Digitizing the village church books of Laconia is both a privilege and a huge task. Having time on weekends to enjoy the sun and beauty of the land is both a delight and a necessity. Yesterday, I drove to the port town of Gytheio, 45 minutes south of Sparta, to visit friends, Dina and Christina.
Along the waterfront of Gytheio
Mavrovouni Beach is adjacent to the town where locals and tourists can relax. There are many cottages, guest houses and hotels. The aquamarine water is perfectly clear. I came here several times last year, as well, just to unwind and breathe clear air.
Mavrovouni Beach
After a relaxing afternoon, the three of us drove to Aeropoli and Limeni in the Mani region of southern Laconia. There is no place like Aeropoli, a village of stone, with its distinctive Maniate tower architecture and gloried history. The Greek Independence Revolution began here on March 17, 1821. Today, it lures people with its unique character and charm. For me, it is a must to spend time here every summer.
A street in Aeropoli, Mani
Storefront on the main street, Aeropoli, Mani
Market in Aeropoli, Mani
Frescoe inside one of the oldest churches in Aeropoli
The drive from Aeropoli to Limeni is less than 10 minutes. The winding road around the mountains provides spectacular views of the sea below.
The road to Limeni
This church is a point of interest on the road, but last night the slant of the sun was low and for the first time, I noticed that the windows around the dome are blue! This illumination produced an ethereal light in the sacred building.
The fading sun illuminates the blue windows and creates an ethereal and heavenly light around the dome
We reached Limeni at sunset. This is one of the loveliest places in Mani at anytime of day, but especially so when night is about to fall. The glow of the fading sun casts a golden light upon the stone buildings, producing a glow which is breathtaking.
Entering Limeni
Evening in Limeni
Homes nestled around the harbor
The rugged precipices of Mani are counterbalanced by the softness of sunset. The mountains and seas are enveloped in gold as another day passes and the beauty of the land waits to be rediscovered tomorrow.
Goodnight, Limeni
Spartan Roots (Σπαρτιατικές Ρίζες) 
I wonder if there any pictures of Laconia during the 1920’s.
Yes, there are many which can be found doing a google search in both Greek and English 🙂
What strikes me is that the structures and roads, etc., are of local mateirals in a place seeming to embrace the earth and the sea rather than to dominate it.
You are such a wonderful writer, Carol. Your research is of paramount importance to me because we share (remote)DNA and also natal villages. I am so grateful that you are digitizing records because your contributions are the only path to additional documentation for my families. But even if that weren’t so, I would follow you for your travel blog.
Beautiful photos. Sounds like a wonderful day.