Kastoria, Greece and Fur

Kastoria is one of the most important centres for the production, processing and trading of furs, worldwide. The long tradition, excellent quality and international connections that have been developed over the years, make fur industry one of the most important exportation sectors of the country as well as an extremely productive field for national economy.

The art of producing furs was developed in the Byzantine times, probably when the first artisans from Kastoria learned this art in Constantinople. In the 16th and 17th century, the guilt of the Kastorian furriers in Constantinople is at its peak and many of its members hold positions of great prestige and influence.



During the Turkish domination, demand for furs was high because Turks loved fur luxurious clothes as well as because the officers’ uniforms had parts made of fur. In the first years, they used the leathers of whole animals but later on, in the 18th century, the furriers from Kastoria had to deal with the lack of animals and thus they started producing beautiful clothes made of leather patches.

The centre of the fur trade was Lipsia, where once a year, on Low Sunday, merchants were buying leathers to process them. The furriers of Kastoria became very famous for their art; they expanded their activities outside the borders of the Ottoman Empire and created agencies in Europe and Russia. The prosperity of that time is depicted on the mansions of the city.

Fur processing takes place in the same traditional way, for five hundred years now. Leathers are taken by small animals bred inside and outside Greece. Matching the patches and sewing need special skills, lot of attention and patience.

The furs, that one can see walking around the city, are the works of high art and technique inherited from one generation to the other.

The visitor can buy these high quality products of the Kastorian art in one of the numerous stores of the city, at very good price.

The Fur Manufacturers’ Association of Kastoria (tel. 24670 22353) holds, every spring, since 1976, the Annual International Fur Fair at the Fur Exhibition – Auction House of Kastoria (tel. 24670 27771), which is one of the most important fur fairs internationally and a major commercial event for Western Macedonia.

Processing and trading furs was the main economic activity of the city’s inhabitants for many years. After the troubles that this sector encountered in the recent years, it now tries to take advantage of the favourable market conditions, to approach new markets and to take advantage of new challenges.

A 700-year course of success - Chronology:

Around the 13 th c.: it is estimated that organized leather and fur processing began in Kastoria.

From the 16 th c. onwards: there was an increase in demand for fur products, as they became a symbol of social status instead of merely a means of protection against the cold. There were imports of raw materials from abroad and, finally, commercial supply of ready fur products to the whole of Europe .

In the 18 th c.: now comprising a basic garment of elegance, fur embraced the technology of the era, with processing machinery and imports of remnant patches for stitching to Kastoria.

After 1950: there was rapid development thanks to the unique technique and enthusiasm of the furriers of Kastoria, which became the most important centre for fur processing internationally.

Today : The furring sector respects the ecosystem and fulfills all necessary specifications, with respect to international rules regarding ecosystem handling. Raw materials come from special breeding facilities, complying with specific operation laws and favorable living conditions for the animals.

Based on traditional trade secrets and processing, combined with modern developments that complement tradition; this crowns our work with international prestige.