After about an hour's journey starting from Areopolis, you arrive in Kardamyli. Here, the landscape is decidedly greener, with hills full of olive trees and a beautiful coastline. What reminds us that we are still in Mani are the buildings. You will find many places to admire the Mani architecture, with Palaia Kardamyli standing out as the most beautiful of all.
Palaia Kardamyli is located a short distance from the newer settlement. Essentially, it is a fortified complex of buildings where historical families of the area used to reside.
At the beginning of 1821, Theodoros Kolokotronis was in this complex as a guest of Panagiotis Troupakis-Mourtzinos. Wanted by the Turks, Kolokotronis fled to the fortified walls of Kardamyli for protection. There, he met the chieftains of the region, who took the lead in the Greek War of Independence, which began shortly after.
Inside the small castle town, one of the most impressive buildings is the church of Agios Spyridon, the family church of the Mourtzinos family. The church, built at the beginning of the 18th century, employs post-Byzantine architecture made of sandstone and marble.
Its bell tower, originating from the Ionian Islands, is considered one of the most beautiful Greek churches.
In this particular church, on March 21, 1821, a eulogy was held with Kolokotronis, Petrobey Mavromichalis and other important chieftains present. Two days later, the Greek forces liberated Kalamata.
Learn more about the area's history at the Troupakidon-Mourtzinos Tower, an impressive fortress-type building that has been restored and operates today as a museum.
In addition to the exhibits and interesting information, it is worth being inside to enjoy the view from the tower windows.
Inside Palaia Kardamyli is also an excellent restaurant that emphasises local flavours. Everything here is selected based on seasonality and quality and combined with traditional recipes, some with a more modern approach.
Even if you are just passing through the area, a stop at Palaia Kardamyli is highly recommended. Mani's history and charm are concentrated in this small corner of Messinia.
Tips and information for an excursion to Kardamyli and Mani:
Kardamyli is 273 kilometres from Athens, 36 from Kalamata and 45 from Areopolis.
Western Mani is also famous for its gorges. The best-known is the Vyros Gorge, which offers 19 kilometres of natural beauty.
The old royal road, which once connected ancient Sparta with Kardamyli, starts from Agios Panteleimon and ends at the sea of Kardamyli.
Kardamili is also home to one of the most famous and most beautiful houses in Greece, the residence of the British writer Patrick Leigh Fermor.
The most popular and busiest beach in Western Mani is probably Stoupa, a long sandy beach with sunbeds. Right next to it is the similar beach of Kalogria.
Closer to what we consider "seaside Mani" are the three pebbly beaches between Kardamyli and Stoupa: Kalamitsi, Foneas, and Delfinia.
If you are holidaying for several days in Mani and are looking for a more urban experience, it is worth spending a day in Kalamata's lively and modern city, with its beautiful beaches and rich nightlife.
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