Tag Archives: sights

Ancient Platiana (Tipaneai or Aipy)

21 Sunday Sep 2014

Posted by in Ancient Aipy, ancient Greek sites, Ancient Tipaneai

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Ancient Platiana (Tipaneai or Aipy)

(37.57 km – approx. 45 mins from Katakolon)

The remains of the ancient city (Tipaneai or Aipy) are located on a hill of the Lapitha Mountain, South of the village called Platiana (district of Olympia). This fortified, oblong city (max length: 600m, width: 200 m) is surrounded my walls, which probably date to the 4th or 3rd century BC and are preserved in quite good condition (reaching 5m in height in some places). Three large gates are set in the North-West, South-West and East side of the walls-the latter being the main gate. There are also several square or trapezoidal defensive towers. The walls are built of large blocks in polygonal masonry.

ancient Tipaneai or ancient Aipy

Ancient Platiana

One of the terraces is occupied by the theatre, whose stage-building and cavea are partially preserved. On the other terraces one can see: a) the “Acropolis”, b) the “Agora” with a large cistern carved in the natural limestone rock, c) the retaining wall of the “Temple”. In the East part of the city are the foundations of several different buildings, which may be houses of distinguished persons of the city.

plan ancient platiana

General plan

Systematic works at the acropolis were conducted during 2002-2003 by the 7th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities.

Chlemoutsi Castle

20 Friday Jun 2014

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Chlemoutsi Castle

Chlemoutsi Castle

(48.24 km – approx. 51 mins from Katakolon)

This beautiful medieval castle stands on the summit of a hill on the westernmost headland of the Peloponnese. It was built between 1220/1230 by the Frankish prince Geoffrey I de Villehardouin and was the strongest fortress in the Frankish principate of Achaia.

Chlemoutsi Castle

Upon arrival in the nearby picturesque village of Kastro (which means Castle in Greek), take your time to enjoy a Greek coffee in one of the traditional kafeneia. Make sure you use the toilet facilities in the kafeneion since there are only chemical toilettes at the site and are closed most of the time. From the main plateia (square) it is another 5 minutes on foot up the hill or a few minutes by car.

The location chosen for the castle was due to strategic purposes. From the top of the hill Chlemoutsi protected the famous commercial port of Glarentza (now Kyllini) and the capital of the Principate, Andravida, and controlled the area that formed the core of the Frankish possessions in the Morea  (Morea is a corruption of the word for mulberry tree in Greek (mouria).  This was the name given to the Peloponnese in medieval times since there were so many mulberry trees.

The castle consists of two enclosures: the outer Enclosure which is polygonal in shape and the Interior Enclosure.

Access to the core of the castle, where the prince’s palace was located, was via one gate, which led, through a vaulted passage, into the central inner courtyard.

chlemoutsi castle

Admire the stone catapult projectiles which were once used to defend the castle. Huge cisterns for collecting the rainwater under the ground provided the castle with water in times of siege since there was no well. The complex was arranged in 6 wings, 5 of which are two-storey.

The ground floor was where the stables, staff rooms, storerooms and workshops were. The upper storey was the princely residence. There were private apartments, kitchens, a chapel and the bedrooms. The princess’ bedroom has now been converted into a beautiful museum. The bedroom of the princess has a beautiful fireplace (the first in Greece) and two large light-windows with seats and, of course, the built-in closets.

Built-in cupboard at Chlemoutsi Castle

After your visit to the castle, on your way back, make sure you make a stop at Arkoudi beach (near Kyllini) for lunch or a coffee.

Εκλογές vs Ημέρα Μουσείων

20 Tuesday May 2014

Posted by in events, olympia, the travel insiders

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Εκλογές vs Ημέρα Μουσείων

MAY 19, 2014

Η χθεσινή μέρα, ως ημέρα των εκλογών – Δημοτικών και Περιφερειακών – αλλά και ως Παγκόσμια Ημέρα Μουσείων, ήταν μια δύσκολη μέρα. Από τη μια, όλοι όσοι είχαν αποφασίσει να ασκήσουν το εκλογικό τους δικαίωμα και από την άλλη, μια «γιορτή» και μια ευκαιρία για τους Έλληνες, να επισκεφτούν τα Μουσεία και τους Αρχαιολογικούς Χώρους της χώρας για να «κοινωνήσουν» το Αρχαίο Πνεύμα και την Ιστορία μας….

d3do_0793

Παρ’ όλα αυτά, κάποιοι συμπολίτες μας, αφού άσκησαν το εκλογικό τους δικαίωμα, είχαν προβλέψει και την επίσκεψή τους σε κάποιο Μουσείο ή Αρχαιολογικό Χώρο και αυτό είναι ίσως περισσότερο παρήγορο. Υπήρξαν δε και κάποιοι που, που παρ’ όλο που η μέρα ήταν δύσκολη, πήραν την πρωτοβουλία να προσφέρουν τον χρόνο τους και να αξιοποιήσουν όσο το δυνατόν καλύτερα τις γνώσεις τους στους πιο ευαισθητοποιημένους που προγραμμάτισαν να κάνουν και κάτι διαφορετικό εκείνη τη μέρα.

