Neapoli Voion or Vatica is a seaside town - the southernmost city of mainland Greece and Europe - and is located in the ancient town of Voioi. The old town was created between 1050 BC. and 950 B.C. from Heraklidis Voeas and belonged to the Eleftherolakonian Society. In fact, according to legend, the goddess Artemis sent a hare to indicate where Voeas would build the city. The city flourished during Roman times as a trading port. In the Middle Ages, the area's inhabitants spoke a language idiom similar to that of the Tsakonian.
The modern city of Neapoli, with its picturesque alleys, was designed in 1837 by the Bavarian architect Birmach, who also created Sparta and Karystos. Its characteristic feature is its sandy beach and its small, picturesque harbour. By boat, Neapoli is connected to Kythera and Antikythera. The old part of the city is built amphitheatrically on two hills, of the Holy Trinity (where the city's church is located) and of Vrontas in the east.
Visitors can find a variety of hotels and rooms to stay in Neapolis, as well as many taverns, cafes and bars for their entertainment. At the main square of the coastal road, on the pier, the visitor can see the statue of the Vatica Sailorman (a trademark of the city), while worth visiting is the Church of the Holy Trinity, which is visible from all over the city. Of particular interest are the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Nautical Art and Tradition housed in the old Elementary School.
One of the things that characterise Neapolis is the onions produced in the area. Even the poet Yiannis Ritsos mentions them in his poem "Romeosini". The local population of the plant Allium cepa L. has been cultivated in Vatica since before the Byzantine years. In fact, onions are even mentioned in a report written by Kapodistrias in 1828 as exportable products and a significant source of income for the inhabitants. Even today, Vatica remains a source of onion production. In recent years, the first weekend after August 15th, a two-day event in honour of the Vatica onion with speeches and the cooking of, among other things, a colossal onion soup has been organised in Neapolis. If you are in the area during these days, do not forget to visit the site. The experience will be unforgettable.
