A Weekend in Mani and a History Lesson

The journey to Mesa Mani (or Laconian Mani, because it’s additionally recognized) begins in Limeni, the historic stronghold of the Mavromichalis household, whose founder arrived right here from Jap Thrace as a fugitive. In line with one model of the story, a boy named Michalis, whose total household had been killed by the Turks, and whom the locals referred to as him “Mavro” (that means “Black”) due to his unlucky destiny, took refuge right here. The younger boy labored laborious, married and had 4 sons, thus starting the historical past of the Mavromichalis clan, whom the locals known as “fairy-born” as a result of their putting magnificence.

A descendant of this household was Petrobey Mavromichalis, who, together with different native chieftains, raised the banner of revolt towards the Turks on March 17, 1821, in Areopoli. A number of days later, the Maniots participated within the liberation of Kalamata; it’s estimated that round 50 members of the Mavromichalis household gave their lives within the wrestle for Greek independence.

In Limeni, a tower that when belonged to the household nonetheless stands. In-built 1762 by Petrobey’s father, Pierros, it was described in native information as a “mess corridor,” since Petrobey Mavromichalis provided the stone tower as a spot for chieftains to assemble and be fed. (The tower, which has been restored, now operates as a resort.) Close by stand the ruins of the Mavromichalis Palace; there was as soon as an concept to revive the construction and open it as a museum.

Subsequent to the small Church of Aghios Sostis on the southern fringe of the village lies the tomb and statue of Petrobey Mavromichalis. One other statue of him might be seen in Athanaton Sq. in Areopoli, a city that has been declared a historic settlement as a result of its distinctive structure and imposing tower homes.

Within the village of Haria, six kilometers previous Areopoli, stands the Arapakis Tower, which immediately features as a resort. The Arapakis household was one of the crucial highly effective in Mani, with lots of its members making historical past – from Ilias Arapakis, who fought within the 1821 revolution, to Yagos Arapakis, the primary mayor of Kallithea, a district of Athens. Nevertheless, essentially the most fascinating biography belongs to Petros Arapakis, born in 1879 in Haria, who fell in love with the ocean at an early age.

On the age of 16, he sailed 1,500 miles across the Mediterranean in a 16-foot sailboat boat, and some years later, he dove into the then-unexplored caves of Diros. After qualifying as a service provider navy officer in London, he traveled to Australia, the place he pursued his biggest dream: to sail around the globe. He set off from there on the Pandora, a ship simply 12 meters lengthy, and reached New York by way of the passage round Cape Horn – one of the crucial treacherous routes for sailors. From the American coast, he continued his journey however by no means made it again to Europe. It’s believed that his boat sank and that the Maniot sailor was misplaced at sea.

A number of kilometers south of Ηaria lies the coastal settlement of Mezapo, the bottom of considered one of Mani’s most infamous pirates, Nikolou Sassaris. An 18th-century determine, Sassaris misplaced a watch in a skirmish in Andros; collectively together with his crew, he turned the phobia of these crusing the Greek seas. It’s mentioned that in Mezapo Bay, in caves and among the many rocks, he hid his plunder. He even had a vendetta with a member of the Mavromichalis household who needed to construct a tower in Mezapo, one thing Sassaris refused to permit.

Close to the shore, you’ll be able to nonetheless see the stays of the pirate’s personal tower, which legend says was related by underground passages to caves and the ocean. Sassaris was killed in battle with a Turkish ship; following the traditions of the time, his spouse mourned his passing with a Maniot dirge of her personal composition, which has survived as The Corsair’s Lament.