Lake Plastiras
Thessalía
Lake Plastiras, also known as Tavropos Reservoir, is an artificial lake situated in the Karditsa regional unit of Thessaly, Greece. Created by damming the Tavropos (Megdovas) river, the lake was envisioned by the Greek general and politician Nikolaos Plastiras following devastating floods in the 1920s. Construction began in 1955 and the dam was inaugurated in 1960, forming a lake that holds up to 400 million cubic meters of fresh water. The lake serves multiple purposes including irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and as the primary water source for the nearby city of Karditsa. Positioned at an altitude of approximately 750 meters, it is one of the highest artificial lakes in Europe, offering unique and picturesque landscapes that attract tourists. The surrounding area has been developed for recreational activities, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and visitors seeking tranquility and scenic views. The lake stretches up to 12 kilometers in length and 4 kilometers in width, with a maximum depth of around 60 meters. A hydroelectric plant near the village of Mitropoli harnesses the lake's water for electricity production, contributing significantly to the region's energy supply. The reservoir's creation was funded by war reparations from Italy, and its management is currently overseen by the Public Power Corporation of Greece (DEH).
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Tip: The best time to visit Lake Plastiras is during late spring to early autumn when the weather is mild and the surrounding forests are lush. Visitors are advised to explore the various hiking trails and enjoy water-based activities such as kayaking. Booking accommodations in nearby Karditsa or lakeside villages in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons. Discounts may be available for group tours or longer stays. Access to the lake is facilitated by the Central Greece Motorway, making travel convenient for tourists.
Zajímavosti
- •Lake Plastiras holds up to 400 million cubic meters of fresh water.
- •The lake is one of the highest artificial lakes in Europe, situated at an altitude of about 750 meters.
- •Its hydroelectric plant near Mitropoli has a capacity of approximately 130 MW and began operation in 1962.
- •The lake was funded by war reparations paid by Italy to Greece after World War II.
- •Nikolaos Plastiras, the lake's namesake, was both a general and a Prime Minister who championed the lake's creation after devastating floods in the 1920s.
Historie
The concept of Lake Plastiras was first proposed by Nikolaos Plastiras in 1925 after witnessing severe flooding in his hometown area.
Despite initial political opposition, the project gained momentum after World War II when Plastiras served as Prime Minister.
An international competition for the dam's construction was won by the French company Omniun Lyonnais in 1953, with building commencing in 1955.
The dam was completed and inaugurated in 1960, leading to the formation of the lake by the end of 1959.
The reservoir was financed through Italian war reparations and has since played a crucial role in regional irrigation, water supply, and hydroelectric power generation.
Průvodce po místě
The Dam and Hydroelectric Plant1960
The dam at the southern end of Lake Plastiras is the key infrastructure that created the reservoir. It also houses a hydroelectric power plant near the village of Mitropoli, which generates significant electricity for the region.
Scenic Viewpoints Around the Lake
Several viewpoints around Lake Plastiras offer panoramic vistas of the lake and surrounding mountainous landscapes, ideal for photography and nature observation.
Recreational Activities and Trails
The area surrounding Lake Plastiras features hiking trails through forests and mountainous terrain, as well as opportunities for kayaking and other water sports on the lake itself.