The middle peninsula of the Southern Peloponnese, including Laconia's Western part with the Eastern slopes of Taygetus. From the West, Mani of Messinia overlooks the gulf of Messinia. The area is rich in history, legends and sturdy men. Mountainous by nature, it constitutes the physical continuation of Taygetus. Mani was first inhabited during the stone age. Findings prove the continuous presence of populations in the area. One of the most historic cities here is Itilo, perhaps even the most ancient. It was consecutively inhabited by Myceans and Dorians, concluding with the establishment of the city-state of Sparti. After the decline of Sparti the area is dominated by the Romans, and later the Byzantines. Finally Mani is yielded to the Franks in 1249, then along with Mistras and Monemvassia delivered to Michael Paleologos in the mid-15th century.
Mani did not give way under the Turks. It maintained its autonomy after fighting zealously to maintain its freedom. The people of Mani strove hard for the Greek Revolution. Petrobeis Mavromihalis declared the revolution in Areopolis on March 17th, 1821. After the revolution and until today, the people of Mani are considered a closed ethnic group that maintained its own characteristic traits.
The towers of Mani are well known for their architecture, frugal and discreet guardians of the illustrious history of the area. There are almost eight hundred of these towers. There are also many Byzantine churches, monasteries, castles etc.
Areopolis is a historic city, the site where the Greek Revolution was declared. One of its most beautiful areas is the cobbled square of 17th March, 1821. The towers of Areopolis are very significant, belonging to Mavromihalis, Pikoulakis, Kapetanakos and others.
The Southern part of Mani is cape Tenaro, overlooking the largest depths of the Mediterranean Sea.
After Areopolis, the caves of Diros are located in the South. These are some of the most impressive caves found in Greece. Today they have been touristically exploited and attract thousands of visitors. There are three caves: Vlihada, Alepotripa and Katafigi. The caves were explored by the Kithirian Ioannis Petrohilos and his wife Anna, in the mid 50’s. They are visitable all year around. Exhibits from these caves are displayed in the Diros Neolithic Museum.
