Blog

Preveza is built right at the mouth of the Ambracian Gulf. This gulf coupled with its double delta water system of Arachthos and Louros rivers and the unique system of low water lagoons make for a great ecosystem that controls the overall climate of Preveza. Preveza is a great place to be. You can catch flights to Preveza from anywhere in the world. If you want to explore the ancient side of Preveza then Parga is a good place to start from. Parga is located 68 km NW of Preveza. The town belonging to the Preveza prefecture is situated at the NW part of Epirus near the Acheron River.

The ancient Nekyomanteion also known as the Oracle of the dead is a great place to visit. It lies to the northern bank of the Acheron River. During the olden times the sanctuary was owned by the Thesprotians. They were the oldest Greek tribes who raised settlements in Epirus in 2000 BC. Mycenaean installations belonging to the 14th century BC are also found in this region and are located towards the north of Nekromanteion.

The sanctuary was revealed when people explored the crest of the rocky hill named Xylokastro, under the ruins of Monastery of St. John. The actual excavations were held by professor Sotirios Dakaris from 1958 to 1964 and the remaining from 1976 to 1977. The main sanctuary has a rectangular polygon shaped enclosed wall accompanied by an entrance towards the northern side of the sanctuary. It consists of a square and is divided into 2 parallel walls along with a huge main hall and 6 store rooms.

Below the main hall, you will encounter a basement room made with same dimensions. The ceiling of this basement is made differently. It has been created from stone arches which are porous and 15 in number. The basement is a sacred room and known to be the Palace of Hades and Persephone. It is known to have the ghosts of the dead. These ghosts are said to appear and communicate to people who consult the oracle. The tripartite structure might remind you of the Underworld.

The pilgrims here used to be subjected to spiritual and physical tests in three stages. They used to stay here for long periods of time in the dark rooms. By wandering alone in the dark corridors, through isolation, invocations, magical rituals and prayers and following a specific diet, they were prepared appropriately to meet the dead. The whole journey to the Oracle will be quite mysterious so be ready for some ethereal fun.