Just after Mesohora
we find ourselves at the boundaries of the extended community of Neraida. We scramble
on the slopes of the SW mountain range of Pindos
form a rather good road and in an altitude of 850 m, the first village is distinguished,
Armatoliko. Its old naming was Mpoukouro or Mpokori which in Turk means "beautiful
place", in Rumanian "Shepherd's village" and in Slavic "vociferous place" from
the din of Acheloos.
The old village, built on the location Ampelia, was destroyed probably
during the 12th century from the Crusaders. Other reasons of destruction were
the raids of the Slavs or the earthquakes. During the Ottoman domination individuals
or groups that were on the run by the Turks, left Thessaly - Epirus - Aitoloakarnania
and found shelter in the today's village.
Today Armatoliko, near the National road of Trikala
- Arta, is a live
village that is inhabited both in winter and summer and where Primary School works
the whole year time. The village has respective prospects of development as through
the whole length will be washed by the waters of the lake, which will be formed
by the dam of the area. Among the sights of the village, besides the unique view,
is the small church of Agios Athanasios.
There are five more churches: Panagia, Agios Konstantinos, Agioi Pantes,
Agios Fanourios and the big church of Agios Georgios in the square of the village.
This square is spacious and with great view, cafes, playground. Near the square
there is the watermill which was transferred there afterwards the construction
of the pre-dam and the level rising of Acheloos.
Every year at the village, are celebrated traditionally the standard
revelries on the 15th of August, the day of the Easter and a small event on the
name day of Agios Athanasios.
