Where Agia Paraskevi chapel is placed
For those who want to perform a religious mystery in a mountainous, special environment, they will meet their needs in the chapel of Agia Paraskevi located in the village of Katarraktis, Greece. The village of Katarraktis is 55 km far [north-northeast] of the city of Arta and 62 km far [south-southeast] of the city of Ioannina. It is a beautiful village of Tzoumerka mountain range at an altitude of 800m.
When you reach the village you will follow the uphill road in the direction north-east towards the settlement Kryopigi [follow the sign that leads to the tourist booth of Kataraktis village]. The characteristic mountainous formation on which the chapel is located will help you orient yourself. Two to three km after, you leave behind the Kriopigi settlement, pass a small bridge, and continue the uphill route. You proceed for about 1 to 1.5 km, then, leave the asphalt road and head left to the dirt road.
It is a route inconvenient for a common car. I recommend that you have a 4×4 jeep, or a vehicle capable of moving on a rough terrain.
After about 1.5 km, you will almost reach a small plateau, at the edge of which is a characteristic small Christianity icon. From there, a small uphill path begins, 250m long, which leads to the top. There, at an altitude of 1450 meters, the chapel of St. Paraskevi is located.
Chapel attributes
It is a small chapel, which stands amazing, almost mysterious a few meters from the edge of the cliff. Its dimensions do not exceed 5 meters in length, 4 meters in width and 3 meters in height, it does not have a dome, the roof covering is formed with gray-black shale plates. The construction is mainly of stone, with the use of cement to be inappropriate with regard to the natural environment. Simple, doric, impersonal in character is more like a hut in the mountains.
View from the chapel
The extraordinary advantage is the surrounding area and the incredible view. The view of the 360 degree creates the feeling that you are in the air, with the variations of the landscape satisfying even the most demanding. To the east, just a few hundred meters, there is the Tzoumerka mountain range, north you can view Mitsikeli Mountain, and Tymfi mountain range. To the west you can see Xerovouni Mountain and south to Amvrakikos gulf and Lefkada island.
It is a religious site for performing-attending Christian mysteries [weddings-baptisms] addressing to a few people. There are no facilities. It is aimed at those attracted by the diversity and seeking uniqueness, for those who dare.
The chapel of St. Paraskevi is celebrated on July 26th