Vatheia

Βάθεια, Ανατολική Μάνη, Λακωνία.

Vatheia, East Mani, Laconia – Greece.

Mani is one of the foremost traditional regions in Greece and possesses a profuse historical and cultural heritage. Mani lies to the southern part of Peloponnesus, within the administrative authority of Laconia and Messenia. It is a land of stone towers and beautiful beaches. Mani is home of the Maniots (Maniátes in Greek). The Maniots hold themselves to be the direct descendants of the Spartans and through the Spartans the Dorians. The towers of Mani are military hallmarks of a glorious era. The first fortification towers appear in the 13th century and they are an expression of the fighting spirit of the region.

Vatheia (or Vathia) is one of the most impressive villages of Mani. It is located at the southern tip of Cape Tenaro and is built in a prominent position like an Acropolis on a hilltop. The towers, churches, the olive presses and some 150 buildings are squeezed to fit in a small plateau. Historical sources mention Vatheia since the mid-16th century. Today's settlement stood on the hill especially after the 18th century, flourished in the 19th and began to decline by the early 20th century. In the 19th century the town had about 300 residents who were actively engaged in basic grain cultivation, poultry farming, hunting and also piracy.

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© 2012 Jordan Kevrekidis

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