Arta Prefecture

Arta Prefecture
Name	Arta Prefecture
Native name	Νομός Άρτας
Settlement type	Prefectures of Greece
Coordinates	39, 10, N, 21...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Greece
Subdivision type1	Region
Subdivision name1	Epirus
Seat type	Capital
Seat	Arta
Area total km2	1662
Population total	67000
Population as of	2005
Population density km2	auto
Timezone	EET
Utc offset	+2
Timezone DST	EEST
Utc offset DST	+3
Postal code type	Postal codes
Postal code	47x xx
Area code type	Area codes
Area code	268x0
Registration plate	ΑΤ
Blank name sec1	ISO 3166-2
Blank info sec1	GR-31
Website	[http://www.arta.gr/ www.arta.gr]

Arta Prefecture. It is one of the four regional units within the Epirus region of northwestern Greece, with its administrative capital at the historic city of Arta. Bordered by the regional units of Ioannina and Trikala, and the Ionian Sea, its landscape is defined by the fertile Ambracian Gulf and the rugged Pindus mountains. The prefecture has a rich history spanning from antiquity through the Byzantine Empire and the Ottoman Empire, culminating in its union with modern Greece following the Balkan Wars.

Geography

The geography is dominated by the vast, shallow waters of the Ambracian Gulf, a critical wetland ecosystem protected under the Ramsar Convention and part of the Natura 2000 network. To the north and east, the terrain rises into the southern Pindus range, with peaks like Peranteri and the dense forests of the Tzoumerka mountains. Major rivers include the Arachthos, which forms a dramatic gorge near the historic Bridge of Arta, and the Louros, both flowing into the Ambracian Gulf. The coastal areas feature significant lagoons such as Logarou and Tsoukalio, while the interior holds valleys like that of the Kompoti area.

History

In antiquity, the area was part of Ambracia, a colony of Corinth founded around 625 BC, which later became a prominent member of the Aetolian League. It was the site of the Battle of Ambracia in 189 BC. During the late Roman and early Byzantine periods, it was part of the Theme of Nicopolis. After the Fourth Crusade and the fall of Constantinople, it became the center of the Despotate of Epirus, with the Church of the Parigoritissa and the Monastery of Kato Panagia built during this era. Following the Ottoman conquest of the Despotate of Epirus in 1449, it was known as Narda. It was a focal point during the Greek War of Independence, notably the Siege of Arta in 1821, and was finally incorporated into the Kingdom of Greece after the First Balkan War in 1913.

Administration

The capital is the city of Arta, which serves as the seat of the Regional unit of Arta within the decentralized administration of Epirus and Western Macedonia. Since the Kallikratis reform, the prefecture's territory is covered by the Regional Unit of Arta, which is subdivided into the municipalities of Arta, Central Tzoumerka, Georgios Karaiskakis, and Nikolaos Skoufas. Other significant towns include Ano Kalentini, Vourgareli, and Peta. The area falls under the jurisdiction of the Arta constituency for national elections and is part of the Epirus region for EU structural funds.

Demographics

The population is predominantly Greek, with a historical presence of Arvanites in several villages. The major urban center is Arta, with other significant settlements including Filippiada, Kompoti, and Chalkiades. Demographic trends have been affected by emigration, particularly following World War II and the Greek Civil War, with many residents relocating to major cities like Athens and Thessaloniki or abroad. The region is under the ecclesiastical authority of the Metropolis of Arta, part of the Church of Greece.

Economy

The economy is primarily agricultural, with a strong focus on the production of citrus fruits, olives, and livestock farming, particularly in the plains near the Ambracian Gulf. The fishing industry is significant around the gulf and its lagoons, producing grey mullet and European seabass. Tourism is growing, centered on historical sites, the Arachthos River for rafting, and the coastal areas near Koronisia. Light industry and manufacturing are concentrated in the capital, Arta, and the town of Filippiada. The prefecture is connected by the Greek National Road 5 and the Aktion–Amfilochia National Road.

Culture and sights

The prefecture is renowned for its Byzantine heritage, epitomized by the iconic 17th-century Bridge of Arta and the 13th-century Church of the Parigoritissa, a UNESCO candidate site. Other major religious monuments include the Monastery of Kato Panagia, the Church of Saint Theodora of Arta, and the Monastery of Panagia Vlahernon. The Archaeological Museum of Arta houses finds from ancient Ambracia. Traditional festivals like the Ragoutsaria in Filippiada and the Nikolaos Skoufas cultural events are highlights. Natural attractions include the Arachthos Gorge, the wetlands of the Ambracian Gulf for birdwatching, and the beaches near Koronisia.

Category:Prefectures of Greece Category:Epirus (region)