How the naming emerged
To date there have been many opinions about the birth of the name Mani. Important information can we extract from a Constantine Porphyrogenitus’s text, Emperor of Constantinople by the middle of the 10th century. In accordance, therefore, with his writings we learn:
A) that the local residents were initiated latest from the rest of the Greek in Christianity.
B) that only Mani’s inhabitants up to the 10th century retained the name Greeks.
C) that they never mixed with the Slavic people during their invasion in the Peloponnese
D) the most important which concerns the issue we address, an existing 10th century’s fortress called “Mani”, built probably in Justinian period. Other sources indicating the existence of a “fortress of Mani” built by Franks from the 13th century and even in a different location should not be taken into account, since they are subsequent. Consequently, the Frankish origin of the name Mani should be excluded , as well as it’s origin of the homonymous region of the diocese at a time there were no such regions.
According to another aspect, the name came from the Latin «Manes» meaning’dead people’s shadow’, because the ancients believed that in Tainaro there was a gateway to Hades. Others claim that the name was derived from another Latin word, «Maina», which means lowering the sails, apparently from ships that sailed around the Cape before entering the harbor beneath the fort. Dorotheos of Monemvasia attributes the name in ‘mani (rage)’ and ‘evil’ that gripped the inhabitants of the region as well as in the war ‘Fury’ occupying them because of their warlike character. According to A.Petridis the name came from the Latin «manus» which means hand, because the country was indeed shaped like an arm. With the addition of letter -i into the word by the Byzantines who had the habit to get Latin words hellenised by adding or changing letters, came the “Mainin”, whereby was probably named the fort.
The prevailing view is the initial, that the area was renamed “Mainin” because of the Byzantine fortress. Over the centuries the name changed to “Mani”which prevailed, kept only as “Maini’s diocese” because of the use of ancient names in bishoprics.
Areas of Mani in space and time as we encounter them travelling from the entrance of Kalamata
As Mani can be defined the geographic area between Kalamata and Gythion surrounded by ridges of Taygetos, the Messinian and Laconian Gulf. It includes the territories of Municipality of Kalamata, of Messinia’s Prefecture and the prefecture of Laconia, which are essentially identical to the Districts Gythio and Itilo of Laconia during the reign of Otto in the first period of the modern Greek state. This administrative division coincides with the dioceses of the Church of Greece. Therefore, the areas of the two provinces made up the Metropolis of Gytheion and Oitylo.
In the 1960s, after the request of residents of Bardounia was annexed the area that almost coincides with the current municipality of Smynou. So the Mani area must be considered expanded beyond its geographical boundaries.
The appearance of the name Mani in this region begins with frequent references to the 15th century, having undergone several administrative changes since then. Acceptable and probationary terminology for the region, however, should be considered geographical terms, such as outer Mani, interior Mani, Lower Mani.
Kalamata and Mani
Kalamata became connected as a place of direct reference by its inhabitants with the area called Mani since the earliest years of its reconstruction in the 15th century. This urban space began to form in Franks’s period with the use of both products produced by the fertile lands of the nearby valley and their portability via sea routes. So stood pure residential neighborhoods framed by shops where Mani residents came for all kinds of transactions. This is confirmed both by the words of Athanasios Petridis who typically indicates that half the city of Kalamata was not subject to the Ottomans, but in Mani residents who among other benefits of independent action had their own market, and the proposal of the local ruler Petrobey Mavromichali to the Ecumenical Patriarch Gregory E.for the inclusion of southern territory of Kalamata that was however canceled by the brutal killing of the second. Today Kalamata is a vital space for the activities and pastimes of Mani.
Outer or Northeast Mani
Verga
Verga is located east of Kalamata, a small town trying to preserve its picturesque in spite of its later ‘development’.Along with Almiro they comprise the Local Department of Verga. Selitsa is located at the top of the mountain Kalathi, offering a spectacular view mirrored in the blue waters of the Messinian Gulf. Adjacent is Almiro. It took its name from the headwaters of the area with brackish water. In prerevolutionary times, since 1770, Almiro proved to be the border of the free Mani to the enslaved Messinia.
Verga means flexible twig of tree or bush and it’s named metaphorically from the wall built to repel Turks situated in the narrow passage between the salty mountain and sea. From area’s fortification has survived a small dilapidated piece which receives repair and restoration efforts. The area today is connected with Kalamata’s biological cleaning drains.
