The Inner Mani’s particular version of the very traditional Greek habits of feud and vendetta led to the building by anyone who could of fortified tower houses. They were defending themselves against each other, much like the border reavers of Northumberland with their bastles. As usual, I have plenty of pictures for you…
In ancient times this was home to a temple and death oracle of Poseidon (the ruins of which can still be seen), and was a notorious spot for ship wrecks. At least one reasonably eminent Roman had a villa here as there are some old mosaics left from his tenure. The end of the Greek mainland is signalled by lighthouse, which is moderately attractive. Being in the driest most arid part of mainland Greece, the path is as one would expect bare and rocky, but I was able to walk it in beefed up flip flops.
This region also contains my nomination for the most desperate attempt at cultivation I have yet to see evidence of – indescribable, so wait for the photo…
Venturing into the inner Mani (the town of Areopoli marks the boundary between the inner and outer Mani – think Men of Kent and Kentish Men) we saw some very splendid Byzantine churches (and some truly ghastly modern replicas). In the only one we could get inside there were some interesting frescos, and all featured some fine examples of decorative brickwork using Roman style bricks. I have some very fine photographs of these extraordinary buildings…
Although the castle at Methoni was closed by the time we got there, we were able to see a lot of it from the outside. Paddling in the sea I was a little annoyed not to have equipped myself for swimming because the water was lovely. Still before going back to Tseria tonight I will be able to have a swim at Stoupa. Methoni castle was built by the Venetians when they were a force to be reckoned with, and features stoneworked lions of St Mark. As usual I have some splendid pictures for you…
Having finished exploring the remains of ancient Messene we repaired to a guard post on the old walls. These walls, a circuit of nine kilometres, were built by Epaminondas of Thebes after he had liberated the Messenians from four centuries of Spartan rule as an insurance policy should the Spartans try to recapture Messenia. This did not happen, because within a generation Philip of Macedon was in charge.
Just a few photos from this location…
Finally we have reached the first major trip of the holiday, a visit to ancient Messene and then on to Methoni. Messene is such an extraordinary site that I will leave my photos to tell as much of the story as they can, save only to mention that tickets for two OAPs and an adult left us with change from 10 Euros….
No, this is not an update to the Scooby Doo DVD that features Ms Grimwood’s finishing school for ghouls! It refers to what used to be the village school at Tseria, and which now stands empty and forlorn. One can get into the grounds, and there is just to room to photograph the inside of the chapel. Enjoy these pictures…
On Wednesday we went for a walk around the local villages (Tseria, Katafigio, Pedino), and saw some very interesting things. My next post will deal with the former school and its accompanying chapel. As well as the stuff we actually saw close up I was able to get a decent shot of an isolated chapel which sits on the hillside above Tseria. Also, although we did not actually get there I have some photos of Leptini…
The village of Tseria is home to a number of cats, and since my father is one of the few people in the village who feeds them I have plenty of cat photos to share with you…
Greece is home to some interesting plants and animals, although one rarely sees any animals large enough to be worth a bullet. This post features pictures of stuff I have thus far captured…
aspiblog 