Despite the tourism sector’s development in the wider Pogoni area over recent years, the Palaiopyrgos waterfall has remained largely unknown, even amongst travellers who frequently visit the Epirus region’s mountain range.
Even though not much information is available on this lovely mountain village of the wider Ioannina region, hosting the waterfall, it has plenty to offer, as long as visits are avoided in winter, usually very heavy, affecting the entire area. The number of people living in Palaiopyrgos during winter is reduced to no more than ten, except for the festive season, when people hailing from the village visit their homeland. Of course, the place is buzzing with life in summer, while every August 15, a public holiday marking the Dormition of the Virgin or Assumption of Mary, a big celebration is staged at the village. It features unique local customs, known as dolia.
Palaiopyrgos becomes an idyllic mountain destination between early spring and late autumn, from which point onwards the weather starts getting cold. The village waterfall, a triple waterfall, is a trademark feature of the superb oak forest surrounding the village. The waterfall is an attraction for travellers who like visiting destinations with running waters.
Palaiopyrgos’ triple waterfall
The triple waterfall at Palaiopyrgos mainly stems from the Gormos river, whose source is at Mount Meropi, also known as Nemertsika and Dousko. The stream then runs through Pogoni’s east. The village Palaiopyrgos is situated on the southeastern slopes of the mountain, close to Greece’s border with Albania, at an altitude ranging from 781 to 850 metres.
The Palaiopyrgos waterfall is formed just beyond the village, at a point where the Gormos river meets the local Gourbitsa stream. This triple waterfall is the result of rock erosion over time, which has led to a triple split of waters as they flow across. The waters go on to form three plunge pools, filled with cold, crystal-clear waters.
Gretsi bridge, passing over one of the Gormos river’s three streams, is a landmark. A traditional stone bridge built in 1830, it features an unusually large arch for its size, extended over 8.30 metres in width, 4.50 metres high. The bridge is considered a 19th century masterpiece of vernacular architecture. It served as an extremely useful crossing for the people of its time, connecting Palaiopyrgos with the nearby villages Delvinaki and Vissani. According to local community president Anastasios Tzakos, Gretsi bridge is the Balkan region’s only bridge built over a waterfall.
