Sightseeing in Mani - Hotels and Accommodation
MANI IN LACONIA GREECE www.manihotels.com
Mani is subject to administrative prefectures of Messinia (outside Mani) and Laconia (Kato Mani). Only church is still single after the IM Gythio Itilo All Mani, geographically covering its historical borders.
It is one of the most traditional regions of Greece, with 800 towers and tower houses, more than 1000 Byzantine and post Byzantine churches, 8 castles, 98 of 118 traditional settlements of the Peloponnese and more than 100 caves in the world famous reputation and natural beauty of the caves Dirou.
Due to the high rotation habitats characterized as "Botanical Garden" since at least 1000 species thriving plants and more than 120 Greek endemic plants, of which 32 are locally endemic, that is unique in the world. The climatic conditions favor the growth of olives produces fine olive oil. Even the rich vegetation of herbs and aromatic plants, due to the excellent quality honey Mani.
In the area there are many paths ideal for hiking and six of the best gorges of Greece, known to many walkers. Mani also come across picturesque and pristine blue flag beaches with sand or pebbles, every preference, especially for romantic and family vacations.
Name Mani
It is not known when and how given the name 'Mani', an area that was free, autonomous and independent throughout the period of Ottoman rule. Here are many opinions on this! Originally the name Mani was associated with the Latin word 'manus', which means hand, because the shape of the Peninsula Tenaro. They said further that due to high winds prevailing in the Tenaro, sailors did mynah sails (download them).
Others argue that it derives from the phrase 'In Manis', because in Tenaro was the gate of the underworld, where souls come (Manes), or that its name comes from the Father of Gods "Mani".
The "Mani" was the son of Saturn and grandfather of Zeus, for whom the Theogony of Apollodorus read, "Mani, the second name of the god Uranus."
Prehistory
The human presence in the Mani is ancient, as evidenced by findings lithopoiimena skeletons some 300,000 years and human resources 1,000,000 years or more. The palaeoanthropological research positions "Apidima" and "straws" in the bay Itilo have yielded important discoveries and the archaeological evidence shows that the cave was inhabited Alekotrypa least from the Neolithic period (5300 - 3200 BC).
Leleges
The first inhabitants of today's Mani was, according to Pausanias, Leleges, which conquered the Achaeans. Identified settlements of third and second millennium BC and traces the Achaeans when dominated by the Mycenaean period. Itilo and Kardamili preserve the same name as that mentioned in Homer's Iliad. Was flourishing cities Tenaro, which was then the metropolis of the region with the Sanctuary of Poseidon and the famous Psychopompeio but the Ippola, chambers and other cities of the then period.
Dorian
The Dorians spread in the Mani region, when the story was linked with that of Sparta. The Navi (210 BC - 195pCh) 24 cities of Laconia aftonomithikan and founded the "League of Spartans." Tradition and Architecture
After the fall of Byzantium Maniates organized their lives based on tradition and survival needs. The social system of Mani was a kind of federation of independent and free generations, the armed rural clan to be the focus of economic and social development of Mani society.
The best-known custom of Mani is 'gdikiomos' is mistakenly identified with the vendetta other areas of our country "Greece". Because each attack at a family member has had an impact throughout the clan, decided by the family council how punishing the guilty, with the involvement of men in the clan, and the founder kyrisse honest war opponent.
The punishment imposed not only customs, but the promptings of the lamentations of women, which exacerbated the hatred, because the blood of the victim sought vindication. This not gdikionotan death relative considered a coward and scorned all. In order to justify the affected families did not need to punish the culprit, but any member of the rival family, and usually the best. The savage wars alleviate some family traditions that prevailed as caution in the absurdity of wrangling and revenge, such as: The 'Fountain' that is a temporary truce for plowing, harvesting, threshing, sowing and other agricultural work, or after mediation third were negotiated reconciliation.
The 'reconciliation' were made public in the presence of others, where the warring families drank wine and commute visits. That custom was not widely known was the 'psychadelfosyni' the magnificent instrument made implacable enemies in cordial friends. Succeed the mediation of third persons, with authority and power and it was humiliating. Was a ceremony and reconciliation as saying 'Psychadelfoi'.
Laments
The first laments are found in Homer, showing funerary songs of Andromache, Hecuba, Helen, Achilles, etc. The Mani is improvised lament mournfully poem - Song (ochtasyllavo Mesa Mani and fifteen in Exo Mani), created especially women in the rituals of death. Was an oral history of the region, most notably those mentioned in gdikiomo.
East Mani
The municipality of Easter Mani with Kotrona as its capital, takes up the easter part of Mani. It consists of the villages of Pyrrixos, Kotrona, Exo Nymphi, Kokkala and Lagia as well as 42 smaller settlements.
The visitors can get to Kotrona from Gytheio via Skoutari after having passed through a beautiful route by the clear blue sea and Areopolis via Pyrrixou.
The local income is based mostly on the cultivation of the olive trees and the production of excellent olive oil while the tourism has been rapidly increasing over the last years.
Honey, cheese, Indian figs and fresh fish are produced.
The area has unique natural surroundings, small ports and beaches all along the coastline to the cape of Tainaro, also known as Cavo Matapas.
The architecture of Mani is privailing with its characteristic tower-houses and churches with their magnificent religious paintings.
The sea lovers can enjoy the beaches in the areas of Cotronas, Lagadiki, Alypa, Gialos, Kokkala, Aghios Kyprianos, Ambelos, Androgialos, Porto Kagio and Marmari.
East Mani
The municipality of Easter Mani with Kotrona as its capital, takes up the easter part of Mani.
It consists of the villages of Pyrrixos, Kotrona, Exo Nymphi, Kokkala and Lagia as well as 42 smaller settlements.
The visitors can get to Kotrona from Gytheio via Skoutari after having passed through a beautiful route by the clear blue sea and Areopolis via Pyrrixou.
The local income is based mostly on the cultivation of the olive trees and the production of excellent olive oil while the tourism has been rapidly increasing over the last years. Honey, cheese, Indian figs and fresh fish are produced.
The area has unique natural surroundings, small ports and beaches all along the coastline to the cape of Tainaro, also known as Cavo Matapas. The architecture of Mani is privailing with its characteristic tower-houses and churches with their magnificent religious paintings.
The sea lovers can enjoy the beaches in the areas of Cotronas, Lagadiki, Alypa, Gialos, Kokkala, Aghios Kyprianos, Ambelos, Androgialos, Porto Kagio and Marmari.
It is worthwhile to pay a visit to the light house of Tainaro which was built in 1882. The route to get there lasts about 20 minutes from Kotronas.
Other places of interest are Kionia where ancient Aegila was located, Tefthroni - a sunken city in the cape in Kotrona, the monastery of Redeemer (15 century) in Conea as well as megalithic setlement of Sela, Palioxori etc and the ancient quarry of porphyry stone at the Prophet Elias of Demeritsikon.
In August the cultural festival TAINAREIA are held which includes music concerts, theatrical performances, public spechees, slide shows, etc.