Capital of the Prefecture is the city of Arta. Built amphitheatrically in the place of ancient Amvrakia, (famous Corinthian colony) to the left bank of the river Arachthos, the city is famous for its remarkable neoclassic buildings, the Byzantine churches, the castle and above all for the legendary bridge and the Byzantine church of Panagia (Virgin Mary) Parigoritissa". Arta played leading part to the historical developments of the region from antiquity. It was the capital of King Pirros’s state, when it was transferred to the Amvrakia in 295 B.C. and in 1204 after the occupation of Constantinople from the Crusaders becomes the capital of Despotato (Domain) of Epirus. From the 13th up to the 15th century it was an important and prosperous commercial centre of north-western Greece. Even in the dark years of Turkish domination, Arta maintains certain privileges and plays leading part to the liberating fight of 1821. The important monuments that adorn the city are the irrefutable witnesses of Arta’s historical importance of many centuries. Today Arta is a city that combines the comforts of modern life with neoclassic buildings, beautiful parks and pedestrian zones that make the city centre the perfect place for a pleasant walk. The city’s population is about 40.000 people, it is 360 km from Athens. There also lies the Administration of the Technological Education Institute of Epirus. The city is very vivid and has very live cultural and artistic activity, cultural associations with theatrical activity, athletic associations, Open Theatre in the Castle, Historical and Folklore Museum, and Exhibition Centre.