Sites

The vine of Pausanias are huge trunks of vines that spread over trees (oaks) in the churchyard of St. Nicholas in the village Pagrati between Achaia and Arcadia borders. Vine of Pausanias is a significant monument of nature in the area. It was named by the historian Pausanias when he visited the area. In his Arcadian Pausanias mentions vine as a phenomenon peculiar. It’s age estimated at about 3000 years and length of 100 meters.

In the dominant hill north of the Monastery of Agia Lavra, stands the splendid monument of the nation. It is the memorial of the fighters of the Revolution of 1821, which commemorates the sacrifice of those who fought for the Independence of the Greek Nation against the Turks. The monument was officially revealed on the 24th of March 1971. The monument is composed of three statues depicting the clergy, for their participation in the Revolution, the fighters of the Revolution and Freedom from the Turkish rule. Each year, celebrations are held to commemorate the historical day of the declaration of independence, and the Municipality of Kalavrita organizes activities which include a memorial service, the deposition of wreaths, a one minute silence in the memory of those who fought and the playing of the national anthem.

The monastery is situated 10km away from the town of Kalavrita. Built on the wild and steep side of a 120m high rocky hill there is a unique view from the monastery’s balcony. The monastery’s cells have been built around the entrance of a cave. The monastery was founded at this location in 362 A.D. by two brothers, Symeon and Theodore, because an icon of the Virgin Mary was found deep inside the cave where there’s also stream. The icon was discovered by a shepherd girl and was created by Apostle Luke from mastic and wax. In 840 A.C. the Mega Spileo was burnt down by the Iconomachs. In 1285 Andronikos Paleologos rebuilt it and from then on, this monastery became one of the richest in the country. In 1400 and in 1600 the monastery went through another two fires at which point the church was burnt down along with the precious library containing rare manuscripts. In 1934, the monastery went through again with another fire during which invaluable relics were destroyed. The monastery was rebuilt, in 1936, but suffered severe destruction in December 1943 from Germans. Germans executed 22 monks and all other staff members and their bodies thrown […]

The monastery is located on the right bank of the river Selinountas, opposite the village Lapanagoi of Municipality of Kalavryta, 30 kilometres from the city of Kalavrita and it is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. The Monastery which was built in 532 AD by strategist of Makellaria, as shown by an inscription which still exists, in order to atone from slaughter during the famous “Stasi of Nika” in Istanbul. In the centre of the Monastery it is the Panagia Makelarias, which is a small Byzantine church with a beautiful wooden-carved screen, on which it is placed the icon of the Virgin. This is an authentic Byzantine art piece, with a distinctive feature because wherever you stand, the Virgin’s eyes give you the impression that they follow you. The monastery was destroyed by the Turks in 1458 and renovated by the monk Neophytos. The original name of the monastery was the Virgin Mary Lithostrotiotisa, because it is built on a rock. The name “Makelaria” was given to the Monastery during the carnage that took place when the Turks attempted to conquer it in 1458. After many days of siege Turks occupied the monastery and kill the monks and […]

Just 4,5km away from the center of Kalavryta located the monastery of Agia Lavra, surrounding by many trees. Right of the main entrance of the monastery is the church where it is declared and blessed the revolution by the Bishop Paleon Patron Germanos during the feast of the Annunciation in 1821. The revolutionary flag that was raised on the revolution of 1821, today it is stored in the third monastery that is built since the revolution because the second monastery burned by Ibrahim and it was saved only its catholic place. The third monastery also destroyed by earthquake, fire and the Germans in 1943, but rebuilt.Also saved are the diamond encrusted Gospel, which were a gift from Catherine the Great and the vestments and the pastoral rod of Paleon Patron Germanos. The collection complements a large number of crosses of precious stones and other important objects of worship. From the large collection of images stands out the image of Saint Panteleimon dated in the 1600. On 25th of March every year, there are many celebrations with the mainly one to be the representation of the assembly of the chieftains and the raising of the revolution flag. Opening hours of the […]

he Elementary School of Kalavryta built in the early 20th century and began operating in 1906. It is a four-grade school with neoclassical architectural elements and specific typology. It is built according to the first state program of construction of school buildings which stood by the engineer of the Ministry of Education, Demetrius Kallias and institutionalized by law in 1895. From the first years of operation it have teachers for all classes and was equipped with teaching aids for the teaching of the historical, linguistic, technical and practical subjects. During the Occupation ceased operations. Used as a school only from September until December 1943. This was the shortest school year in long-term contribution to education. On December 13th, 1943 burnt down by fire caused by the Germans. After the Liberation, the school was rebuilt according to its original architectural design. It reopened in 1955. In 1986, it was declared by the Ministry of Culture a national heritage monument and was designated as the building destined to house the Kalavrita Holocaust Municipal Museum. The School of Kalavryta was one of the most spacious public buildings in the city with a large yard. During the period of occupation from 1941 until the […]

