Karpenisi is the capital of the Prefecture of Evritania and the Municipality of Karpenisi. It is located in the center of the Prefecture, on the southwest side of Timfristos at an altitude of 970 meters. It is 78 km from Lamia and 111 km from Agrinio, via the Episkopi Bridge.
The word Karpenisi comes from the Aromanian word kárpinu (oyster, gabbro) + comprehensive suffix -iş, also from the Latin carpinus, which means gabbro, oyster; it is a phytonym. Therefore, the etymologically correct spelling is Karpenisi. The -η- appears from paretymology with the Greek word island. For the first time the place name is mentioned in a Turkish inventory of 1454/5.
Karpenissi, like the whole prefecture, is located in a mountainous
area of considerable natural beauty, rich in vegetation. The traditional
architecture has been preserved to a considerable extent, both in the
surrounding villages and in the city, with a number of well-preserved
buildings.
Mountain Museum - Evrytania Cultural History Center
The "Mountain Museum" and the "KIPE - Cultural History Center of
Evrytania" operate in the city, while in the surrounding villages there
are many folklore museums. At a distance of 11 km is the ski center of
Velouhi.
Ski Center
Karpenisi is famous for its heavy winter
and snow. On the Velouchi plateau, there is one of the largest ski
centers in Greece that has been operating since 1974. It extends over
5,500 acres, at an altitude of 1,850 to 2,200 m and has 11 slopes.
Athanasios Iatridis, painter
Athanasios Karpenisiotis, hero of the
Greek Revolution of 1821
Zacharias Papantoniou, writer
Pavlos
Bakoyannis, politician
Kostas Bakoyannis, politician
Georgios
Kafantaris, politician, Prime Minister of Greece
Dionysios of
Fournas, hieromonk, iconographer, writer
Thanasis Bouras, politician,
vice president of the Parliament
Vassilis Tsipras, politician
Dimitrios Voulpiotis, politician, minister
Ioannis Voulpiotis,
businessman, electrical engineer, collaborator of the Germans in the
occupation
Kostas Tsigaridas, lawyer, politician
Chrysostomos
Karapiperis, theologian, politician
Karpenisi (also spelled Karpenissi) is a picturesque mountain town in
central Greece, serving as the capital of the Evrytania regional unit.
Nestled in the southern part of the Pindus Mountains at an elevation of
about 960 meters, it is often called the "Switzerland of Greece" due to
its alpine scenery, dense forests, and ski resorts. The town's history
spans over 5,000 years, marked by its strategic mountainous location
that has influenced its role in various conflicts and periods of
autonomy. The name "Karpenisi" likely derives from the Aromanian word
"kárpinu" (meaning hornbeam tree) with the suffix "-iş," though folk
etymology has shaped its Greek form. The surrounding region of Evrytania
may get its name either from "ev" (well) and "chreo" (flow), referring
to abundant fresh water, or from "evryo" (stretching a bowstring), tied
to its ancient archery heritage.
Ancient History
The area's
earliest known inhabitants were the Dolopes, an ancient Greek tribe
mentioned by Homer, who lived in northern Evrytania around 1100 BC and
participated in the Trojan War. Archaeological evidence suggests human
settlement dating back more than 5,000 years, with the region gaining
prominence in antiquity as Oechalia, the ancient capital near modern
Karpenisi. Oechalia was ruled by King Evrytos, renowned as an
exceptional archer and credited with inventing the bow. According to
legend, Evrytos challenged the god Apollo to an archery contest, which
led to his death. His son, Ifitos, later gifted the bow to Odysseus, who
used it to slay Penelope's suitors in the Odyssey. The ancient
Evrytanians worshipped Artemis, the goddess of hunting, and revered
Odysseus for his cunning. During the Roman period, the region saw
conflict, including a significant battle at "Kokalia" where Roman forces
defeated the Aetolian League, enhancing Roman control over the area.
