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MUNICIPALITY OF SOUTH KYNOURIA
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MUNICIPALITY OF SOUTH KYNOURIALEONIDIO, 22300 PREFECTURE OF ARKADIA Tel: 27573-60203-4 Fax: 27573-60211 e-Mail: leonidio@otenet.gr Web Site: http://www.notiakynouria.gov.gr |
JOURNEY TO THE
Genesis Site - Nature
The Municipality of South Kynourias is one of the Kallikratis Municipalities, created by the merger of the municipalities Leonidion Tyros and Community Kosmas.
Has an area of 583,16 square kilometers and a population at the 2001 census, 9001 inhabitants. The headquarter is Leonidio and includes 14 other communities.
Located in the southeastern part of the Regional Unity Arcadia, stretched to the eastern and southern slopes of
Sank and emerged many times, because it happened many geological transformations and realignments. But 12.000 years ago surfaced again, ready to be inhabited.
Well then, created mountains, caves, magnificent spiral motion canyons, streams and fertile valleys, but also vertical vermillion cliffs which guards sleepless amulates the towns which were builted below their feet.
Created deciduous forests, and coniferous forests, almost like those of today, bushy areas, phryganic and grassland.
Created unique caves, two of which are of the greatest and most important globally evaluated, attracting scholars cavers from around the world and these are: The tiered
Also historical caves such as the cave of the god Dionysos, where the mythology and Pausanias mentions to his tour, that grew god Dionysus, son of Zeus and Semele.
There are no rivers, but there are torrents with ravines, with the greatest canyon Dafnona with the homonymous stream which runs through the city of
Is best known for its beauty, with steep slopes, the meander of the river, the trees sprouted live on the rock, with no soil on the roots, with endemic plants.
This rarity was the reason he joined the NATURA 2000, the code GR 2520005.
All Parnonas for its rich biodiversity and sixteen endemic plants, has been described as "Mediterranean Botanical Paradise" and the
A large part of the municipality also belongs to
Here you will find forests full of cedar trees, unique in Europe with high ecological value, but also the last southern Kefalonian Abies forests in
Here you will find unique plants and animals, many of them are in the Red Data Book of plants and animals that are threatened with extinction.
Here in the mountains and peaks of Parnonas you will find, its Golden Tulip , known as the Tulip's of the Orphanides, its red tulip, its wild Viola tricolor , its asperoula, its centaurs , its cyclamen, its minouartes, its orchids , its tea, but also other rare precious herbs.
These herbs studied by the Eresios Theophrastus and Dioscorides Pedanios.
These herbs used by Chiron and Asclepius but to heal the diseases of the body and soul of people.
Here you will find native and migratory birds, as the number of species is an indicator of the rich flora of the place, and how big is the natural wealth.
Wild animals, reptiles, insects, various unique, strange and protected butterflies.
The eastern slopes of the municipality resulting in beautiful bays and beaches that is more steeply dipping into the waters of
Uncontaminated sites, transparent.
Twenty six beaches in its jurisdiction, large and small, sandy, pebbly, all classified with three stars at the top of the list for their purity. With the clean and clear turquoise waters, you come to drink in the glass if you could, which invite’s and provokes you , to splash and cool off by swimming, accompanied with dolphins jump out suddenly in front of you, to explore underwater caves and enjoy the bottom with Traganes and unique meadow sea grass of Posidonia.
If you're lucky, you will meet seals Monachus monachus and turtles Caretta caretta.
Here the sun does not reigns, just rocks with the blue sea, painted by Io each dawn with golden and red color and Vesper, with colors of fire in the twilight, the tops of Parnonas.
Besides, the word Parnon, means "shining peak", by the light of the sun and moon.
In this place Nature, gave generously, sites ineffable beauty, golden sunrises and endless sea with deep blue color, when you look at in the morning and at dusk which rejoices the soul, make the spirit fly and releases it into infinity.
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All villages (local communities) of the Municipality, situated sometimes panoramic, sometimes on a slope, sometimes a plateau and can sometimes touched by the wave, seem like an expensive necklace of pearls past to the neck of a charmer.
Their houses, doors wide open with geranium, basil and mint in the courtyards, warm loaf the bread and the pitcher of water, and all simple and Doric, just like their people.
This same place, is full of myths and realities, that tie together and mingle so much, that you can not distinguish them, but let them travel you in the past year and to that which comes.
Parnon was the "
Here, in this land, is the place that hid well the secret love of god Saturn, who hid the nymph Filira, who was born and died on the Centaur Chiron, the first doctor, chemist and botanist.
Here, is where Hercules fought the Centaurs, who defeated Orios, who set up his trophy, where he wounded Chiron.
This place has being inherited by Elatos, here Atalanti in these forests he use to hunt.
Here, lived Kynouros , the son of Perseus, the founder of the Kynourious, who killed Medusa.
In this place, Dionysus grew from the nymph Ino, Semele's son and Zeus.
Here the tomb hosting corpse of Semele.
Here, worshiped Apollo, Ethana, Artemis, Aphrodite, Achilles, the Dioscuri, small Korybantes.
Here, here, here ...
It is truly unbearable the beauty and the heritage of this country, the more you learn adout this place the most you adorn it.
The climate is
The peculiarity of climate change is that it gives unique characteristics to the plants that grow, and to the products that produced in the region.
Moreover human presence is perfectly harmonized, with minimal intervention on nature, structures are both ancient and modern matches perfect with the environment and with rich history so the ancient as the modern.
International paths and national and local invite you for a walk, in order to learn and enjoy the Place and Nature, to live within its myths, traveling you into the mists of centuries who gone by and touched.
Come learn how to love and give up unconditionally, without haggling to the place that you worship.
Come to catch even know what means the human respect for the environment sculptured and gave the God, because many envy this site and the glory of chastity.
History and Location
Finds the surrounding area, indicate that the human element was the Neolithic Age, but mainly from the EH period (2800-2000 BC), showing the installation in pre-Hellenic Kynouria leaves.
Plutarch reports that Danaos, after spending the Aegean, before reaching
Pausanias mentions the same for Danaos, who before he landed in
The Middle Helladic period from 1900 BC and then came the Ionians in
The word Kynouria in the opinion of Kostas Romeos, comes from the word Kynosoura (dog tail), meaning ridge, beach, place of fallow, stumbling.