The temple of Apollo Epikourios, one of the most important and most imposing temples of antiquity, stands in the bare and rocky landscape of Bassae. It is unique in the history of ancient Greek architecture because it combines a variety of novel ideas both in its external appearance and in its internal arrangements. Indeed, Pausanias considered it to be among the finest temples of the Peloponnese in terms of sheer beauty and harmony, second only to that of Tegea (8, 41, 8). The building is dated to 420-400 BC and is believed to be the work of Iktinos, who succeeded in combining masterfully several Archaic features imposed by the conservative tradition of the Arcadians with the characteristics of the new Classical style. The surviving temple is not the first one to have been constructed on the site. The earliest temple of Apollo erected in the late seventh century BC, possibly at the same location, was rebuilt at least twice in approximately 600 and 500 BC. Many architectural features from these two phases survive, including a large terracotta acroterion with ornate painted decoration, roof-tiles and antefixes. The Classical temple was raised on bedrock, on a specially built terrace. Like several other […]

The telescope of the National Observatory of Athens named “ARISTARCHOS” is the largest telescope in the Balkans and the second largest in continental Europe, which is at the top “Neraidorahi” at Helmos at an altitude of 2,340 meters. Aristarchus was named in honor of the ancient Greek astronomer Aristarchus. Some of the telescope characteristics is its large field of view that is ideal for participating in international programs, the very good optical quality which have sharp images, the remote control option and the programmable operation over the network from its headquarters in Athens Observatory or from other partner of the Observatories in Greece or abroad, the equipment with modern astronomical instruments such as CCD cameras and spectrographs of high and intermediate resolution. The reasons for preferring the top of Helmos for such a modern and important project of the National Observatory of Athens is that there is provision of functional infrastructure of the establishment of the Ski Centre where it is easy road access, electricity and phone, does not suffer from light pollution of cities as major cities are behind the mountains. It is also one of the darker parts of Europe, the telescope is above the clouds heavily annually […]

It is undoubtedly the most impressive miracle of nature anovlasitikis and a little-known secret. Unfortunately there are no signs, so you have to show your short dirt road south of the village that takes you to a spring and a shrine. Behind the fountain there is a mysterious and pitch dark cave (those having done a cursory exploration of the interior speak for great images and underground lakes!) And after park will descend the steep slope with trees, pressing carefully onto a thick rug platanofylla as the riverbed. There you will see the source of the hum that sounded eerie as on the street: water from different directions mingle over a cave pierced the roof, falling violently in a dark lake and continue to join the Selinunte. The image is highly suggestive with the fine mist of the spray of the waterfalls to humidify the atmosphere, the light plays with the drops xetryponontas ceiling of the cave and the waters to enforce the stone sovereignty of the country. The image is breathtaking, and perhaps that’s why fairies (which certainly lived here) took the voice of the innocent villagers. Undoubtedly from here passed Callisto and all the nymphs of Artemis and […]

Nine are the places of water around the earth, separate from the tenth, the Water of Styga. The waters of the Stygas linked to theological and philosophical ideas, such as the Eleusinian Mysteries and the Orpheus and Pythagorean belief in reincarnation. The Styga is an underground river. The Styga has her plangent palaces in Tartarus (From “tourtourizo”: tar – tar), where Zeus threw the Titans, the Giants and others who opposed his will. Styga lives apart in her glorious rooms, built with stones and long supported all around with silver pillars. Dragons look after her all day and night. In Titanomachy Zeus with the other gods fought against Potter of Saturn, who was assisted by his brothers, the Titans. The Oceanis Styga, who had four children the Kratos, Via, Zilo and Niki, came to help Zeus. The Styga help Zeus also in Gigantomachy. In the waters of the Styga swore all the gods, even the Sun. It was the greatest oath of the gods and in her water gods have their sentences when they were punished. Styga’s name brought fear to gods and humans. They said that no living being would survive if he drank from this water. The glass, […]

