A landscape carved on the rocks by the wind; hard and rugged, yet in the charming colors of the Aegean Sea, to the west, of Mt. Taygetos to the north and of Mt. Sagias (Lower Taygetos) to the south. Only to the east does the road afford a glimpse of green! Here, at the top of Mesa Mani, the commencement of the Struggle for Greek Independence against Turkish Rule was proclaimed on March 17th 1821 at Areopolis, the Maniot town that was named after the god of warfare, Aris (Mars).
Monuments under protection are the churches of Agios Ioannis Prodromos, Agios Athanasios with beautiful frescoes and Panagia Tsipiotissa. Also protected is the four-storied Mavromichalis Tower, surrounded by a large building complex and a tall enclosure, rendering it a real fortress. Pikoulakis Tower, under protection as well, has three stories, with a strong, two-story tower-house. It will also become a museum after its restoration.
Some of these traditional family towers have been renovated and turned into hotels, self-catering apartments or studios. Staying at one of them is an experience of a lifetime!