However the tradition wants the name to came from Kynouros, son of Perseus, who was the first settler in the area, and the founder of Kynouria.
Kynouria, because of the great strategic position between
Each City-State he considered its own earth, so its inhabitants lived permanently under the threat of a new conflict.
Prasies or Vrasies , was the most important center of
Destroyed and sacked twice, as reported by Thucydides in his writings, during the Peloponnesian war by the Athenians, firstly leaded by Pericles in 430 BC. and secondly in 414 BC.
As it is said, built over the harbor of today Plaka, which is the seaport town of Leonidio dominated and controlled from above, any ship entering the bay of Argolis, but also provided the possibility of maritime communication to Sparta with Argosaronikos and other more distant cities and regions. And as well the fertile valley which was near, supplied the surrounding areas, which were mountain villages.
Vrasies also participated in "Amfioktionis Sanctuary of Poseidon", or "Amfioktionis
The fleet of Kynourians, sailing the Mediterranean arrived in
There are not enough details for the Byzantine period, only what Constantine Porphyrogenitus writes in his book "Cerimoniis" , Tsakones were recruited as guards guard (912-959 AD), were given a special honorary , army force, the "College of the Castle Guardian".
During the Frankish rule, when
Important role in the Greek revolution, which began on March 16, 1821, with their banner, flag with a cross and a snake who keeps his head with the sharp claws and pecking at an owl.
In the summer of 1821 helped capture of Monemvasia, after took the lead, in the capture of Tripoli, eroding and tricking the Turks, took part in the campaign of Rumelia, in Dramalian, in the siege of Nafplion, against Ibrahim, but also many others have done and all reported in various historical documents that are found in the historical record of the area.
The conquest was confined only to the payment of taxes and nothing beyond.
Proportional was the role in modern history, always resisting the current occupier. A proof of that is the entirely burning of the village Kosmas, when residents resisted.
The preservation of the autonomy of the region throughout its history is due to the
The Tsakonik Archive and Local History Archive forming a part of the National Archive, with a great amount of information, which give you the option if you want to study.
Language
In
The Tsakonians in a scientific sense, it is a direct offspring of de Deliberate Lakonians . According to other, they are descendants of ancient Thracian tribes and the support it both in vernacular language, as in the worship of the god Dionysus.
In other acclaimes the word Tsakonians , is a corruption of the word Lakonians, which is not consider to be likely by the scholars.
The Tsakonians speak, a distinct language, the Tsakonian, which is corrupt Doric with two different idioms.
Many researchers have been working until today and still work with it, still exist and continue to be spoken until nowadays, especially from the older and less than from the younger people.
Efforts are being made to preserve it.
Are welcome those who wish to study the site.
Dance
Apart from the language, the Tsakonian preserve the Tsakonian dance or "kliste" as it is called in Tsakonian dialect "closed." A dance really ancient, simple, austere and solemn, whose footsteps measure’s the time with accuracy.
It is pentasimos, when 5/4, sometimes 5/8, with movements of the dancers tight to the groove movement of the time. It is a circular dance with the bodies of the dancers (especially women dancers), holding tightly, so as to create a seamless chain, creating elaborate spirals.
Some consider him to be the ancient crane, the dance of Theseus and symbolizes the steps as he left the Labyrinth. As we know the Minoan civilization originates from the
Some others consider that portrays the struggle of the god Apollo and the Python, the sacred evil serpent. Simon Karras, supports this view, believing that the frontal compared with the first two dancers interpret hypnotic struggle of god’s wills with the snake.
Others, it's another kind of Pyrrhic.
Whichever interpretation one can choose, he can not but to acknowledge the sacredness of this dance, the simplicity that characterizes it, its purity, its austerity and its specific character, qualities that were able to keep it up to date throughout the centuries unchanged, untouched.
It worth to be investigated, to learn, to dance, to feel the thrill passes your body when you think how ancient dance is, as it comes through the mists of time and after he danced by great people in body and in spirit , mighty.
Attire
Famed is the costume of women, Tsakonian costume, which was made of satin, silk, silver, velvets and the malama.
These were the things that brought by Tsakonians merchants and captains from, the Cities of Beirut, Africa, Prousa and noblewomen ,the housewives, ie the noblewomen younger and elder made their costumes.
Lacy white blouses, dresses silk deep green or golden yellow sun above them, slit sleeves, skirts circular with red finish seemed like tongues of fire. Their west was surrounded by "ASIMOZOYNARO" (silver belts) which finishes with twin ornate buckles. Vermillion cloak in deep red, thrown, heavy, the "TZOUBE" (something like a long sleeveless coat), headband or fez, crown on the forehead, coins and beads on the finish. Handmade white socks and embroidered slippers filled the whole costume.
Depending on the wealth and the clothing. Heavy purple silk for the wedding mansions with valuable velvets and filigree embroidery. Striped woven coming from
Because the “TZOUB” which embrace the female body and brings out the beauty and shapely, the dancers due to that, were named "Tzoubeloudes” (the women who wear the tzoube).
Buildings and Architecture
Characteristics are the buildings, so in the capital of the municipality, Leonidio as in all the surrounding communities.
It is perfectly in tune with the environment, due to its main material for the construction of these traditional house, is the stone.
Forerunner architecture, the huts of the farmers, which evolved into two-or three-storey houses, rectangular, oblong, with wooden floor and fireplace in the center of the closest side.
Feature the "arch" that they put the animals and also kept their feed, which eventually evolved into a storage room in the house and this is the case today.
Outdoor staircase, stone mainly leads to the upper floors. The courtyard is surrounded by tall stone fence and gate opening is mosaic. Necessary outbuildings in the yard are the oven, the cistern and the winepress.
The roof is typically four-sided with tile and on mountain village’s use instead of tile, slate slabs that withstand the snow.
The mansions are elaborate, influenced by the architecture of Spetses and
In the town of
Thus, we see characteristic architecture, with clear Western influences, especially for decoration. We see buildings of stone, pebble gardens, stained glass windows, walls and ceilings painted with solar motifs and elaborate decorations and tiled roof loggia, spiral staircases leading externally to the upper floors, but also fireplaces and crypts, influenced by oriental architecture.
