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Areopoli in southwestern Peloponnese |
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The colorful mountain village of Areopoli is located 255 meters above
sea level and has about 930 inhabitants. If you are only going to
see one mountain village in this part of the Peloponnese, I can highly
recommend Areopoli. Areopoli is located in the province of Laconia,
which borders Mani. Areopoli means the city of Ares – named
after the god of war Ares. The village was previously called Tsimova
but changed its name to Areopoli in 1836 or 1912. The information varies.
One of several cozy tavernas in colorful Areopoli.
Most people who travel to Mani stay in Kardamili or Stoupa and visit Areopoli for the day. Apart from Areopoli being a very pleasant and interesting village, there is a lot to see and do in the area. Six kilometers north of the village is the sandy beach of Neo Itilo, five kilometers north of Areopoli is the exceptionally beautiful village of Limeni and Laconia’s most interesting attraction – the Diros Caves – is 11 kilometers south of Areopoli. Kardamili is 45 kilometers away and Stoupa is 37 kilometers away.
One of several colorful houses in Areopoli.
It is a joy to slowly stroll around the narrow, colorful alleys.
As Areopoli is situated at an altitude of about 255 meters above sea level, the village had no direct access to the coast. The nearest natural harbor was Limeni, just a kilometer below. Limeni was the home of the Mavromichalis clan – perhaps the most powerful family in Mani, who also led the rebellion against the Ottoman Empire in 1821. Petrobei Mavromichalis lived in Limeni, and his palace still stands on the waterfront, and his statue stands in the square of Areopoli.
Limeni was once the port of Areopoli.
The port of Limeni was used for trade, shipping and communication with the rest of Mani, and other parts of the Peloponnese. It was from here that goods could be shipped and deliveries received, as the Mani peninsula is mountainous and isolated. Areopoli served as the administrative and military center, while Limeni was its maritime port. |
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Athanaton Square where Petrobei Mavromichalis statue stands.
Part of Athanaton Square. The main street is straight ahead and a café on the right.
Main street seen from the other side.
Fruit and vegetable shop on the main street.
The fruit and vegetable shop is, like so much else in Areopoli, colorful. :-)
When I was in the area for the first time, I started by visiting Neo Itilo, which I really liked, not least the beautiful views and the powerful landscape. Then I drove to Limeni where I completely lost my mind. The small village was so beautiful that I almost started crying, and I stood there for a long time, enjoying all my impressions.
The very beautiful bay where Neo Itilo is located. Limeni on the right.
Then I drove down to Diros Caves where I went on a boat trip in the underground caves. I had read about Diros Caves, and seen pictures from there, but there you can really say that reality surpasses fiction. It was so awesome! When I finally drove up to Areopoli I was extremely satisfied and I felt full of experiences, and thought that what I had seen would be enough for the day. But how wrong I was. Areopoli also made a very strong impression on me. What a nice little village it was, and the houses were so colorful that I walked through the village smiling.
One of the most photographed alleys in Areopoli. |
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Areopoli is dominated by two squares, Athanaton Square (where Petrobei Mavromichalis stands as a statue) and March 17th 1821 Square (Taxiarches Square), and the main street that runs between the two squares. Along the main street, and in both squares, are several tavernas, restaurants, cafes and traditional small shops, and lots of beautiful stone houses. It is a joy to slowly stroll around the narrow alleys.
Cafe at March 17th 1821 Square.
Taverna at March 17th 1821 Square.
Areopoli played a key role in the liberation of Greece from Ottoman rule. On March 17, 1821, the revolutionary flag was raised by Petrobei Mavromichalis at March 17th 1821 Square (where else) marking the start of the Greek War of Independence. On the square is the beautiful Taxiarches church (Church of the Archangels), built by the Mavromichalis clan in the late 18th century. Taxiarches church is thus a monument not only to religious faith but also to the proud history of the region and the beginning of the Greek War of Independence. The beautiful bell tower dates from 1836.
Taxiarches church at March 17th 1821 Square.
A private museum located near Taxiarches church.
ACCOMMODATION IN AREOPOLISince Areopoli is a very nice and pleasant village, from where it is close to other cozy villages, nice beaches and interesting sights, the range of hotels and guesthouses is quite large. Below are suggestions for good hotels in Areopoli. Book Ktima Karageorgou here »Book Mani Hotel here »Book Salvia Areopolis All Suite Hotel here »Book Grandpa's home here »Book Aroma Avlis Apartments here » |
WHAT YOU SHOULD NOT MISS WHEN YOU ARE IN AREOPOLI
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© 2007-2026 | Janne Eklund | Kalispera and Kalimera. |