Με μεγάλη μας έκπληξη είδαμε στον Αρχαιολογικό Χώρο της Ολυμπίας, ένα γκρουπ Έλληνες να περιδιαβαίνουν και να ξεναγούνται στις «αρχαίες πέτρες» του Ιερού. Η πρωτοβουλία όπως μάθαμε ανήκει στο ταξιδιωτικό γραφείο «The travel insiders» που εδρεύει στον Πύργο, το οποίο αφιλοκερδώς προσέφερε τη μεταφορά (από τον Πύργο) και την ξενάγηση στους ενδιαφερόμενους. Η πρωτοβουλία αυτή, ιδιαίτερα σε καιρούς που όπως περιγράψαμε πιο πάνω, η καθημερινότητα είναι τόσο μα τόσο αποπνικτική που δύσκολα σου αφήνει περιθώρια να σκεφθείς κάτι εκτός από το πώς θα «τα φέρεις πέρα», είναι κάτι παραπάνω από αξιόλογη. Υπάρχουν ευτυχώς συμπολίτες μας που έχουν συνειδητοποιήσει μερικά πράγματα παραπάνω και που μπορούν με ελάχιστη προσπάθεια να τα κάνουν πράξη. Αξίζουν συγχαρητήρια – και δεν τα απευθύνουμε μόνο στους διοργανωτές – αλλά και σε όλους όσους είχαν το μεράκι και τη διάθεση να βάλουν στο ημερήσιο πρόγραμμά τους και την επίσκεψη στις αρχαιότητες….

continue reading…dioskouroiolympia96

 

 

wineries

10 Saturday May 2014

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wineries near katakolon

 

Domaine Mercouri

(3 km  –  approx. 7 mins  from Katakalon)

Site

The setting of this boutique winery is incredible; near the sea in a setting which has been officially recognized by the Greek government as an area of outstanding beauty. Take your time to stroll around.

boutique winery

Domaine Mercouri

The old family house is a little spooky and is inhabited by a 95-year-old woman and her housekeeper. You can visit the old stables, which are filled with antique farm equipment and the wine cellars with the French oak barrels.

mercouri main house

old family house

Take a picture of the very small family church and pet the dogs (the huge St Bernard dog is Lara, she’s very drooly and that’s why she is behind a fence). It is part vineyard and part zoo since there are numerous peacocks, turtles, cats and their most recent acquisitions are the little Skyrian horses, a Greek breed.

a Greek horse breed

Skyrian horses

The estate grows more than 15 varieties of grape of both Greek and international origin, from which the wines are produced.
In addition to the production of wines and olive oil, the Mercouri Estate also welcomes large and small parties of friends of nature and wine. Tours allow for the possibility to visit the wine production facilities, vineyards and olive groves of the estate, as well as the small folklore museum which houses a collection of old rural tools and instruments. Guests are also permitted to walk among the trees and to the beach and come into contact with the beautiful nature that surrounds the estate. Tours end with a sampling of products from the estate under old pine trees, with a view of the Ionian Sea and the island of Zante and the possibility for guests to purchase Mercury estate products.

 
The Mercouri Estate is open daily (except Sundays) between the hours of 09.00 and 15.00

mercouri estate

peacocks on the estate

stunning beaches

31 Monday Mar 2014

Posted by in agios andreas, beaches, katakolon

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Agios Andreas

(1.98 km – approx. 4 mins from Katakolon)

Behind the picturesque harbor of Katakolo is the beach of Agios Andreas, with its small coves, sharp rocks, blue green waters and pine trees that come right down to the sea making it a unique landscape.

The beach of Agios Andreas charms the visitor and especially divers, since its sea-floor has been described as magical. Watch the locals to see how and where they get into the sea in order to avoid the stones. This beach is nice for families with young children too as the rocks in front of the beach form the boundaries of a natural swimming pool. This was the location of ancient Pheia, the harbor of ancient Olympia. In the past many locals found ancient coins and remains of amphorae attached to the rocks.

At the Kastro beach seafront bar, a sea breeze will accompany you as you enjoy delicious snacks.

Agios Andreas Beach

stunning beaches

30 Sunday Mar 2014

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The coastline of Ilia, the CÔte d’Azur of the peloponnese, is a beach stretching hundreds of kilometers. Each beach has its own special character and beauty, inviting you to get to know them all in search of your own blue paradise.

Plakes (meaning big stones functioning as wave breakers)

Shallow waters, big pebbles and a canteen.  The closest beach for cruise ship passengers who prefer not to walk that extra mile.

 
 

Katakolon beach

Within walking distance from Katakolon port, approximately 1 km, you will discover Banana beach-bar.