Little Mantinea
The name appears after 1700. For the origin of the residents there are several versions: the first, that they come from colonization of Great Mantinea’s inhabitants ,a second, that they were mesomaniates and a third, that during the era of revolution Little Mantinea was settled by residents of Marvinitsa. It belongs to the municipality of Kalamata refraining 7 km. from it. Mostly the people are involved in tourism enterprises and few more even longer in agriculture and fisheries. Thanks to tourism, it moves into high rate growth in recent decades.
Avia
Avia includes the settlements Great Mantinea, Akrogiali and Paleochora. In the latter location is identified by archaeologists and historians the homeric city Iri which Homer calls “Poiiessa”, i.e. full of grass, verdant and fertile. According to Pausanias, the city was renamed Avia from the nurse of Glinos, son of Hercules and Diianeira. Its inhabitants are engaged in domestic livestock, fisheries and farm tourism businesses.
Saint Nicholas – Selinitsa
Special fishing village of Mani next to Stoupa. The picturesque fishing harbor, the many beautiful stone in the traditional way houses, cafes and restaurants create a spectacular landscape of incomparable Mani architecture. The Selinitsa name comes from the small Selini or little Helen.
It is a rapidly growing area that bloom rapidly tourism businesses.
Large employment sector is the olive growing, the domestic livestock and fisheries. A beach of unique beauty worth visiting is Pandazi. Furthermore, Agios Nikolaos may also form the starting point for those who want to visit inland by road.
Altomira
According to tradition, the village took its name from a bandit or fugitive named Altomoros and had taken refuge in the region. It was, hence, a place of refuge for thieves during the Turkish occupation. Old stone path in the region led to Mistra. The Altomira have old stone houses, excellent examples of local architecture, of which several have been restored. The village now has only a few residents. Recently it was declared a conservation village from Ministry of Culture. Famous is the double stone bridge in Mpiliovo, in the gorge of Rintomo. Also notable are the churches with their wonderful frescoes.
Upper and Lower Doloi
Village of Messinian Mani which now belongs to West Mani municipality. A dry land held by the stone walls and a vegetation elsewhere humble and elsewhere accombanied by olive trees, all features that compose the Mani landscape. The area presents prehistoric habitation, as in the adjacent cave, at “Kotoulas” location, were found Neolithic and Early Helladic shells. Doloi have important churches, such as Agios Nikolaos, Agia Paraskevi and the prophet Elijah. In the area is preserved the tower of Saravas as well.
Thalamai = Koutifari
Traditional village of outer Mani that belongs to the mountain of Taygetos. It was one of the cities of the “Common of Eleftherolacones” and was in the area of the present village Thalamai, of Lefktro’s municipality, who, according to Strabo, were called “Boeotians”. The area flourished during classical times. Famous was the oracle of the goddess of seafarers of Ino. The legend says that in Thalames dwelled Tyndareus as well, father of Helen and the Dioscuri, Castor and Pollux. Inscriptions found in the region confirm that the inhabitants believed their patrons the emperors of Rome Marcus Aurelius, Anthony and Adrian. Several of the findings of the area are in the archaeological museum of Kalamata.
KALLIANEIKA
Settlement of Doloi’s compartment. The oldest family brought the name Kallianis, who is ancestor of many current families, while we can easily find the name in Kalamata. It is one of the new settlements of Mani, probably of the 19th century. Remarkable is the Byzantine type church of Saint Nikolaos on the road between Doloi and Kallianeika. Other major area attractions are the proprietary monastery of Prophet Elias, with beautiful belfry and paintings of 1758 and Zoodoxos Pigi in the main square of the village celebrating on Friday of Easter.
KARDAMYLI = Skardamoula
With a long history of 3000 years, famous both for its variety of landscapes that combines and for its wonderful architecture, Kardamili could only be the center of Mani. Only by chance is not that after the intervention of the State and fine patriarchs was characterized as ‘place of exceptional beauty’.
The picturesque harbors, beaches, cobbled streets, traditional houses and a nature rich in olives, wickers and laurels, together form the backdrop of this rich Mani land in pictures of Mediterranean beauty and strong contrasts. Starting one from Kalamata or Areopolis, enjoys a beautiful trip full of settlements, inhabited areas, outstanding landscapes with canyons and mountains. The rich groves mingle with cypress trees and bougainvilleas, one creek succeeded each other at every turn of the road and the towers of Mani state through the story of their stone the nature and soul of people living here. Prominent place could only have the new town of Kardamili, which also maintains the stone in its construction, framing it with blooming gardens and something of the atmosphere of the islands in its picturesque harbor and streets. All tourist activities take place on the main road, especially during the summer months, when the area is flooded with locals and foreign tourists.
