Kosmas

Μετάφραση

Kosmas

The quaint mountain village of Kosmas is built on the southeastern slopes of Mt. Parnonas, in the prefecture of Arcadia. It is a traditional village surrounded by forests of chestnut trees and firs. The village has retained all the elements of its traditional architecture, and has been officially designated as a traditional settlement. Kosmas sits on the site of the ancient city of Selinounta and the temple of God Apollo. Many of its inhabitants participated in the Greek Revolution, in 1821 and in World War II. During World War II, the village was set on fire by the Germans and 498 out of 505 houses were completely burnt down. Kosmas suffered even more destruction during the civil war that followed.

This picturesque village has a large square, shaded by centuries-old plane trees. The church of Agii Anargyri, patron saint of the village, dominates the center of the square. Behind the church, there is a marble fountain, known as "Lions", where fresh spring water gushes from the mouths of three lions. The Folklore Museum exhibits archaeological finds and historical documents as well as wooden carvings, ceramics and weavings. The public library was founded in 1954 and is housed in the school. It contains about 3.500 books, magazines and other publications. In the outskirts of the village there are several remarkable chapels such as the chapel of Profitis Ilias, Agios Georgios, Ai Giannis Prodromos and many more.

In Kosmas you can find several cafes and tavernas as well as hotels and rooms, open year-round since many people come here to hike the trails or to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere the village offers. The tavernas serve the specialties of the village which include boiled goat and local sausages. You can also find a couple of shops, selling traditional products like mountain tea, honey, chestnuts, local wine and sweets. Kosmas is an hour or so from Tripoli, Sparta and Leonideon. The road from Leonidio to Kosmas crosses the imposing Dafnonas gorge and passes through the famous monastery of Panagia Elona.