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The mountainous village of Varvitsa (or Barbitsa) is built amphitheatrically at an altitude of 1060 metres at the foothills of Mount Parnon. This is the highest located village of Laconia. Nearby, there are other villages such as Karyes, Kastri, Ano Doliana etc. Specifically, it is located 42 kilometres northeast of Sparta, and its name is of Slavic origin. According to the German linguist Max Vasmer, it comes from the word "vurba", which means "willow", from the many willows that once existed in the village.
It is alleged that the settlement was created in the 17th century and is known, mainly, as the birthplace of the famous thief of the pre-revolutionary period, Zacharias Barbitsiotis (also known as Captain Zacharias). In fact, around 1780-1790, Barbitsiotis killed one of the elders of Varvitsa. In August 2003, the unveiling of the statue of Captain Zacharias took place at the village square with the century-old plane trees, fountains and cafes.
In the village, visitors can stay at the "Meterizi " traditional guesthouse, which consists of five independent houses with beautiful views of the hills of Mount Parnon. The visitor can also see several churches such as Saint-Agios Theodoros, Agios Vassilios, the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Prophet Elias, Agios Athanasios etc.
