Krania village in Aspropotamos

Surrounded by the peaks of Triggia (2,204 m), Boutza (2,144 m), and Kaltsa (2,058 m), Krania (“La Kornu” – “Λα Κόρνου” in Vlach) impresses with its natural beauty and its stunning location. The Kraniotikos River, a tributary of the Aspropotamos, divides the village in two, although it actually consists of three neighborhoods: Mesochori, Gorgkatsi, and Gkountroseiko. Krania also “includes” the settlements of Doliana, Konakia, and Koukoufli.

Dense forests of fir, pine, and beech, slopes with springs, small stone bridges, and towering peaks compose a paradise for nature lovers and mountaineers. The surrounding mountains are home to rare species—from wild goats to brown bears—reminding visitors that Pindos remains a haven of wildlife.

In winter, the village is almost deserted, but in summer its population exceeds 3,000! Not even the destruction caused by storm “Daniel” discouraged the people of Krania from returning to their homeland at every opportunity. And of course, they never miss a chance to celebrate during the great festivals of Agia Paraskevi (July 26) and the Dormition of the Virgin (August 15), when the clarinets set the tone for endless dancing!

Historical background

The name “Krania” comes from the homonymous tree (the cornelian cherry) that grows abundantly in the area. The first mention of the village appears in the archives of the Monastery of the Transfiguration of Meteora in 1520, indicating that the settlement was likely founded at the end of the 15th century.

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By the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries, Krania had become the administrative and commercial center of Aspropotamos, with a population exceeding 4,000 inhabitants—making it the second largest settlement in the Trikala prefecture at the time. It had around 650 houses, a town hall, police station, courthouse, and school. The village was renowned for producing woolen fabrics—the famous “Kraniotika skoutia”—as well as for its developed livestock farming and numerous dairies (“kesaries”).

Remarkably, the people of Krania were among the core of the early urban class in the city of Trikala. Historical photographs from the early 20th century showing local gatherings and festivities (“ziafetia”) depict villagers dressed in modern, “European” fashion.

Unfortunately, in October 1943, Krania was among the many Pindos villages that paid a heavy price during the German “Panther” sweep operation. The village was almost completely destroyed and had to be rebuilt from scratch after the end of World War II. 

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Sights

The most important attraction of Krania (and probably the entire Aspropotamos region) lies just a few kilometers outside the village. It is the Church of the Holy Cross, the remaining part of the former Monastery of Doliana—an architectural masterpiece famous for its 13 domes.

Within the village, the Church of Agia Paraskevi (1865) stands out, as does the beautiful single-arched stone Katouna Bridge. Another lovely stone bridge, Gkekas Bridge, lies about 1 km east of the village, but following storm “Daniel” it is at risk of collapse and urgently needs restoration!

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Also worth visiting is the restored old watermill, now serving as a Center of Tradition and Culture. It is dedicated to two notable figures from Krania: scholar Georgios Zoukas and clarinet virtuoso Nikos Karakostas. The Folklore Museum operates in the old primary school building and can be visited by appointment (tel.: +30 6984311241).

In Krania, you will also find two of the best taverns in the Aspropotamos area: “La Kornu” and “Gorgkatsi, the Balcony of Krania.” 

Krania is not merely a beautiful destination; it is a place of memory, resilience, and soul. Whether you seek peace in nature or wish to discover a land of authentic character and rich history, it will reward you with landscapes, people, and flavors that are truly unforgettable.