Vathia

Vathia is located on the southern tip of Cape Tainaro, in the heart of Laconia. Situated 92 kilometres from Sparta, it is one of the most impressive traditional settlements that looks like an Acropolis built on top of a hill. The whole settlement is a monument of architectural tradition and is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Europe. Just 2 kilometres from the sea, Vathia is a living museum of our country with 144 buildings spread over four districts. Most towers were built during the 18th and 19th centuries, unique examples of folk fortification architecture throughout Greece.

The tower was the seat and symbol of the power of every patriot, and its height depended on the value of the family that owned it. At Vathia, the tower houses are two-storey or three-storey stone buildings with tiny windows, which were used as crenelations, while the doors were too low for safety and static reasons. Many of them also had "heaters" from which they poured hot oil or water to prevent intruders from entering. In Mani, the tower houses are also known as "Dynamaria", a name given to Mani women as well, signifying the importance of their existence in the family.

The reason for the existence of the towers is justified by the need to repel the pirates and the Turks, but also by the social system of patriarchy in the region. Long bloody family rivalries ("vendettas") resulted in the destruction of many towers, as collapse usually meant the collapse of the family prestige.

At the time of the great movement of the province's inhabitants to major urban centres after World War II, the towers in Vathia were reduced and many were destroyed. Fortunately, during the '80s, many of the towers were restored and converted into tourist accommodation.