Byzantine and Medieval Period
In the Byzantine era, Karpenisi and
Evrytania enjoyed a degree of autonomy uncommon in the empire. While
officially under Byzantine dominion, the region's insubordinate
inhabitants were not included in imperial tax lists, leading to the
northern district being dubbed "Agrafa" (meaning "unwritten"). This
self-governance and tax exemptions stemmed from the area's rugged
terrain, which made it difficult to control. Archaeological remains,
such as a 6th-century basilica near the old site of Karpenisi, indicate
early Christian settlement and religious activity. The medieval period
transitioned into Ottoman rule after the fall of Constantinople in 1453,
with the first documented mention of "Karpenisi" appearing in an Ottoman
tax ledger from 1454–1455.
Ottoman Rule
Under Ottoman
domination, Karpenisi served as a key bastion for Turkish military
control in the mountainous region, symbolizing Ottoman prestige. Despite
this, the remote highlands allowed for relative freedom, fostering
population growth in villages. The inhabitants participated in
uprisings, including those in 1600 and 1611. In 1645–1661, Eugenios
Giannoulas (also known as Evgenios Yannoulis the Aetolian) established a
renowned school in Karpenisi, which became a cultural center promoting
Greek national identity amid Ottoman oppression. A notable revolt
occurred in 1684 when Armatolos Livinis defeated Turkish forces near the
village of Goliani, though this led to Venetian looting of the town.
Following the Treaty of Karlowitz in 1699, Karpenisi returned to Ottoman
control. The area faced repeated raids by Turks and Albanians throughout
the 18th century.
Greek War of Independence (1821–1829)
Karpenisi's strategic position in central Roumeli (continental Greece)
made it vital during the Greek Revolution of 1821. Local captains from
the Gioldasis family and Vraskas proclaimed the revolution, but initial
efforts were crushed by Turkish troops. The rebels regrouped and
expelled the Ottomans from the city. A pivotal event was the Battle of
Karpenisi on the night of August 21, 1823 (often dated as August 8–9 in
some sources due to calendar differences). Greek forces under Souliote
captain Markos Botsaris, numbering about 1,200, launched a surprise
nighttime assault on an Ottoman camp of 8,000–13,000 Albanian
mercenaries led by Mustafa Pasha Bushati and Djelaledin Bey. The attack
caused panic and heavy Ottoman casualties (around 1,000), with Greeks
capturing weapons and supplies. Botsaris was fatally shot while leading
the charge at Kefalovryso, near Karpenisi, but his men fought on until
dawn before retreating. Though tactically inconclusive, the battle
disrupted Ottoman advances, contributing to their eventual retreat from
the region by December 1823. Botsaris's death galvanized Greek
resistance, and his body was honored with burial in Missolonghi.
Modern History
In the 20th century, Karpenisi played roles in both
World Wars. During World War I, the region contributed to Greek efforts.
World War II brought severe hardship under Italian and German
occupation, with the town suffering heavy damage from attacks. The armed
National Resistance began in Karpenisi in spring 1942, led by Aris
Velouchiotis (who adopted his surname in honor of Mount Velouchi). On
June 7, 1942, the National Liberation Front (EAM) made its first
official appearance in nearby Domnista. In spring 1944, EAM formed the
Political Committee of National Liberation (PEEA) in Viniani and held
elections for a National Council in Koryschades, drawing representatives
nationwide. The Germans destroyed much of Karpenisi in 1944, targeting
it as a perceived resistance hub under Wehrmacht General Hartwig von
Ludwiger. Post-WWII, the Greek Civil War (1946–1949) ravaged the area;
on January 20, 1949, communist guerrillas occupied Karpenisi for 18 days
before the conflict's end left the town in ruins. Reconstruction
followed, but disaster struck again in 1963 when massive landslides on
the northwest slope partially destroyed the town, killing residents and
displacing much of the population. Today, Karpenisi has rebuilt into a
thriving tourist destination, emphasizing its natural beauty and
historical sites, such as memorials to Botsaris and Velouchiotis, while
preserving its legacy of resilience.