Typical sample, is the
Also in Leonidio, there are 120 classical houses, built by Langadians and Italians builders specialized in building with stone and, from 1840 to 1910, with obvious western influence and pure folk elements that characterize the region.
This architecture is brilliant and rich, showing the prosperity of the people before the revolution, but also afterwards.
In some villages, there are mansions with neoclassical architecture.
Very interesting also is the marble works of the neoclassical All Saints Cemetery of Leonidio shown as well as here, the wealth that flowed in the region and taste of people.
Masterpieces of the 19th century, statues, columns, sarcophagi, tombs, created by famous sculptors like, Giannoulis Chalepas, John Halepas, Alex. Lavdas, A. Pitikas the Em. Voulgaris, Nickolas Spanos, Jackob Malakate, John Theotokas, adorn the last resting place of great people, who lived in this city.
Generally the buildings and the builds of the area is worthy of attention and study architecturally.
You can visit the Site and study them.
Economic history - Trade and fitting.
The mountainous and inaccessible terrain of the South of Municipality of Kynourias was the cause, that mainly there was no communication with the interior of the
Thus, the development of maritime communications was critical, since small fertile plains and plateaus, were not enough to feed the people living around.
The geographical position, it was also a plus point for this development, since the area was frequently attacked by barbarian tribes for its conquest.
But excelled as sailors and as traders. Migrated and established colonies in the Aegean islands,
Hardworking and smart as they were is succeeded wherever they went, instate and use to send back in homeland whatever they were able to, in order to benefit in that way their homeland.
The wealth that flowed in the area was very large, chateaus and mansions built with unique architecture influenced mainly from Europe, furnished according to Western standards, it is so characteristic that Marianna Koromila in her book writes about the mansions of Leonidio and not only, the following: "They filled the traditional mansions of Leonidio with piano and harpsichord, one in the room and one in the dining room or living room , a gift from his uncle Patroclus landowner of Vlachia, gift from rich cousin Kolia from Bucharest. And Leonidio capital of an isolated coastal area, between the tall mountains of the eastern
On one part the Tsakonian products traveled around the world and on the other, rare and exotic products, such as coffee and spices, reach the Tsakonia to enrich their everyday life.
The fine wine travels throughout the Ottoman Empire and the elaborate Tsakonika handmade rugs, decorate the mansions of
Their ships traveled everywhere and with that of the Hydras and Spetses waged during the revolution and throughout its duration, entering the service of the nation fighting for its freedom.
Holy Monasteries and Religious Festivals - Religious destination
When exactly in this place came Christianity we are not able to know, but it came late, according to assertions at 900 - 1000 AD and settle deeply in the hearts of these people.
The religious feeling was intense, coming from the past since they use to worship Apollo, Dionysus and other gods.
Many years living in their minds and in their thoughts, the pixies, the gnomes, nymphs, fairies, the ghoul, ghosts, treasures losers and other.
Christ has simply replaced the old gods, to their soul and their conscience.
Their faith in Christ became very deep, great and loud. They built many churches and monasteries, many of which Parnonas "
The greatest and most famous religious sites in the Municipality are:
Elona Monastery.
A monastery very important and renowned, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, built in 15th-16th century, in a recess of a vertical cliff above the canyon Dafnona, seemed like she was hanging to chaos, located only
The image of the Virgin is miraculous. It is a creation of the evangelist Luke, one of the 70 images has devoted her, is made from beeswax and mastic.
The monastery is a jurisdiction of the Patriarchate, hosts many relics of Saints and Gospels, Holy Relics and specials in honor of the many miracles she has done.
The temple is wooden and wonderful, the catholic has been built in 1812, when Veli Pasha commanded.
The history and the holiness of the monastery are very great. The monks who founded were killed by the Turks and the monastery have been sacked and burned several times during the Ottoman era, had a great part and contribute in the Revolution of 1821.Today is a female monastery celebrates on 15 August and 21 November.
Holy Monastery of St. Nicholas Syntzas.
It is in the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate this monastery was founded in the 13th century. Small church in the beginning later became greater church and in 1783 completed its renovation.
The icon of St. Nicholas represents his Dormition and its rare hagiography, makes it special.
Rare manuscripts of the Gospels which adorned with delicate decorations, but also other relics are found among the treasures held.
Worth mentioning is that among these treasures, there is one piece of the spine which at the Tradition, belonged to a very large snake "Dragon" who lived in the area, but scientific research has shown that it is a human invention.
The monastery celebrates on December 6 and on May 8, but on 8 of September and on 3 of October honors as well as Saint Dionysius.
Near the monastery there are many caves, and one of them is considered the "
Archaeological research has shown that these caves have been inhabited by humans, during the Neolithic era. This is evidenced by findings in them, such as tools, human bones, pots, vases, etc... These were great hermits, cloisters, as well as shelters during the wars.
Monastery Karia
Another monastery in jurisdiction of the Patriarchate, it was built by monks of the Monastery of Karyon of Mount Athos at an altitude of
Mentioned its existence in
The painting was made by George and Demetrios Mosko in 1638. The temple is a masterpiece and by walnut wood.
It is dedicated to St. Nickola, and the image of the Holy is a work of 1600 and has been altered due to the cult of worshipers.
Admirable is the floor of the church, which is executed with a layman way, forms of lion, bull, the double-headed eagle and a winged demon.
An hagiography which pictures saints who ride their horses adorn the temple. According to the tradition, during the Turkish occupation the monastery was burned, but the faces of saints remained intact due to the styles of the floor, who acted as guards and protect them.
Celebrated on December 6 and 8 May.
Monastery of Archangel Michael of Mouras
It is also in the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate, ruined partially burned like holocaust by Ibrahim, but the exceptional style painting of the church has fortunately survived.
Here great monks inhabited and the memory of St. honored until 1950 with a glorious feast.
There were close links with Byzantium and this is evidenced by the existence of a sculpted representation of a lion on the floor.
It is said that there were two alive snakes in the Monastery, which with the help of the Divine Will, guarding the Sacred Relics and this story is located in the Beautiful Gate of the Temple.
