Finiki, which belongs to the municipality of Asopos, is one of the oldest villages in Laconia. It is built at an altitude of 167 metres, and it is 73 kilometres from Sparta. It has approximately 460 permanent residents.
The etymology of the name Finiki comes from the red and purple colour of the area. In the poetry of Laconian poet Alcman, the word "palm tree" is rendered as red. This is how the place names on the broader area, "Kokkines", "Kokkinochomata", etc., are explained (kokkino – red). In Pausanias' "Lakonika", there is the following report: "The most suitable shells for red paint come from the beach of Laconia after the sea of the Phoenicians". The reference at this period (150-160 AD) refers to the broader geographical area where many geological changes took place. In 850 BC, in the area, the Phoenicians established a trading post for the monopolistic exploitation of red shells, which existed only on the coast of Laconia. A second view of the name's etymology suggests that it comes from Phoenix, the sacred bird of Apollo.
In 1885, archaeologist Themistoklis Sofoulis, based on Pausanias' reports, proceeded with excavations at the temple of Apollo the Magnificent in Finiki. The inscriptions found there testify that this is the Sanctuary of the Commonwealth of the Free Laconians. Some of the bronze and clay objects found in Finiki were transferred to K. Karapanos' private collection, while others are housed in the Archaeological Museum of Neapolis Voion.
During the Greek Revolution, the inhabitants took part in many battles, such as the siege of Monemvasia, offering valuable services. During those years, a coin counterfeiting workshop operated in the village. As can be seen from the trial records (which survive to this day), the operation of the workshop had divided the Revolutionaries. Some believed that they were securing money for the Struggle by counterfeiting, while others thought that the credibility of the newly formed Greek state was being shaken. The counterfeiters were punished by being tied upside down and were taken to the then capital of Nafplio on the day of the bazaar. A similar coin counterfeiting workshop operated in Gythio.
During the Byzantine times, the village inhabitants preferred the area in today's Krissa, where there are ruins of buildings, while visitors can also see the Byzantine church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Also, there is the stone church of Agios Nikolaos at a higher location with unrestricted views of the Laconic Gulf. Moreover, in the upper square of the village, the church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, which celebrates on August 15th, was built.
The area produces the well-known olive oil of Finiki Laconia, a protected product (PDO), by the European Commission. Finally, in recent years, the Honey Festival has been organised in Finiki and is followed by a celebration with lots of wine and live music at the village's main square.
