Vlasti, Kozani

Vlasti ( Βλάστη )(older name Blasti ) is a village in the prefecture Kozani. It is 24 km SW of Ptolemaida. It is build at an altitude of 1240 m.

Located at the heart of western Macedonia, it is girdled by the massifs of Mt Mouriki which serves as a home not only to the brown bear (Ursus arctos), but also to a large number of rare birds, including the short-toed eagle (Circaetus gallicus), the Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus) and the long-legged buzzard (Buteo rufinus). The first settlement was established in the 15th century and received an influx of refugees from Grammos and Moschopoli in the 18th century. Its population increased in 1770 after the Orlov revolt. The public buildings and the houses which still today adorn Vlasti reflect the flourishing of this village in the 19th century.

The population was larger than 6000. After the balkan wars, the destruction by the Germans in the WWII and due to economical reasons the population reduced dramatically. The population is 645 (2001) , in the winter less than 100.

However, the village bustles with life in summer as it is then that the Earth Festival is organized. It comprises a series of ecological and at the same time joyful events whose objective is to inform and sensitize people showing them the need to respect natural environment. Moreover, visitors have the chance to come into contact with the locals, experience their hospitality and participate with them in these jolly festivities. Vlasti serves a starting point for fascinating, enjoyable routes either to Mt Mouriki and its shelter or to neighbouring regions.

Siniatsiko (or Askios) Mountain

Oikotopia (Earth Festival) in Vlasti

http://www.oikotopia.gr/