Velanidia is a settlement located near Cape Maleas. It is built at the southernmost tip of the Parnon mountain range, 15 kilometres from Neapolis. The amphitheatrically built hamlet with whitewashed houses pops up like a small "oasis" among the mountains.
Velanidia is a settlement of the Byzantine times, like many Byzantine temples scattered throughout the area show. The settlement was created around 1718 at the site of "Paleokamares", and it is the union of many smaller settlements. As the ruins near the church of St. Panteleimon testify, the settlement was abandoned permanently by the natives, who moved to the present location of the settlement around 1770. Spetsiotes fugitives gathered and lived there after the Orlov Revolt. Thus, the two settlements were merged, resulting in the present-day Velanidia - with clear architectural influences from island settlements. Velanidians were quite capable sailors. Before the war, their boats sailed up to Thessaloniki carrying goods from their land. On many trips, the use of oars was the only driving force. Until today the sea has always been a way of life for them.
According to the archaeologist Haslak, the ancient city of Sidis is located here. It is believed that the town was named after Danaos' daughter, king of Karystos of Euboea, who took refuge in the area of Maleas, chased by the goddess Hera. Traveller Pausanias reports that there were two sanctuaries on the cape, Poseidon’s in the west and Apollo’s in the east. Recently, an Early Helladic building was discovered, as well as several ceramic shells.
The area is also known as "little Holy Mountain" since it hosts many churches built mainly during the 12th and 13th centuries. The one-room arched-roofed temples of Agios Panteleimon, Agios Konstantinos and Agios Chrysostomos, which feature-rich themed frescoes, stand out. The place, in fact, was also selected by important figures of the Church, such as Saint George and Saint Thomas in Malo, to practice and perform miracles. Returning to his homeland in June 1829, the French Colonel Saint Vincent published: "It seems to me like a painting by Van Dyke. Full of light in the foreground and dark clouds in the background. Dressed in rags and sunlight. I saw him with the binoculars looking at the sun and greeting him ... "
Finally, in 1970, the Cultural Association "Myrtidiotissa" was founded in the village, with its primary purpose the common interest and the cultural development of the place.
