifiably be
regarded as Parga's landmark. Throughout the 400 year
Venetian dominion, it was demolished and restored a
number of times. The notorious pirate Barbarosa was the
first to destroy Parga's fortress. In 1567 it was
rebuilt by the Venetians. The Turks attacked it in 1571
and the Venetians restored it once again after the sea
battle in Nafpactos. It remained impregnable until 1819
when the people of Parga were forced to desert it in
order not to be enslaved by the Turkish ruler Ali Passas.
PARGA'S LIBERATION
In 1913 the Greek army managed to liberate Parga. On 22
May 1930 the holy relics, the ancestors' ashes and
Parga's flag, which Parga's citizens had taken along
with them to Corfu, were transferred back to Parga and
are now kept in Saint Apostoles' Church.
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useful numbers:
Police:
+30 26840 31222
Health Center:
+30 26840 31233
Fire Brigade:
+30 26840 31199
Port Authority:
+30 26840 31227
Post Office:
+30 26840 31295
Bus Station:
+30 26840 31218
Distances
Ioannina 104 km
Egnatia Odos/A2/E90
Igoumenitsa 50,6 km
E55 and
Igoumenitsas-Prevezas
Preveza 61,3 km
Igoumenitsas-Prevezas/E55
Arta 81,7 km
Route 21 and Igoumenitsas-Prevezas/E55
Thessaloniki 345 km
Egnatia Odos/A2/E90
Athens 428 km
Nea Ethniki Odos
Athinon-Patron/ 8A/E65 and E55
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