Karpenisi, the capital of the Evrytania regional unit in central
Greece, is a picturesque mountain town often dubbed the "Switzerland of
Greece" due to its alpine landscapes, dense forests, and rugged terrain.
Situated at approximately 38°55′N 21°47′E, it lies at an elevation of
about 960 meters above sea level, nestled in a valley that provides a
stark contrast to the surrounding high peaks. The broader Evrytania
region, of which Karpenisi is the heart, is one of Greece's most
mountainous areas, with much of the land exceeding 1,000 meters in
altitude, offering vast forest cover and abundant water resources. This
geography makes it a haven for nature enthusiasts, with features like
sloping forests of fir, pine, and chestnut trees, crystal-clear rivers,
gorges, and lakes that create an impression of untouched wilderness.
Topography and Terrain
The terrain around Karpenisi is
predominantly mountainous, characterized by significant elevation
variations within the southern Pindus Mountains. The town itself
occupies a valley formed by the Karpenisiotis River, with an average
regional elevation around 1,235 meters (4,055 feet), ranging from a
minimum of about 710 meters (2,329 feet) to a maximum of 2,300 meters
(7,549 feet) in nearby peaks. This rugged landscape includes craggy
slopes, high bald peaks, and verdant valleys that shift dramatically
with the seasons, from snow-covered winters to lush greens in summer.
Evrytania's alpine character is evident in its dense woodlands and steep
inclines, making it ideal for activities like hiking, skiing, and
climbing.
Major Mountains and Peaks
Dominating the northern
horizon is Mount Tymfristos (also known as Velouhi), rising to 2,315
meters, which towers directly over Karpenisi and hosts a popular ski
resort with 18 pistes. To the south lie the foothills of Mount
Kaliakouda, contributing to the town's enclosed valley setting. Other
prominent mountains in the Evrytania region include Panaitoliko, Oxia,
and Helidona, which sculpt the area's majestic scenery and provide
barriers that enhance its isolated, serene feel. These peaks often
feature rocky outcrops interspersed with fir-covered areas, creating
diverse microenvironments.
Rivers, Valleys, and Water Bodies
The Karpenisiotis River flows through the heart of the town, forming a
vital valley that serves as a tributary to the larger Megdovas River.
This river system contributes to Evrytania's reputation as one of
Greece's best-watered regions, with numerous streams and rushing rivers
that carve deep gorges and support lush vegetation. Nearby, Lake
Kremasta, an artificial reservoir, adds to the aquatic richness, though
it's more peripheral to Karpenisi itself. The valleys, often shrouded in
mist during cooler months, provide scenic routes for exploration and are
dotted with traditional villages like Megalo Horio (at 720 meters on
Kaliakouda's slopes) and Mikro Horio (at 950 meters near the
Karpenisiotis).
Climate
Karpenisi experiences a temperate
climate (Köppen classification: C) shaped by its high altitude,
featuring harsh winters with heavy snowfall and pleasantly warm summers
with cool nights. Annual precipitation averages 1,270 mm, with December
being the wettest month (180 mm) and August the driest (40 mm).
Vegetation, Flora, and Natural Features
Evrytania's geography is
defined by its thick forests, covering much of the slopes with fir,
pine, and chestnut trees, creating a vibrant palette of greens that turn
to autumnal hues. The area boasts untouched natural beauty, including
rocky fir-covered zones around sites like the Monastery of Panagia
Prousiotissa, perched in a dramatic gorge near Proussos village.
Biodiversity thrives here, with the mountainous Mediterranean
environment fostering a range of flora adapted to cool, damp conditions.
Overall, Karpenisi's geography blends isolation with accessibility,
making it a year-round destination for those seeking Greece's wilder,
inland side.