A Journey Through Time, Traditional Experiences in Zagori With Aristi Mountain Resort & Villas, Greece

Aristi Mountain Resort & Villas is delighted to offer traditional experiences in collaboration with ROKA. The area of Zagori is rich in history, from the traditional stone villages revealing traces of Ottoman traders to activities which have lasted through the years, including weaving with a traditional loom. Such activities are now being celebrated as a step back in time and opportunity to discover the rich history of this fascinating area as well as an opportunity to promote sustainability.

ROKA workshop is located in the beautiful village of Elafotopos, where you can discover and experience the journey of working with sheep’s wool from past to present. This encompasses the art of wool processing and ancient felt technique. There are several steps to the process and opportunities to watch professional demonstrations as well as get a hands-on experience. From washing and drying the wool to creating handmade fabrics through knitting and weaving on the loom, this is an opportunity to experience a craft handed down by generations. The felt technique is particularly interesting as no tools are used to create the fabric. This ancient Greek felt technique uses a variety of sheep’s wool, combining them together using natural soap and water, natural dyes are also used on various textiles including silks and cotton gauze. Try first-hand and create a woollen fabric inspired by ancient techniques.

Continuing the focus on the revival of traditional craft, the Rizarious Handicraft School of Monodendri is a key location which also celebrates the production of and promotion of education, cultural and social development within Zagori. Guests of Aristi Mountain Resort & Villas have the opportunity to visit the production workshop and showroom where local women are instructed in traditional crafts. Founded in 1841 to preserve the region’s traditional artforms, the courses teach a range of crafts from arts and carpet weaving to jewellery making. Many of the artefacts take months to produce and are sold internationally as pieces of craftsmanship to be cherished. In direct opposition to fast fashion, this approach mirrors a deeper connection to nature, history and sustainability which can be seen throughout the region.

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The resort is a boutique offering with a total of just 24 rooms, suites and villas. Aristi Mountain Resort & Villas is surrounded by incredible natural wonders including the impressive rock cliffs the ‘Towers of Astraka’ and the Gorge of Vikos, which is recognised as the deepest gorge in the world. Awarded the Excellence in Customer Service award at The Greek Tourism Awards, the resort offers the striking contrast of traditional architectural design with modern luxury and blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Admire old arched stone bridges, cobbled streets, picturesque village squares, incredible gorges and alpine altitude lakes. Experience the Steps of Vradeto, an impressive 200 year old cobbled path with 1000 steps, taking in the breath-taking views of the Vikos Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world.

Aristi Mountain Resort & Villas (www.aristi.eu/en, +30 26530 41330) offers nightly rates in a double superior room on a B&B basis from £115 based on 2 people sharing.