And the more adventurous visitor will be delighted by the many attractions he can admire but also with the physical activities he can deal. St. Spyridon stands out, a worship monument of exceptional architectural art, as well as the restored tower complex of Troupakis that is declared a museum now, and the carved bicameral tomb of Dioskouri northeast of Saint Spyridon. Lovers of hiking have only to visit the nearby gorge of Viros with length of 20 km. And visitors do not forget that Kardamyli is also in the center of a magnificent coastline with excellent beaches, coves and bays where the green almost goes down to the sea in many places, where cliffs and islets decorate the turquoise waters, where sand alternates with pebbles and natural stone platforms. Within this paradise, beaches that stand out are Ritsa, Phoneas, Dolphins, and little further Kalogria in Stoupa, beach Stoupa itself, Agios Nikolaos, Agios Dimitrios and Katafygi. On the road to Kalamata there is Santova, Akroyiali and M. Mantinea, to Laconic Mani up to Areopolis New Itilo. The area is ideal for water sports.
One can visit in the town tourist shops with touristic and traditional items, old curiosity shops with rare antiques, cafes and picturesque taverns. Many hotels for all requirements and budgets witness the development of tourism in the area: family apartments, bun-galows and fully equipped rooms with green walls.
Through olive groves and cypress trees, the scattered beautiful houses and mansions t’archontika indicate how popular place for holiday is Kardamyli and how unique is what it can offer to its visitors, both those seeking tranquility and adventure on the contrary. Since 1998, the town is the seat of the municipality of Lefktro. By implementing residential rules the area has retained its precious traditional character. But it’s suffocated by the dense opulation and efforts are being made to broaden the residential area.
KITRIES
They belong to the municipal district of Doloi. A seaside village with rich vegetation and fantastic beach which flourished during the Venetian and Ottoman sovereignty. By the nineteenth century was the only port of the Messinian gulf. Citries was the site of the pre-revolutionary consultations and decisions. From there began the expedition of rebels on March 23, 1821 for the release of Kalamata. Until today it remains a beautiful quiet bay, ideal for holidays.
LAGADA MANI
A genuine village of Messinian Mani who faithfully follows the architectural types of the area. Got its name from the valley over which is built. It was originally a settlement with first inhabitants Roman citizens. The names of the people retain the Latin root today.
Milia
Through a cool ravine, at an altitude of 550 m. on the Mount Taygetos emerges Milia, seat of the Diocese and Captains during the Turkish occupation. Here he remained for three years during his childhood Theodoros Kolokotronis with his three brothers. In the background dominates the monastery of Panagia Giatrissa, sacred pilgrimage of Mani. According to tradition, in the site existed in ancient times temple of Athena served by many priests. The painting of Milia complement the renovated tile-roofed traditional houses with outstanding decoration, its impressive churches and village’s majestic bell tower. In antiquity Milia was in the middle of one of the routes that started from ancient Sparta leading to Messinian coastline.
NEOCHORI MANI – Nihori
It is one of the new settlements of Mani in the 17th century when the Venetian administration in the region wanted to populate the area. The ancient name of the region was Leuctra, coming from the son of Periiris, Leucippus, while Pausanias mentions “Pefnou not twenty steps abstains from Leuctra.” In the area have been found valuable archaeological finds both from prehistoric and historic times. The most important of these are in the prehistoric city, while at the base of the hill where shettlement is built stand out the Middle Helladic and Mycenaean chamber tombs.
Nomitsi
Nomitsis belongs to the mountain of Taygetos and presents population and demographic decline, as well as the entire surrounding area. Deep water paths, impassable mountain peaks, the meager straighteners with poor ground and olives compose a landscape-living monument of nature and culture. The ruined towers and dilapidated but preserved churches are testimonies of a glorious past. In the central square of the village is the church of St. George with its unique carved iconostasis and rich frescoes. Significant personality of the village was the minister and assembly man John Psarreas.
PLATSA
Built at an altitude of 370 m., it is one of the characteristic traditional villages of Mani with many fortified towers, combined with its natural environment. The name means plateau or open square. The beautiful churches declare the significant archaeological value of the site during the Byzantine and post-Byzantine times.
