 Gythio
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Gythio is a lively, charming little harbour town. It is the biggest town in Mani with a picturesque port, a pole of attraction for visitors.
The houses are stuck to the steep side of Mount “Akoumaro”. The settlement has narrow streets and stairways.
The small island of Kranai with an impressive lighthouse, the pine trees and the Castle of Tzannetakis impress every visitor.
Take your camera and snap memorable photos of the picturesque harbor, the fish taverns and the boats.
According to history Gythio was known from the time of the Phoenicians. Back then it was a renowned port for the progress and exportation of conches and porphyry.
During the town’s prosperity, shippings and transportations were carried out through the sea.
This prosperity is visible at the beautiful neoclassic buildings stuck at the slopes of Mount Koumaros.
Gythio is a town with remarkable sites. In location Paleopoli, northern of Gythio are saved the remains of ancient Gythio with the mosaic floors, the aqueduct and the roman temple of Augustus and Tiverios.
One of the most impressive constructions in the town is the old Parthenagogio built by the famous architect Tsiller in 1886.
The Town Hall houses the Archaeological Museum. It exhibits graven inscriptions of the archaic period, ceramic findings and statues of the roman times.
One of the most beautiful natural monuments in Gythio is undoubtedly the small island of Kranai, or as it is else called, the island of Beautiful Helen. According to mythology this island was the refuge of Helen and Paris on their journey to Troy. It is said that as he was leaving, Paris forgot his helmet on the island. Since then the island is called Kranai (the Greek word for helmet is “kranos”).
An interesting site in Kranai is the Castle of Tzannetakis-Grigorakis, the third bey of Mani, which was built during the times of the Turkish Rule. Today it houses the Historic and Ethnological Museum of Mani.
The imposing lighthouse of 23 m height, which was built in 1837, impresses all visitors.
Gythio has many restaurants, cafés and bars satisfying all demands. There are hotels and rooms to let providing all modern comforts to their guests.
Gythio is the ideal place for your short or long term vacations. It combines a quiet and beautiful natural surrounding with entertainment.
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