One of the most important sights in Kalavryta is the Site of Sacrifice, which located at the hill of Kapi. It is east of the town of Kalavryta (500m away from the city center), on the way to Helmos Ski Center. It is the site where the entire male population (14 years old and under) of Kalavrita executed by Germans on December 13, 1943. Now in this area it is a great Cross, which reminds us this heinous crime. In columns that surround the central area are the names of the families of the executed. There is also a catacomb, which has as small hanging lamps as many families of the executed. Next to the catacomb it is a stone sculpture that dominates the pained mother. This is a symbol of human enduring, which created by Anna Vafia. It is symbolize the women heroines of Kalavryta (Mother, sister, grandmother, daughter) who struggled to overexertion reinstall the totally destroyed city. Every year on December 13, after the memorial service in the cathedral of the city leads the mournful procession to the Site of Sacrifice, where a memorial service celebrated Memorial Invitational.

It was built by sultan Vagiazit the Second in 1499 across the castle of Antirrio, to control the passage from the sea, from the Ionian Sea to the Korinthian Bay, which was called “kioutsouk Tsanak Kale”, i.e. “Mikra Dardanellia”. In 1532 it was occupied by the Spaniards and Andrea Doria, and retaken by the Turkish.  In 1603, the Knights of Malta caused considerable damage. In 1687, it was conquered by Morosini. There are drastic reconstructions and it is getting its current form: new towers, battlements, strengthening of the ramparts. In 1715 the castle is dominated by the Turkish, while in 1828, after a siege, the Turkish yield it to General Maison. Then, it is repaired and delivered to the Greeks and it is used as a prison for a long time. In World War II, the Germans established in the Castle. Externally, the castle of Rio has the shape of an equilateral triangle whose northern corner coincides with the tip of the peninsula while the two sides are coastal. The south side, except for walls and towers, is also protected by a moat which used to get filled with seawater bringing the Korinthian Bay together with the Patraikos Bay. Beside […]

Close to Planitero into the plane trees forest originates the Aroanios river. It is formed in the villages Planitero and Arbounas from water of the basin of Feneos that arriving here from sinks. Reinforced by the smaller streams Lagada and Xaliki and flows in a southerly direction until it meet with the river Ladon. The length is about 10 km. The sources of the river Aroanios at Planitero village and the forest combined with the possibility of food are just some of the attractive elements that are worth visiting.

One of the most famous summer resorts of Peloponnisos, with great development because of the short distance from big cities. 165km from Athens and 49 from Tripolis. It has developed touristic substructures for every taste, crystal clear beaches and water sports. You can visit it all year round, ideal for weekends. There you can find a Sailing Centre, and you can visit the villages of Kynouria and the islands of Argosaronikos. The picturesque natural port is amazing, but the so called from the locals “Nisi” with an incredible view to the Argolic Bay. “Nisi” is called a part of the area that is built on the side of the hill. The houses of that region have kept their traditional colour and on top there is the well-known kedieval castle. Every summer in the local theatre take place a lot of cultural festivals and sports events.

Odontotos railway is project of Charilaos Trikoupi. About 113 years ago Odontotos rack railway started from the seaside town of Diakopto parallel to the river and climbed to Kalavrita through bridges and tunnels. The contract for the construction of the line was signed in 1889 and the construction was finished seven years later. The design of the line was made by French engineers. The project was very difficult due to the inaccessible terrain. On March 10, 1896 the train made its first trip. Since then the Vouraikos river and Odontotos head together. The little train incorporated so well to the natural environment that it seems that it had always been there. The way it was constructed did not put a strain on the ecosystem of the gorge. Using stone and wood from the area the technicians’ work is so perfect that someone may think that the nature worked on its own. The route starts from Diakopto crosses the gorge of Vouraikos Zachlorou passes through the village and ends in Kalavryta. The journey takes about 1 hour. Odontotos is not just the “train”. Vouraikos gorge and rack railway Diakopto-Kalavryta is a unique attraction in Greece. ITINERARIES RACK RAILWAY (Diakopto-Kalavrita): From Diakofto […]

