Dilopho: The Traditional Village in Zagorohoria That Will Enchant You

Renowned for its stunning attractions, which are exceptional examples of mainland architecture, and surrounded by lush green mountains filled with pine and fir trees, Dilopho is one of the picturesque villages that make up the Zagorohoria complex. Located 32 kilometers from Ioannina, this mountain village sits at an altitude of 1,000 meters on the slopes of Tymfi Mountain and belongs to the Municipality of Zagori. The settlement dates back to 540 AD when Slavs invaded Epirus, causing the residents of Pitournia to relocate to the area where Dilopho now stands. Later, inhabitants from a nearby village named Zlarovo also moved here, possibly in 1583 (the village’s original name until 1920 was Sopetseli or Sompetseli, meaning ‘place with many waters’ in Slavic and Vlach). By 1870, the village had 550 residents and a Greek school, later expanding to two schools—one for girls and one for boys. However, it suffered from raids and banditry, leading to a population decline. By 1940, only 140 people remained. Today, Dilopho is one of the best-preserved villages in Zagori, showcasing traditional Zagori architecture as all buildings are made from local schist stone. Consequently, the village has been declared a traditional and protected settlement. Its character remains intact due to the prohibition of vehicle traffic within the village. Notable landmarks include stone fountains, cobblestone paths, small churches, and mansions, such as the tallest residence in Zagori—the 13.5-meter-high Makropoulos mansion. Local legend tells of a wealthy Zagori man whose son married a girl from the neighboring village of Koukouli. When they settled into the bride’s father-in-law’s house in Dilopho, she expressed deep nostalgia for her hometown. To address this, her husband built the towering mansion so she could see her village from the upper floors.