Invincible fortress
In the inhospitable landscape at the southern tip of Mani lies the equally inhospitable village of Vathia on the top of a. The village consists of tall square tower houses with windows the size of shooting holes. From a distance, this makes the village look like a fortress. The unusual architecture dates from the 18th and 19th centuries. From the towers, the Maniots were able to defend themselves against invasions by foreign rulers. With success, because they retained their autonomy when the rest of Greece was part of the Ottoman Empire. The towers were also useful in the many vendettas between rival clans.
Still life of decay
Vathia today is a ghost town with two faces. To attract tourists, some tower houses have been restored and there is a restaurant on the main road. But now in October, the place is deserted. The only sign of life are two contentedly lazing cats and a row of children’s shoes next to the front door of a house. Most of the village is a still life of decay, through which you can walk unhindered.
