Nowadays, Karyoupolis is a traditional settlement built at an altitude of 100 metres, at a fortified position. Together with the settlements of Vryses, Lagada and Protova, it lists only 160 inhabitants. The establishment of the new settlement and the settlement in Miniakova (or Maniakova) gradually occurred during the second half of the 18th century.
At the top of the hill, visitors can see the imposing Kavallierakis - Fokas fortress, which prevented the passage of enemies to Mani.
The fort, built in the early 19th century, consists of two main building complexes with arched gates, a precinct and loopholes. At its place, in the past, there was a Byzantine fortress. The Fokas family were one of the most important Byzantine families originating from Cappadocia. After the fall of Constantinople in 1453, they found refuge in free Mani.
Once, this area was called Fokades and is mentioned on an English map of 1820. To the west of the fort, there is the church of Agios (Saint) Petros and to the east, the multi-storey Tower of Kosonakos, built in 1821. A.D. Next to it, there is a church dedicated to the Entrance of the Virgin Mary with frescoes of the 19th century, a typical example of the late Post-Byzantine art of Mani (1749 AD).
