Eratyra is a historical village, located at the foot of Askion mountain (Siniatsiko), which belongs to the Boion region of Kozani.
Its birth goes back into the centuries. The remains of the prehistoric fortress walls date back to 700b.c. Excavations carried out by the Archaeologist Ioannis Keramopoulos in Magoula, revealed great artifacts which document the existence of a settlement in Roman Era. Eratyra is believed to be one of the main towns of ancient Elimeia in Macedonia.
The first document in which the name of the village is mentioned is “The code of Zaborda”. In this manuscript, in 1534 the village is referred to as Seltsa. The village was renamed into “Eratyra” in 1928. This village, the biggest among all the other neighboring ones (with a population of 3000 people), was famous for the organized social life, the commercial power as well as the cultural activities. All of them reached their highest level during the 17th and 19th century.
Nowadays, Eratyra is one of the municipal apartments of Askion municipality. Its population is nearly 600 people, remarkably fewer than in the past since it has been deeply affected by internal immigration. Despite the recession it has been through, most of the cultural characteristics of the past remain, especially in combination with local festivals and the natural environment which attracts many visitors.
Visitors can enjoy the mountains around the village, the crystal clear water and the green glens. One can also admire among the 23 Byzantine and meta-Byzantine churches marvelous masonry structures and especially these of Agios Georgios (1844) in the central square with the unique concave wood carved templon, as well as the impressive frescoes of Panagia and Agios Nikolaos church. Last but not least one can visit the monastery of Agios Athanasios in a magnificent natural surrounding.
The local folklore museum and the mansions are also worth visiting, remnants of its glorious past of Macedonian architecture, which document the vibrant cultural development in previous years.
One can visit Eratyra during several periods. The last days before Xmas (Kolianda) and the period between the New Year’s Eve (Sourva) and the second day of the year are some of them. During the second one, the biggest local festivity of the year (the Bubusaria parade) is held. The last festival characterized by …….. is Kladares, held during the carnival period.
During the spring the region changes and prepares itself for the summer. Lots of colors and smells, as well as warm and hospitable people, welcome the visitor. The village is full of people again, the main square is full of children, whereas under the huge plane tree, the elder ones spend their time discussing and drinking raki, all of them contributing to a picturesque scene, not so easy to find nowadays. Everybody is here, when the big celebration takes place on August 15th, local people that have been away for long gather and give their wish at the end of the celebration. Everybody will be there again in one year time.
Welcome to Eratyra….
Greeting from our homeland…
