Nikanoras

Among the dense oak trees is situated the village of Nikanor or Nikanoras. It is a mountain village at an altitude of 720m. It is located on the western slopes of Mount Smolikas and on the east of the “Kozani – Ioannina” National Road. It is 75 km north of Ioannina and 12.5 km away from Konitsa. Nikanoras is included in the Mastorochoria villages. Its old name was Cortinista.

From the village, you will observe the peaks of Krevatia (1,280 m) and Kleftis (1,847 m in the West-Northwest) and you will be compensated by the view of the oak, black pine and fir forests.

Going towards the center of the village, you will see the Parish Church, which is dedicated to Agia Marina. In and around the village you will find many churches such as Agios Nikolaos, Agios Georgios, Evangelistria, Metamorfosi Sotiros and Agios Athanasios.

While going for a walk in the area, you will encounter paths that lead to the springs of: Dimortsa, Machaira, Pournia and Soultiniades.

At a distance of 4km and at an altitude of 850m North-Northwest of the village, is the most important attraction of the village, the Monastery of Saint Nikanoras. It is built on the top of a steep rock, on the slope of Mount Kleftis. It dates from 1816 and was known as the Monastery of Vranista. The view from the balcony is amazing as the monastery looks like a meteor that reaches the clouds! The Monastery is dedicated to the Macedonian healer Nikanoras (founder of the Monastery of Zavorda, Grevena) when the inhabitants of the area were saved from a great plague epidemic.

Another attraction that you will see near the village in the tributary of Sarandaporos River, Kryoneri (next to the old inn “Vergos”) is the single-arched bridge of the same name.

Saint Nicanor celebrates on the 7th of August every year and the celebration takes place in the open space below the monastery. An all-day festival is held with the participation of many people.