The way that monastery stands indicates that in the past was a Monastery in the form of a Castle.
Holy Monastery of Virgin Mary of Kounoupia
The temple is built on the foundations of an ancient temple, and the legend says that the image of the Virgin Mary, which is dedicated up to, was found up on a tree and the tree named "holy tree."
The Monastery was built around this tree in the 10th century. On the left side of the temple, there is a spring with holy water covered, it is said that this water saved the Monastery from the fire and scared Ibrahim.
In this Great Gate are two wonderful hagiographies, Russian style of Russian artist Vladimir, who among others, also created, the Metropolitan Cathedral in Kiev. The relics are offers of Catherine the Great.
This demonstrates the close ties that existed at the time with the Russians.
This picture is dedicated to the Virgin Portaitissa and it is a gift from Ivirian Monastery of Mount Athos.
Many images are also painted by the hand of Fotis Kontoglou.
Monastery Virgin Mary of Mari
It was a male monastery founded in the 15th century which was burned by Ibrahim and abandoned by three monks in 1842.
This picture is dedicated to the Virgin of Hodegetria stands out for its beauty and crafted by Fotis Kontoglou.
Important Religious Holidays
The feast of Virgin Mary of Elona on August 15, excepts from all the feasts , with her celebration ,crowds from all over arrive to worship her and to festive . Also very important is the celebration, on Nov. 21, where another celebration takes place, the sacred image is worshiped and the priests process her around of the city of Leonidio.
Famous is the Easter in Leonidio.
In spring, when nature is in all its splendor with the warm aromas of oranges and flowers in the courtyards of the houses and to the plain, with the sweet singing of nightingales and other birds, the celebration of Easter in the region, is the climax.
All the days of the Holy Week goes by solemnly. Many festive events take place in the region. Begins on the evening of Holy Thursday and ends on the evening of Easter Sunday.
Old customs and traditions, revive fills the souls of people with unbearable sweetness and ends with the celebration of love, when the priest reads the Gospel in Tsakonian language.
The custom of the special balloons, which brought by sailors in the early 20th century from countries of the East, has a dominant position in celebration.
Dimitris Psathas, who used to visit regularly the town and wanted to give his view on the intense religiosity of the people and the beauty of the custom during the days of Easter wrote: “Carnival in Patra and Easter only in Leonidio” in order to highlight the uniqueness of the festive.
The evening of Holy Saturday, the streets of the town of Leonidio, illuminated by thousands of oranges –stuffed with candles and balloons illuminated miniatures, yielding this way a sacramental image. In addition the intense sacredness and longing in your soul, for this event, this will soon come and celebrate everything. The festivities culminate at midnight when the faithful receive the Holy Light and chant together with the priests, “Christ Has Risen”, with the spectacular flight of colorful balloons that soar high, like small fires like our souls, glorify and praise the fact of divine Resurrection. After the balloons, lot of fireworks fill the sky, firecrackers and dynamite, overnight shaking the city, the gorge and surrounding mountains sending in that way the message of Christ resurrection.
Equally nice is the Easter in the city of Tyros, were vanguards on Holy Saturday afternoon, the faithful lit candles and cast into the sea to sail, in the name of the lost souls of the sailors and in the evening in the Resurrection, among other things, the spectacular burning of Judas in a raft at sea.
Spit are toasted in the squares and houses of the villagers, songs and dances take place, plenty of wine flows, and greetings with wishes, continues during the day Sunday of Easter, all over the capital and the villages of the Municipality. All these concludes in the afternoon and evening with the celebration of the festive of “Love”, where the Gospel is read in Tsakonian language and the last balloons and fireworks are being flayed up to the sky in the center square of the Municipality the Leonidio. It is worth visiting the area and to this unique experience.
Other Events and Festivals
Many festivals take place during the summer, as well as cultural celebrations.
Important is the Feast of Tsakonian Eggplant, a feast for the farmers and their labor, which located in the Plaka, the seaport town of Leonidio.
A celebration to honor the finest product produced in the borough and in fact at plain of Leonidio designated PDO( Protected Designation of Origin).
Tasting dishes, which have basic material the Tsakonian eggplant, award the best of them, by Chef Greeks, French, Italians, Turks, and others from the Mediterranean countries. Traditional dances and other dances and songs surround the celebration.
Takes place every year on the last weekend of August.
Another festival for the eggplant with musical composition, called "melitzaz" take place with many events and world music, a different festival that travels you to other worlds that makes you dream and you feel like you are apart of them.
Musics and dances, performances of Southern Italy, Spain, East, Africa, grow into small squares and streets of the town of Leonidion , in traveling to the places from where they emanate.
The festive take place every year from May to early July.
Come, we invite you like little horns, to live with our differences and dream.
The Feast of honey is a celebration in honor of beekeepers, bees and bee products, as the area has more than 15.000 hives and the honey produced by is of excellent quality due to the xeric climate.
Sweet dishes based in honey offered to all who attend the festival.
It is celebrated in the Local Community of Melana, every year in July.
The Fisherman's Feast is celebrated in honor of the fishermen of the area. Wine, fry and seafood dishes of the festival, singing and dancing for fun lasts until morning.
Takes place every year in late September, at the local community Tyros.
Choose the time you want to come, the festival you want to see and come to live it, to taste, to enjoy them.
Also, the City of South Kynouria has the following municipalities and local Communities, individual and unique, with their own color, their own identity each. Not all of them are occupied by Tsakonian, but all other more, others less, have the same above listed features. All deserve a few words about their beauty in order to learn about them in case you wish to visit them.
Municipal Community Leonidion
Leonidio. A region and a city, that comes through the mists of time under another name, as a continuation of another, the city of Prasies or Vrasies. An enchantress lying lazily the top of Dafnona valley on the outskirts of sleepless red guardians , the famous Red rocks .
A city covered by the myth of Dionysus, full of history, colors and fragrances. Imported from the West and the East. With mansions remind ancient of old times, full of riches, each have its own story to tell you. Towers and tower houses talks about people and eras gone by.
