Aeropoli and Vàthia

We headed cross country to Aeropoli and down to the abandoned village of Vàthia. This was abandoned after WWII and is just starting to be reborn as holiday accomadation. Then back north to visit the lovely town of Aeropoli. The word Areopoli, which means "city of Ares", the ancient Greek god of war, became the official name in 1912. It was the seat of Oitylo municipality. The Greek War of Independencewas started at Areopoli on March 17, 1821 by Petros Pierrakos, also known as Petros Mavromichalis, the last bey of Mani. Now Areopoli has grown into a flourishing town. Its tower houses, constructed with field stones, are distinct from the traditional blue and white buildings that characterize many Greek villages.