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History
After running the hotel Orestis House in Ano Pedina for many years, Yiannis and Rita Kirligitsis decided to cut the Gordian knot to reach their long entertained desire. They bought an uninhabited aristocratic house in the village of Ano Pedina opposite the church with the goal to restore it and convert it into a hotel.
Photography by André Bakker
The house was built in 1850 and functioned until 1960 as a doctor’s residence. After that it was used for 25 years as a girls’ school.
The restoration began in 2000. For Yiannis and Rita it was very important to retain as much of the original character and colour of the building during the restoration, the 150 years old ceilings for example. This caused many problems but the end result is admirable.
At the end of 2005, the works were finally finished and the house shone forth in all its glory. Hotel Porfyron was now complete
Porphyrohospes
In the Eastern Byzantine Empire the title porphyrogenitos or “born in purple” was given to a son or daughter of the reigning Emperor, on condition that they were born in the Porphyry Chamber. This was a pavilion in the Great Palace of Constantinople and its walls, floor and ceiling were completely veneered with the Imperial Porphyry, a purple colored stone found at Porphyry Mountain in Egypt.
Nowadays none are born in purple, but there are those who have stayed in purple. They have found their way to Ano Pedina, the small getaway to the Zagori. They enjoyed a holiday in Porfyron, the purple house. In this enchanting hotel they were cared for by Yiannis and Rita Kirligitsis-Berends. Strengthened by her unsurpassable breakfast, they set out to explore the Zagori, to return in time for his excellent genuine cooking, everything fresh from Ioannina’s markets. Ioannina, the lake, the citadel, their enchanting goal for the next day.
How quickening is the quietude in the evening. A returning herd in the distance, a good glass close at hand. Pleasant company, life as it should be. Lucky them. One might call them porphyrogenitoi: those who stayed in Porfyron.
Thanks so much for your consideration and courtesy during our stay at
Porfyron. We had a wonderful time, only wish we had a bit more to soak
in more of the extraordinary particulars of your blessed part of the
world. Hiking the Vikos Gorge was a true highlight of our entire 3 week
sojourn in Greece.
Cornelius
Thank you so much again for being such superb hosts to us. We loved
staying in Porfyron and Zagori and hope to be back soon. I feel that
the best a host can offer is to make people feel that they are
staying with a friend and we certainly felt that with you. Food was
great, liqueurs fantastic, Tsipouro amazing! Again, thanks so much!,
Michael and Ruth
Dear Rita and Yiannis,
When we travel we spend lot of time finding a hotel for our stay.
Today we are extremely happy because all our dreams for a good hotel are fulfilled at our stay here at Porfyron.
First class warm rooms with beautiful taste, many details and great workmanship.
Then the hospitality or Rita and Yiannis with great tips and advices for our trekking trip.
Our stomach loved this stay also, breakfast was great with tasty homemade jams, bread and cak and the dinner was excellend.
We are already look forward to our next visit!,
Your Friends, Antoaneta & Brandur, Sofia Bugaria