A summer paradise ideal for the whole family. Shallow waters and golden sand where you can relax, take a tan while having your drink and listening to pleasant music. The ideal beach for those who would like to combine a dip with a nice stroll for a glimpse of the local summer life.

Katakolon Beach

 

monasteries

30 Sunday Mar 2014

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The monastery of Kremasti (the hanging monastery)

(30 km – approx. 35 mins from Katakolon)

Looking at the Kremasti (hanging) monastery, one can easily see how it got its name. Imposing and impressive, it really seems to be hanging off the rock. The view you will have from here is amazing.

The monastery was founded in 1700, when shepherds of the area found an icon of the Virgin Mary hanging in a cave, high up in the mountain. They couldn’t explain the presence of the icon there, so it was considered to be a sign from God that a monastery should be founded here. The first monks settled near the cave and build a small chapel. From the chronicles we learn that they were specialized in treating people who were “possessed”. (Today one can still see the chains which were once used for this macabre purpose…)

 photo by Vassilis Hadjizacharias

In 1930 the monastery was converted into a nunnery. Many people visit this monastery for the miraculous icon it possesses. It is said that the wicks of the oil lamp burning in front of the icon help couples who have fertility problems …

If you decide to visit this nunnery make sure to be dressed appropriately. If not, there are a few (not so fashionable and worn at least a hundred times by all kinds of people, without having been washed) skirts and trousers at the entrance. These appropriate cover ups make some interesting outfits!

The nuns living here are sweethearts and usually very hospitable and chatty. There is also a little souvenir stand where they sell little icons, handmade bracelets, etc.

This nunnery can be visited during the morning hours (10.00 – 12.30). Please note that you are supposed to ring the bell so the nuns can open the gate. Nice to combine with a visit to Olympia since it is on your way. On your way to Olympia (11 km before you arrive) there is a sign which says “Kremasti nunnery”. It’s really worthy to leave the highway and get off the beaten track. Turn left and just follow the signs. After a minute or 10 you will arrive at the monastery. After your visit, don’t go back to the highway but take the secondary road through the villages of Pelopion and Platanos in order to see some of the authentic Greek village life. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to have a real Greek coffee in one of the authentic kafeneia among the locals. In Olympia all the cafeterias are much more touristy……

 

 

monasteries

28 Friday Mar 2014

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The medieval monastery of Skafidia

(9.64 km – approx. 13 mins from Katakolon)

The beautiful medieval monastery of Skafidia is now actually a nunnery. Rumour has it that members of the church hierarchy had their differences about “earthy issues” thus, eventually resulting in the monastery being converted.

From the outside, this monastery looks like a fortress. Once you are inside, wander around in the open courtyard and admire the old katholikon (main church) where you can see frescos in the narthex dating back to the 10th century AD.

This monastery can be visited in the morning hours (10.00 – 13.00). As in other monasteries, there is a dress code here as well; for the ladies, it is appreciated if you wear a skirt and have your shoulders covered up; for the men, please no shorts or shirts without sleeves.

Unfortunately, the nuns living here are a little grumpy. They get friendlier once you make a little donation to the church where you can light a candle. Just leave a euro or 2 and light a candle for your beloved persons.

Apart from its remarkable architecture, it houses many treasures, such as sacred vessels, vestments, reliquaries, uniforms, weapons, photographs, coins, votive offerings including the banner of the Monastery, the image of the Virgin Mary hand sewn in fine needlework.

Important is the archive of the monastery and library with many manuscripts, referring to liturgy, music, icon painting and other subjects.

 

monasteries

27 Thursday Mar 2014

Posted by in katakolon, monasteries, mythology

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A GLIMPSE OF HEAVEN

The monasteries of Ilia are unique destinations where the visitor can find the pure taste of the Greek orthodox faith.

 

Monastery of Eisodiotissa, the Virgin Mary (Agios Ioannis)

(7.38 Km – approx. 9 mins from Katakolon)

On your way to Olympia just before entering the village of Agios Ioannis you will notice a huge yellowish building with arches hidden behind the trees to your left hand side. The monastery hosts the Faculty of Hagiogrphy and Byzantine Music. One can order any icon they wish or purchase from those that are readily available. You won’t have any trouble finding it since a shrine (iconostasis) before the crossroads indicates that the monastery is to the left. Today the cells of the monks function as a youth shelter for young adolescents.

Further to the left there is a big rock with a hole in the middle which is considered miraculous. According to poplar tradition people who are either psychologically or physically ill pass their clothes through the hole in order to be cured.

This monastery, like many other churches and monasteries, has been built on the ancient site of the temple dedicated to the Goddess Artemis Alphaea. According to Greek mythology, it was here that she managed to escape from the fate of being abducted by her stalker Alpheus (the river god of Ancient Olympia), who was madly in love with her. It all happened one night as she was celebrating with the nymphs. In order to confuse him, she came up with a trick and covered the nymphs’ faces, as well as her own, with mud. Unable to distinguish “his victim”, he left the party early…