But also a region, that was named in ancient times by "Garden of Dionysus", since it was green from the vines that gave to her by the god Dionysus and in the earlier the Old Man of the Morea called and meant it as the “Secure Site" since conqueror foot did not located only passed by .
A city that is the capital of the present Municipality of South Kynouria, with 3.500 residents and just
Inhabited permanently and became the capital of the Province Kynouria since 1845, after the destruction of Prastos, the previous capital of theTsakonians. Until then, the residents overwinter here, descending from the mountains, due to the mild winter.
There are many presumes for the name of the city which on Tsakonic called "Agie Lidi".
The most prevalent is that it originated from St. Leonidas, whose body was found in the area of Plaka, where is the namesake Church, when horribly martyred along with seven other women martyrs for their faith in the third century AD.
The ancient Vrasies is the same place and the name, came again and was a gift from the sea, which connects this place with the world of spirits. The gift was the coffin with the dead Semele and her son Dionysus, who washed up on the same coast and in order to honor their commemoration his name was given to the area.
It has been declared a traditional settlement and thus maintains its color unchanged, without being touched by the current architecture disaster, with buildings listed as Tsikalioti Tower, landmark of the city, the mansion of Politimou, Chatziroudi Tower and many more.
Homeland of many important intellectuals, including the poet Kostas Uranis, the poet, and philosopher George Sarantaris, the poet, painter Elizabeth Psara,, the prominent artist Nestor Varveris, whose works are in the Louvre, the painter Brasidas Tsouchlos and many others.
It is also the homeland the captains as Georgakis Manolakis, George Gouleno, Manolis Dunias and many others.
A city at the time of its commercial supremacy looked like a miniature of Istanbul, since many Tsakones lived there and excelled as traders not only brought home its cosmopolitan air, but also many of its habits.
Unbreakable bonds uniting the two cities. Phanariots scholars and monks visit Leonidio, who also contributed to its spiritual life.
A fertile plain stretching
A dynamic plain, which produces excellent vegetables and very tasty due to the microclimate of the area and the soil.
The god of this land Dionysus benefited the residents, for their kindness to him and his dead mother, giving them, euphoria, chosen vineyards, the pear, the fig tree, olive tree later, and today the eggplant.
So, here is the home of "Tsakonik Eggplant", a PDO product, separates from all the other species for its quality and its sweet taste.
Lettuce, tomatoes, various vegetables, oranges, olives and olive oil are the main products are also produced today.
On the brink of the road to the city, three old windmills on the rock, with broken rotors are gazing the sea, waiting for their own Don Quixote.
A huge white, pebble beach, from one end of the valley to the other, waiting for you to swim in its shallow crystal clear waters.
The deep red guardians of the city, provokes you if you wish to a difficult climbing adventure, and its top waits for your glider.
In the end of the deep canyon of Dafnona, stands in the vertical cliffs, the monastery of St. Nickolas of Syntzas, sleepless guardian and next to the "Cave of Ino" or "Cave of Dionysus", where an ancient god, “ Dionysus” was raised.
Two separate places of worship, the new and the old, who matched closely tied together, showing the succession of one another, through time in the souls of the people who live here.
To the right of the valley towards the sea, it’s “Sleeping Beauty”, a mountain with the ancient castle of the Vrasies and the picturesque, majestic chapel of Agios Athanasios in the peak gaze Myrtoo, up to there that the human eye can reach.
At the foot of the mountain of "Sleeping Beauty" is the haven of Leonidio, the picturesque port of Plaka. A small settlement which is built where the lifeless body of Semele and Dionysus were washed ashore, where deposited by the wave reverence the holy relic of Leonidas, at the end of fortresses, with picturesque taverns, beautiful, simple.
A harbor with fishing boats lined up on the pier to moor the boat as you come out of the sea and get some rest. The endless beach left, from one side of the valley to the other, with its crystal clear waters, of your choice for swimming to enjoy the sun and taste the fresh fish in its taverns next to the seashore.
The famous Easter in Leonidion, the balloons, the great ancient language of our ancestors and the shudder that overcomes you, the serpentine dance of Tsakonia Tzoumpeloudon dancers, when you see him and dance, they will leave a sweet drunkenness and nostalgia for the place. The local dishes and the desserts from the sweet eggplant will sweeten more the memories you take with you.
Come to know everything and to taste.
‘’ΜΕ ΤΟ ΚΑΛΕ ΝΑ ΜΟΛΕΤΕ ΤΑ ΧΩΡΑ ΜΟΥ ‘’ (YOU ARE VERY WELCOME TO MY VILLAGE).
Local Community Tyros
Tyros. A city that comes straight out of antiquity, with the same name, the same human material, the same language, the same customs.
Today, the second largest settlement in the municipality with 1779 inhabitants.
Spread out panoramic on the slopes of Parnon, covered in olive trees and ends in the sea , refraining
A state and a welcoming harbor for boats which as Sleepless guards, the three old windmills looking up to the sea, where you can tell to you sweet words and beautiful legends, untold stories of the people and times gone by.
At the top of the hill, the remains of Cyclopean walls, where in each puff of air in them, you listen to stories, what went through what they saw and what they lived so much centuries before and up today.
An ancient castle, which dominates up to the hill above the harbor, checking every ship that wanted to enter the Argolic bay, with the patron god Apollo, who gave generously the green, blue and its red sunrises, as he is God of the Sun, giving that way life and light to the living creatures. A god who protected the herds and animals of the region, and their products, milk, cheese, which is why we named “Apollo Tiritas ”. So, he gave the name of "Tyros". But the story wants to have those old years, relations with Tyros of Phoenicia.
A village today, with old stone houses of traditional tsakonik architecture, who managed to save from the "civilized" materials, its higher parts, but also new, reaches down to the wave, trying to reconcile and coexist in a harmonious whole. A beach of a distance of two kilometers, invites you for a walk at dawn and dusk, to feel deeply within yourself and to captivate the sea breeze, to rest your eyes and relax your mind.
The residents of Tsakonia , frugal, Doric, trying to preserve their inheritance until today, it welcomes you , with its famous Tsakonian language the ancient "kliste", their dance, and their songs.
They have not subjugated to any aspiring conquerors that passed through the place, because it is unconquered generation from places tough and lonely.
