Tuminec (Kallamas): Lake Prespa, Culture and the Kallamas Trail

Tuminec (Kallamas) combines a prehistoric settlement site near the shore of Lake Prespa with sacred monuments and the Kallamas Trail. The historical traces range from the Middle Neolithic to the 14th century. At the same time, the ascent, the summit elevation, the length and the duration of the circular route determine the scale of this hike.

Nature

The area of Bashkia Pustec coincides with the catchment area of Lake Prespa, which is part of Prespa National Park. Prespa National Park protects the surroundings of Lake Prespa, with forests, meadows and hilly, mountainous terrain. In the national park, Venjat e Kallamasit (Juniperus excels) is designated as a natural monument of scientific, educational and tourist value.

Culture and History

The prehistoric settlement in the village of Tuminec (Kallamas) was inhabited around 7,000 years ago during the Middle Neolithic and lies near the shore of Lake Prespa. Hundreds of flint tools and ceramics, as well as a collection of polished stone tools unique in the Balkan region, were found at the settlement site. Traces of prehistoric dwelling structures were also discovered, including platforms made of fired clay and bases for wooden posts.

Northeast of Tuminec lies the Monastery of Saint Mary, 200 metres from the shore of Lake Prespa. It was founded in 1888. The monastery’s feast is celebrated every year on 30 July; the monastery is a pilgrimage site for the inhabitants of the Prespa region, visitors and foreign tourists.

The cave church of Saint Mary lies near St. Marena Monastery in the village of Tuminec and close to the border with North Macedonia. It is a 13th-century cultural monument known for the Byzantine iconographic style of its frescoes. St. Mitri Church is located in the cemetery of Tuminec. It dates from the 14th century. Its famous frescoes were created by an unknown artist and bear similarities to the icons of the Zrze Monastery in Prilep.

Hiking

The Kallamas Trail begins in the village of Kallamas. After a 2-kilometre ascent along a mountain path, the trail reaches its highest point at 1,106 metres above sea level; good hiking equipment is required for this. The trail is an 11.5-kilometre circular route and takes approximately 6.5 to 7 hours.

To select a hotel in Tuminec (Kallamas), travellers can independently view and compare the offers displayed on the page, regardless of the destinations described. Before booking, it is worth checking the exact location, the type of accommodation and the occupancy. The included services, individual price components, and booking and cancellation conditions can likewise be checked on the respective offer page. The same points should also be checked separately for holiday homes. What matters are the specific conditions stated for the respective offer, not a general expectation of a stay in Tuminec (Kallamas).

Other destinations

Other destinations in the same destination area: Gërmenj, Dardhë, Tushemisht, Gozhdarazhde, Ersekë, Kamenicë.

Back to the overarching travel overview: Korçë County.