Municipality of Erymanthos Legends, secrets, traditions, monuments and treasures in mountainous Achaia The Municipality of Erymanthos is the main and largest mountainous area of ​​the prefecture Achaia which gathers the secrets and legends of the two mountains of Panachaikos and Erymanthos, taking them from yesterday and transferring them to today. It belongs to the Region of Western Greece and was established with the Program Kallikratis, when it came from the unification of the pre-existing Trithea municipalities, Farres and the communities of Kalentzi and Leontiou. The extent of the municipality is 582.93 km². and the population of 8,877 residents according to its inventory 2011. In the villages of Erymanthos and Panachaiikos, as well as the plains of Trithea and Pharaus the visitor can feel the uniqueness of the mountain of Greek nature, knowing about tens of places with natural beauty have the wealth of Greek folk tradition in them. A tradition that is associated with the Greek countryside, the peasantry and the country livestock farming, labor for the land. But on this earth they emerged and cultures and cultures have been developed since prehistoric times and they reach the newer years. This place always had life and was distinguished for its […]

Laconia is the southernmost prefecture of mainland Greece and continental Europe. Blessed place both in climatic and natural surroundings as well as in history and cultural heritage. It combines mountain and sea. Taygetos, one of the country’s tallest mountains, is fascinated by its wild landscape, gorges, ravines, and the beautiful forests of its middle mountain belt. Parnon is equally charming and overgrown, accessible to all walkers. Among them the historian of Evrotas with his fertile valley. Laconia, with its rich land and in combination with the mild Mediterranean climate of the area, is famous for its agricultural products and especially for its outstanding quality and world-famous olive oil, olives, citrus fruits, horticulture, honey, wine and many other. In the kilometers of the Laconian coast the visitor will encounter wonderful beaches. He will gaze at the sea from the Cape of Tainar and Malea. The exotic Elafonisos will enchant him. It will be fascinated by the Castle of Monemvasia, Mystras and Gerakia. He will travel to other seasons by viewing the towers of Vathia and all of Mani. He will experience the magnificence of nature in the Caves of Diros, Kastania and Nia. She will learn about her history at the […]

Kalavrita is one of the most tourist areas not only in the prefecture of Achaia, but in whole Greece, cause is an ideal mountain destination that combines every type of vacations. Comfortable hotels, impressive guesthouses and hospitable studios with view in the slopes of Helmos, will cover every taste and need to stay as there are different categories of rooms for each affordability. The nightlife, the bars and the modern cafes combined with the magical beauty of the area, keep the tourist status of Kalavryta at very high levels all months of the year. The snowy slopes of Helmos, the dew and the beautiful climate of the summer in conjunction with the many advantages of the region will offer you a unique vacation that you will remember for a lifetime. Just 77km away from Patras, you will find Kalavryta, a region located at an altitude of 750 meters at the foot of Helmou distinguished by graphic images, lush landscapes, very special archaeological and natural attractions to fill visitors with beautiful memories. Many people are visiting Kalavryta both at winter time, due to the Ski Center, and in summer time due to nice beaches you can find in a 30 minutes […]

Elafonisos seduces anyone who visits her. Whenever you come, there will always be something new to discover. The only island of Lakonia, 500 meters from the opposite coast, is one of the few islands that can be reached by road Elafonisos is an ideal destination for nature lovers with rare flora and fauna. Tall dunes and rare sea-trees decorate all the beaches of the island. Come and experience the twin beaches of Simos and Sarakinikos that are among the best in the Mediterranean. Discover the secrets that lie on the other beaches of the island, each with its own beauty and uniqueness. At Panagia you can enjoy an idyllic sunset as the sun sets between its islands. Explore the sunken state of the Bronze Age in Pavlopetri, sleeping in the depths of the sea and time. Lake Stroggili, a protected wetland of the area, is a refuge for rare species of migratory birds among them and flamingos! Immerse yourself in the turquoise waters and let the sea tell you the history of the island of deer, connected with seafarers, travelers and pirates who found shelter in the hospitable beaches of “Smygos” island. Travel to the myths inspired by this beautiful […]

The Corinth Canal was drilled in the late 19th century and is a very important construction achievement. The canal connects the Saronic Gulf with the Corinth Gukf allowing vessels to avoid this way the circumnavigation of the whole Peloponnese region. The canal is a construction of impressive dimensions, with a length of more than 6 km and a width of about 25 meters. The view of the canal from above the bridge breathtaking! At the 2 edges of the canal there are two very interesting to see submersible bridges as well.