Many turquoise crystal clear beaches, underwater caves, sinkholes, canyons, are a neat challenge to meet.
Ancient stones, tombs and ruins of the castle, introduces you the legend, to initiate, to listen to the whispering of the ancient Apollo Tiritas and to feel allover you the bright light when he rises at dawn, into silence.
Celebrations will enjoy you and a special devoted Easter that you will never forget.
Come and do not miss it, do not pass it or else, you will be the goner the poorest.
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Local Community Kosmas
Kosmas. "The Balcony of Kynouria". A village built in chestnuts, in cedar and in fir trees, crystal streams and ancient trees, ornate with lion head marble fountains which never stop their gargle singing, homes with plate covertures stone fortresses, well tied to the environment.
Kosmas, a "Siren of Parnon" one of the last paradise on earth, located at an altitude of
Here are the ruins of ancient Selinus, here were worshiped the god, Apollo of maleates, here’s his altar, here are the Dioscuri, here also ancient sites that have not been discovered yet.
With executive paths, buried beneath the foliage and crystal springs to quench your thirst, and while you are moving into, there are its rocks to rest , were you can eat your wet local nut, your olives and cheese and a cup of wine from your saddlebag.
To come, you must follow a magnificent road which its twisty turnings, through the canyon Dafnona, you will enjoy an nature untouched and wild, covered in green, you will awe by the monastery of Elona, hanging over your head as it stands above chaos, you will smell unique perfume which are spread allover the air and from there you can l stretch your gaze beyond the sea of Myrtoo and lost in the horizon, over the islands of the Saronic Gulf.
The characterization is not random is reality, is the "Balcony of Kynourias."
Kosmas in the past belonged in Laconia, and from 1836 joined the municipality of Arcadia the community of Selinous, along with Poulithra and later in 1840 joined the Municipality, Mari, the Kounoupia and the Vlissidia. In 1890 it became the seat of the municipality Selinous and in 1915 became a community.
The 591 inhabitants in winter descended on most low for winter, they are liberty Lakonians so unconquerable and militants which have proven many times. There are historical references for their contributions to the Revolution of 1821. The Greek-Italian war defeated the Italians in 1943 and 1944, the Germans burned the village because they resisted vigorously.
They are hospitable, genuine descendants of those who believed in Xenios Zeus, hardworking and peaceful. Trying to keep untouched the customs and traditions, through time.
Engaged in farming, but in earlier years, made exclusively in Greece, the profession of scallop maker known as “ Georgantzas”. Famous was the union of "Georgantzas" at the time. They made scallops for their looms and sold them all over the Balkans, while it had great patter dialect, the "Giorgatzaiika". He was also very good "Stonecutter" and "Lagoumitzis", during the years of Ottoman, these occupations have disappeared and are remembering today.
A library, a gallery and a folklore museum, will reward you when you visit then. At the same time are pottery and wood carving workshops. Many exhibitions are hosted every year.
It is homeland of to the elders Asimaki Giannakis, G. Kontogiannis, many bishops, the great painter George Rori and others.
Many are the benefactors of Kosma from America, past and present.
One of the most important monasteries in Greece belongs to the local community of Kosma is the miraculous monastery of Virgin Mary of Elona of 15th-16th century, for which we have mentioned above.
The village is built panoramic, with stone houses, with traditional architecture, which its inhabitants today presume the building with the same materials and the same way. There are two-storey houses, built mainly around the central square, which is very beautiful, decorated with old trees, planted in 1881. Traditional cafes and graphic taverns complete the picture of the village.
A walk to the prophet Elijah with the remnants of ancient altar, will travel you to the past year, to meet your Maleatas Apollo and the Dioscuri.
If you go to the "Madari", the mountain peak and its slopes, or in the forest of chestnut trees, or in the gully with the nightingales in St. John, or the gorge of Agios Georgios Cursor, which is the ruined monastery, or plateau "Mazaraki", or paths between the cedars and firs and turn to drink from the cold and limpid water, which comes from the mouths of lions heads in the square, if you sit under the deep shade of the trees and eat the local nut cake and “melomakarono”, you will feel that you have enjoy what nature gave generously to this place, and you will fall in love deeply and will make you to revisit it many times.
Local Community Poulithra
Poulithra. A separate settlement, touched by the waves of Myrtoo Sea, built uphill and parallel to the road leading to the mountain villages, just
In the south, are the ruins of the ancient citadel on the hill “Polychni”, the harbor and archaeological findings in the area testify its importance of existence, at those years. Besides the name "Poulithra" is a corruption of the word “Polichni”.
A welcoming village with traditional stone houses and mansions storey, neoclassical, with elaborately painted ceilings and walls, samples of the wealth that flowed past the area, since wealthy merchants and sailors were the residents.
A town famous for its beauty, cosmopolitan, with a huge pebble beach on his feet and also another huge beach of Agios Georgios (a chapel on the rocks of the sea), by the turn of the hill Polychni, bouth have crystal blue waters to swim, the same sirens to seduce you.
Here, green and blue, combined peacefully, is the ideal destination to relax, away from the city's bustle and stress.
Beautiful stone Hotels for an enjoyable and restful sleep, beach taverns to fill your hunger and cafes, literally on the beach for a delicious coffee or ice cream and sweet to sweeten.
Delicious golden-red sunrises, dipped in the sea and on moonlit nights, with moons, perfectly round silver faces, to scatter their light, swaying to and reflected over the water element, let them remind you and cause you and invite you for a romantic boat ride in the sea.
Morning and evening, a walk by the sea, up to Plaka, the port of Leonidio fills you energy and strength.
Steep cliffs and fishing spots to enjoy your hobbies.
A place that will always want to revisit because you will not forget.
Come, you will see.
Local Community of Pigadi– The bay of Fokiano
Pigadi. A picturesque village on your way, built on another plateau of Parnon , all the houses together look like a nest , crossing your way, while you want to reach a distinct place of its own, the graphic Fokiano.
Fokiano. A hidden bay, with a long beach, clears blue and green water.
Here was the place that Neptune with his Mermaids used to swim, here quench their thirst and rest the horses of Phaethon, here Phoebus and Aeolus play with waters, a place especially made for them.
