Sarakatsani Stan: The Open-Air Museum Representing Nomadic Shepherds’ Traditional Life

The Sarakatsani Stan is an open-air museum that faithfully represents the ancient way of life of the nomadic shepherds from the Sarakatsani community. These shepherds, native to Epirus, moved between the Pindus mountains and the fertile plains of Epirus and Aetoloakarnania, practicing nomadic and semi-nomadic livestock farming while developing a unique pastoral, nomadic, and mountainous culture. Located in Gifto Kampos, 10 km from the village of Skamneli in central Zagori, this initiative by the Brotherhood of Sarakatsani of Epirus sits amidst a lush forest of firs and pines. Spanning about 20 acres of public forest land leased by the (then) Ministry of Agriculture, the area features reconstructed traditional Sarakatsani shepherd huts and other buildings. The Sarakatsani Stan is free to visit year-round, though access may be challenging during winter months. Visitors can take a mental journey back in time as they encounter konakia (thatched roof huts), mantres, strouga, kiosks, workshops, dairies, schoolhouses, chapels, and more within the museum grounds. Since 1979, every first weekend of August, the Sarakatsani Stan hosts a pan-Epirotic gathering celebrating Sarakatsani traditions and more. This destination draws attention not only for its cultural significance but also for the breathtaking natural beauty of its picturesque landscape, making it a must-visit site.