The Inner Mani

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…

This spectacular rock formation is known as the Frying Pan.
This spectacular rock formation is known as the Frying Pan.

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No this is not a ruined amphitheatre - folk were desperate enough to cultivate this.
No this is not a ruined amphitheatre – folk were desperate enough to cultivate this.

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Byzantine Churches

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…

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A close up of some decorative brickwork
A close up of some decorative brickwork

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Unfortunately a bag of builders materials prevented me from showing the whole church from this angle - we are in Greece after all!
Unfortunately a bag of builders materials prevented me from showing the whole church from this angle – we are in Greece after all!

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An external fresco of a Madonna and child - this took some serious editing.
An external fresco of a Madonna and child – this took some serious editing.

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Here the original alabaster obviously fell out, and has been replaced by rubble.
Here the original alabaster obviously fell out, and has been replaced by rubble.

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