Areopoli lies south of Itylo Bay in the shadow of the Saggias Mountains, part of the Taygetos range. You can just make out with the naked eye Profitas Ilias Church at the top of the mountain. Locals celebrate the saint on July 20th at the church, it’s an arduous two hour walk which I have not attempted yet!
It’s easy to shoot past the town as it is on a bend on the main road flanked by a couple of large supermarkets and a garage and it does not look very inviting. Park up and walk in and you will be in for a pleasant surprise.
The town, originally called Tsimova had a crucial role in the rebellion against the Turkish occupation and it was here on 17th March 2021 that Petrobey Mavromichelis raised an army that led to the liberation of Kalamata. This feat is marked throughout the town with monuments, [see the photos below and at the top of this page]. The town was renamed Areopoli which translates as the City of Ares, after Ares, the Greek God of war.
There is an imposing statue of Mavromichelis in the impressively large modern Athanaton Square which is flanked with shops and bars as well as the tiny Church of Abundant Life, adorned on the inside with lovely frescos.
If you keep walking the streets become cobbly with a maze of narrow passageways to explore. It’s an absolute delight.
It’s worth popping into Pikoulis Tower, a small museum in a renovated tower house. Here you will find religous artifacts and engravings on display from the Mani, the most bizarre being an 18th century painting of John the Baptist holding his own severed head.
As you wander around you will come across yet more churches. If you are lucky and find the door to Ioannis O Prodomos unlocked it’s worth taking a peek inside at the floating Jesus fresco! [see photo below].
The town, which is peaceful by day comes alive at night and the roads around the square are closed to cars. Sofas and tables appear on the streets outside the bars and tavernas and major sports events may be projected onto screens on the side of buildings. On one of our visits a large screen had been erected on the modern square and a Carry On style Greek comedy was being shown. On another visit a stage had been erected on the square and there was a live performance of Greek music in the evening.
There’s a large range of bars and restaurants, many with rooftop terraces. Our restaurant of choice is Barba Petros, where you can eat in the small yard or on the flat roof.
At the end of a hard evening wining and dining we have made it a tradition of having a late night drink and sharing a huge pancake before heading off to bed.
If you are in Areopoli on a saturday morning you should pop into the small but vibrant open market which is held by the main road next to the bus station. The bakery on the main road is also worthy of a mention, their apple pie is yummy.
We now always stay at the family run Mani Hotel on the edge of the town. There is plenty of parking and the rooms are comfortable. Breakfast is great too!
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