Agios Spiridon: Village History and Rogoi Castle

Agios Spiridon is a village in the Arta area, situated 18 metres above sea level. In the village, the story behind its name leads to a 19th-century church; nearby, Rogoi Castle brings together ancient, Roman and medieval traces. Village history and fortress history thus represent distinct cultural themes.

The Church and Kotseki in the Village

The Church of Agios Spyridon, after which the village received its present name, was built between 1812 and 1813 on the ruins of the Church of Agios Markos. The village’s name and the former church building are thus directly linked to its history. The Ottoman Kotseki has also been preserved in the village. It is apparently considered a continuation of the residence of Kethüda Bey of Ali Pasha. The church and the Kotseki represent different historical connections: the story behind the village’s name and an Ottoman building with its own tradition, which should be interpreted with due caution.

Rogoi Castle and Its Historical Layers

Near Agios Spiridon, Rogoi Castle rises on a hill between Nea Kerassounta and Petra. It was built on the ruins of the ancient city of Vouchetio, which was a colony of the Eleans. The first fortifications of the acropolis of Rogoi were built in the 5th century BC. In the 3rd century AD, the Romans reinforced and extended the castle walls. Large stone blocks can be seen in the surviving structure; the Monastery of the Theotokos is also located on the castle grounds.

The history of the medieval city of Rogoi is also part of this picture: during the Venetian–Ottoman War, it was completely destroyed by the Ottomans at the end of the 17th century. The sequence of events thus extends from the ancient city and its first fortifications, through Roman work on the walls, to the medieval city and its destruction. Visitors interested in historic buildings will find several distinct periods here, rather than just a single building history.

Arta: A Distinct Regional Context

Arta brings in further, distinct cultural themes. The Historic Bridge of Arta is 142 metres long and 3.75 metres wide; it acquired its present form between 1602 and 1606. The Archaeological Museum of Arta opened in 2009 near the Arachthos River and the bridge. Its permanent exhibition is divided into the themes of public life, burial customs and private life. The exhibition thus focuses on different aspects from the architectural history of Agios Spiridon and Rogoi.

The ancient history of Arta is also rooted in the present-day city: Amvrakia lies beneath the modern city of Arta and occupies half its area. The Byzantine Castle of Arta stands on a hill in the northeast of the city and incorporates parts of Amvrakia’s ancient fortifications. Another important monument is the Church of Panagia Parigoritissa, dedicated to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, which holds a prominent place in the history of Byzantine art.

Alongside these historical themes, Arta also has a distinct connection to the landscape. Peranthi Hill is Arta’s urban forest and is suitable for walking, running, cycling and exploring. The rare and endangered Dalmatian pelican lives at the Tsoukalio Lagoon near Koronisia; around 35 pairs are reported there, although the number can vary seasonally. In Arta, urban culture, outdoor activities in the urban forest and nature observation thus stand as distinct themes alongside one another.

When looking for a holiday apartment, you can take your preferred focus into account: Agios Spiridon and its nearby surroundings are presented here through village history and Rogoi Castle; Arta provides a distinct regional context with further cultural and nature themes. This distinction can help you choose a location based on the kind of history or landscape you want to shape your trip.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Katarraktis, Rodavgi, Melissourgoi, Mytikas, Anatolí, Vourgareli, Athamanio, Árta.

For the main travel overview: Arta.