By the sea, by boat you can reach in half an hour journey from “Plaka”, otherwise, a shapely road will lead you after you have climbed the Village “ Pigadi ” , following its snaky formation road , just
Each turn of the download of the road is a truly eye catcher, its beauty has no words to be described.
Stands there still virgin and untouched by the human destruction and exploitation, graphic, pure, magic, one of the few havens we have left.
His name is taken from the seals that once housed, if you are lucky you can still see some of them.
At the edge towards the north, cliff rocks, tall, guards the brink of the port, interceptor observatory for Turks and Corsairs at the old time.
A tavern and a handful of houses, three, four, all and all, in the middle of the beach, a small port for fishing boats at the edge of a small wetland, and all of them to disturb the peace of the place .
Crowned and VIPs , its visitors , with yachts and yachts anchored in deeply, enjoying the beauty, serenity and tranquility that it is offered .
If you visit it, you will feel at your side, when you dive in the water to cool off, the Gorgons, to accompany you. Worth watching and enjoy it.
Local communitiesof Peleta – Kounoupia - Vlissidia (Kounoupochoria)
Peleta. A beautiful village in the mountains, with old stone houses here was living the residents Poulithra at summers, and another times, in order to avoid Corsairs when they came to shake the area. It is a vineyard with fine local wine and enough livestock. Here is the scalar sinking hole, of great importance, as it is universally assessed. Greek and foreign, cavers come every year to study and explore it. The houses mostly mansions, stone build remain staidly as the time pass and his people remain the same as at past, special and hospitable.
Kounoupia. A small village today, full in firs, panoramic builted. In 1835, Kounoupia became a municipality with 2000 inhabitants. Trade flourished during this period and many were merchants who traded local products in the City, and many other who lived there. Kounoupia then, because of the trade had good relations with Russia, the Danubian areas, generally east and west.
These good relations are attested by the image of the Virgin of Portaitissa, a work of the great Russian painter Vladimir, and also by donations to the monastery of Catherine the Great.
A chapel with images of Kontoglou and with great importance in those years.
Vlissidia. Another region, another village, like it is sprouted in the ravine with rushing waters that gush from his bowels, from which its name came from. A hamlet of about 800 years, up until today it is inhabited, full with walnuts, other fruit trees and lot of green. You can come to rejuvenate, away from the noise and stress of the city, n 'listen to its stories and whispers.
Happy and hospitable people, sculptured by the chisel of their labor and land, most of whom are ranchers.
Here you can walk the trails of the forest, and to savor the beauty, the ultimate, to visit the village of the Fyllatika, where the residents were kept from their conquerors or to walk to the village of Kounoupia .
Mari Local Community
Mari. Coming out of Kounoupia , climbing the road through the trees, cooled by the running water of the forest source and to the turning of the road, you can gaze up from, the valley opened before you the Mari Village .
From there you look for the first time the Mari Village. A village, built up, under the belt with trees in the middle of the slope of the mountain, reaching down to the stream, of the Mari, dipped in the green and plentiful, gurgling water running through its source.
Eye catcher, the orgy of its vegetation, is full of nature aromas from aromatic plants and herbs, enjoying the sound of the bells of goats and sheep, which graze the firs of the forest and the hills round.
Sensational is the picture of look inside the small square, when you see, water running through the roots perennial plane trees, forming a miniature, many small - small waterfalls, flowing foaming, at various levels, coming from nowhere and disappear into concrete grooves and pass from the courtyards, or a part of them, result in taps where the visitors can quench.
A village which is the continuation of the ancient times, of “ancient Mario’s” Pausanias.
Here on the Interception Observatory, in those years was a great place of worship. Worshiped the goddess Artemis, who was running in the woods with her deer and hunted there also was an important Sanctuary dedicated in her name. There was as well a sanctuary for the other major Gods. Perhaps, there may exist an Asklipieio since near there, are the streams. South of the village, there are ruins of an ancient Acropolis.
Then the "Mario’s" belongs to the Public of deliberate Laconia’s, descendants of who are the current residents.
Great location at the time, due to the passage from Laconia to Arcadia and to Argolida, until today, since a very good road unites them. The distance that unites it with Leonidio is
The residents are engaged in farming, most of them moved to the nearby Laconia, during the winter. Here you will see the Monastery of the Virgin Mary which burned by Ibrahim. You can visit it either by coming from Leonidio or from Sparta, they are both idyllic trails.
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Local communities Paleochori - St. Basil - Platanaki
Paleochori, A village spread across a hillside at an altitude of
A village with beautiful stone mansions and picturesque hilly galderimia, comes through the ancient times, to ask for his identification, the witness is the remains of Mycenaean tombs in Little Tourla position.
Played its own role in all periods of history of our Country, from pre Mycenaean Period until today. Findings of this period, indicates the existence of the settlement that was inhabited from the end of the second millennium BC and before, which also maintained beyond the 6th century BC.
Many are the passing trough properties who wanted to conquer it, but Ibrahim burned and destroyed before his departure. Here lies the Monastery of Mouras, which burned in his path. Everywhere ruins reminiscent of conquering fury, all of whom went through this place.
Paleochori Village was the capital of the ancient Glympias or Glyppias in which the St. Basil and Platanaki included.
A village with many benefactors who had immigrated mostly to America. Residents breeders mostly today, peaceful and hospitable.
Here you will find caves which are secretly linked and can be visited by people. The Tristomo, the Alikousi, the Propantes, known since antiquity. Stalactites and stalagmites are their decorations. The Propantes it is the second deepest cave in Greece, with a depth of
Locals and foreign cavers and spilaiodytes, study, explore and strive them in order to create safer passages in them.
It seems that they always played an important role in the religious life of the people from antiquity and beyond.
Beautiful trails and the road leading to Kosma, invites you to walk through the chestnut and fir forests , with incredibly beautiful routes, sources with clear water to quench your thirst and rest, listening to the peaceful and quiet forest , and to listen to the nature’s sounds . Old overgrown, ruined seemed , inhabited by Fairies , watermills, whispers you stories from the time they were in use for the life and labor of the people of that era. The road that leads you to Palaiochori from Leonidio is a distance of just
Do not forget to make an exploration of its caves and forests. It is a unique experience.
