In Kastoria, there are four departments of the University of Western Macedonia:
Built panoramically around the magnificent lake Orestiada, Kastoria is one of the most beautiful
cities in Greece. Bearing a rich history, the city is famous for its prehistoric archeological digs,
the stone-built mansions and the numerous Byzantine churches, some of them over 1000 years
old. The wider area is identified with ancient Orestida, where king Orestes lived. Nearby the city,
the Neolithic settlement excavated at Dispilio village, has revealed unexpected finds, like a
wooden tablet from the lake bearing engraved symbols, dated to 5260 ± 40 BC. Kastoria is a
popular area for visitors seeking to combine a lively city with charming natural beauty, tradition
and winter sports at the nearby Ski center of Vitsi.