Velanidia

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Velanidia

Velanidia is one of the most picturesque villages of Lakonia. It is located at the eastern side of the Krithina Mountain and overlooks the Myrtoo Sea. Its close proximity to Cape Maleas makes it an ideal base for exploring the striking lighthouse of Maleas and the north side of the legendary Cape. Around the village, there are scattered many Byzantine churches, ruins of old windmills and a World War II German observatory. According to archaeologist Haslak, the ancient city of Sidis is also located here. The ancient city was named after Danaos’ daughter, king of Karystos, who found refuge in the area, chased by goddess Hera.

The village was built during the Byzantine era, as evidenced by the small byzantine churches scattered throughout the area. Initially, it was built at the site of “Paliokamares” around 1718 by fugitives from the island of Spetses, but in 1770 the residents abandoned the village and built a new one in the current position as testified by the ruins near the church of Agios Panteleimon. The architectural influence from the island of Spetses is visible all around the village. Whitewashed houses with red tiled roofs and narrow alleys crossing the village from side to side are reminiscent of the small town of Spetses in the Saronic Gulf. Most of the inhabitants were fishermen or sailors and their boats used to sail from the Aegean Sea to North Africa even near the coast of Libya in the Middle East.

The area where the village is located is also known as “the little Mount Athos” due to many churches of the 12th and 13th century in the area. The churches of Agios Panteleimon, Agios Konstantinos and Agios Chrysostomos are all adorned with remarkable frescoes and are worth a visit. Moreover, the area was chosen by important figures of the Orthodox Church like Saint George and Saint Thomas of Malo to practice asceticism. Returning to his homeland in June 1829, the French Colonel Saint Vincent published: "It seems to me like a painting by Van Dyke. Full of light in the foreground and dark clouds in the background. Dressed in rags and sunlight. I saw him with the binoculars looking at the sun and greeting him”.

Photo: Velanidia Blog