Arta, Greece

Arta is a city in northwestern Greece and the capital of the regional unit of Arta, in the region of Epirus. The city was known in antiquity as Ambracia and had served as the capital of ancient Epirus. Arta is known for its medieval bridge over the Arachthos River, as well as for its ancient sites from the era of Pyrrhus of Epirus and its well-preserved 13th-century castle. Arta's Byzantine history is reflected in its many Byzantine churches; perhaps the best known is the Panagia Paregoretissa (Mother of God the Consoling), built in about 1290 by Despot Nikephoros I Komnenos Doukas.