St. Basil the Local Community
Saint Basil. Finely built on the slopes of Parnonas , within cedars trees , the walnut and sycamore trees. Crystal clear waters gush from its springs and through the mouths of marble lion head marble cocks, to its square, to quench every weary hiker, traveler or visitor.
It belonged to the municipality of ancient Glympias.
Characteristic are the two and three storey tower houses, with battlements, scalding holes, forts ready for the battles against to every conqueror who would try to conquer it.
The residents are hospitable, peaceful, fighters, heroic fighters, always resisted to any conqueror. A recent example of their heroism is the many victims in the Italian-German occupation. Its also called the Small Moscow due to the role it played in the last scene in Greece during the Civil War.
Beyond the village, is an old ruined medieval castle stands, a remnant of the past time to remind that all of who went through the place wanted to conquer it, and all Parnon significally due to its great military location.
Traditional picturesque taverns in the square, beneath the trees and the sound of water running, serve you food made from the best, the freshest local ingredients to taste.
Traditional coffees serve’s you coffee accompanied by the cool spring water, or raki or ouzo with the traditional meze delightful, under the thick shade of the mulberry or vine tree.
Next to the mill and ruins of a mill, old remnants, tells you a bunch of stories, listening to them with the slow flowing of the water, for the past, for what happened here from when they were born, for those who have passed and gone over the years. In the stillness of nature, you will certainly listen to the laugh and likes of the girls who used to wash their clothes in there fulling, at the ancient years.
Today most of its residents have moved to Laconia for the winter, or in winter quarters, on the grounds that many of them are farmers, livestocks and other scientists.
Having the village as a base, you can walk though the beautiful trails in the chestnuts, forests of cedars and firs, truly magnificent. Some of these connect the Village with other areas round as Kosmas, Kastanitsa, Paleochora, the Tzitzina.
You can come from Leonidio a distance of
Local Community Platanaki
Platanaki. The third village belonged to the municipality of ancient Glympias. Magnificent, hidden and surprise’s you pleasantly when you see it at the turn of the road. Nestled in the trees at
Lost in nature, with running waters, beautiful and calm, a little expensive jewel for the Municipality of South Kynouria.
The residents moved to Laconia and only in summer come awaken the village. Most of them are breeders and farmers. Hospitable and fighters, as everyone who live in Parnonas, always ahead in battles and not only in their area, but whenever they were asked to go , a real proof is the Captain Foufas who fight against Macedonians.
All villages more or less, had their Merton, struggling against the invaders who passed through the ages, how truly Platanaki could be an exempt?
The green nature, crystal clear waters, genuine Greek hospitality is enough to compensate you when you reach this area. Worthwhile, it will be to your profit.
Local communities Pragmatefti - Pera Melana
Pragmatefti. Have two storey stone traditional Tsakonic houses, with steep streets spotless branching among them, makes you think that you are on an island.
High on a hilltop built by both sides, and contemplate the Myrtoo and Argolikos bay up to the point that your grace can reach. A unique location, with stunning view and spellbound sunrises. Here stands the main settlement of the village watching the horizon and the lower ends with the wave touching their feet.
Its Sambatiki with its turquoise waters, fishing boats tied up at the pier of the harbor, its taverns with fresh fish, houses near to the sea, it’s truly magic. Beside her, is a small beach with fine blackish gravel and occasionally turtles Caretta-Caretta, who chose to give birth indicating the purity and cleanliness of the place, which invites you to ride up here to see and swim in its waters.
On the other hand, Livadi , tucked in orange trees and aromas into the sea, with its fish taverns, the pickled sardines, the fresh fish, and the crystal clear waters of the large beach which seduces you and provokes you to visit it.
The residents are mostly sailors, many farmers, successful beekeepers and many immigrants to America, Tsakonians with all the features that characterize them. Tough sailors always offered in the battles wherever they're requested.
A village which adorn the area with its uniqueness, just
Beautiful trail that starts at the top of the village through olive trees and vineyards, leads you to the town of Leonidio. An excellent route. Your are stunned by the beauty that faces both from the side of the sea, and from the view from high when you see the plain and the town of Leonidio laying down to your feet. A unique experience, rare.
Worth pleasures.
Local Community Pera Melana
Pera Melana. One Tsakonik Village built among olive trees, with two beautiful neighborhoods apart. Houses with Tsakonik traditional two stories architecture, with beautiful steep narrow streets, built on two hills gazing Argolicos bay. Its residents, genuine Tsakonian , hospitable, try hardly to precerve their language , the manners and customs during the ages.
The Tsakonian language, spoken here more than to the other areas. The Tsakonian and Tsakonic dance and songs have been in top and the Tsakonian weaving have a special place since Tsakonian ladies wiven them and create intricate carpets, in order to preserve the art and knowledge.
The inhabitants are sailors, beekeepers, shepherds and farmers. It is the village with the most bee hives from all the other villages. The honey is of excellent quality due to many species of flowering plants in the region, and because of its dry and hot climate. Each year in the Village festival we have a great celebration the honey, which is worth visiting. The visitor can taste the honeyed sweets and the honey that it is produced in the area, to swim in the crystal clear waters of Kissaka, beach of Melana and not to forget to get with you a small woven with the Tsakonian technique, since they are the best souvenirs of your visit in the area.
Local Community Tsitalia
Tsitalia. A picturesque hamlet, beautiful like a precious jewel, built on a plateau of Parnon, just
Most residents are not Tsakonian, is said to have originated in Crete and are mainly farmers.
Concluding, in order for someone to visit the area of Municipality of South Kynourias can come by car. The town is
You can come and from Tripoli which is
If you wish you can come from Sparta, through Kosma or Mari another exceptional track .
If you have your own boat, you can spend Spetses with destination to Plaka of Leonidion, or Tyros or the dreamed Fokiano bay.
Whichever way you choose to come, you should know that the experience is unique.
ΚΑΟΥΡ ΕΚΟΚΙΑΤΕ ΤΑ ΧΩΡΑ ΝΑ ΜΟΥ ( which means YOU ARE VERY WELCOME TO MY HOMELAND).
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