Mani II

Αρεόπολη, Μέσα Μάνη – Λακωνία.
Areopolis, Inner Mani, Laconia – Greece.

The 17th century Church of Agios Ioannis o Prodromos (Saint John the Baptist).

The town of Areopolis is of great historic importance to Greece as it was here that the Greek War for Independence began. On 17th March 1821, a banner was raised and allegiance sworn under the motto “Victory or Death” by the various Maniat clan leaders assembled. They then marched to Kardamyli and on to Kalamata. The seven-year struggle had begun. In recognition of this role in 1836, the town was renamed Areopoli after Ares, the ancient Greek god of war.

Mani is one of the foremost traditional regions in Greece and possesses a profuse historical and cultural heritage. Mani lies to the southern part of Peloponnesus, within the administrative authority of Laconia and Messenia. It is a land of stone towers and beautiful beaches. Mani is home of the Maniots (Maniátes in Greek). The Maniots hold themselves to be the direct descendants of the Spartans and through the Spartans the Dorians.

[ FujiFilm FinePix HS10 ]

© 2012 Jordan Kevrekidis