The small settlement of Panagitsa is 13 km from Areopolis and 20 km from Gythio. It is located on the north side of a hill, at the top of which the Byzantine city of Karyoupolis was founded and flourished.
The first historical reference of the settlement was made in 1618 with the name Panagia di Vacha in a census during the Venetian Domination. The settlement took its name from the homonymous church, the ruins of which are preserved near the fountain. The fountain was called "Avlos". It still exists today, but, unfortunately, it is kept in poor condition. From the ruins of the small church, the vaulted arch of the sanctuary to the east and the masonry at the height of more than one metre stand out. Also, the church entrance, which is located on the west side, is preserved.
Finally, the settlement is also called Papadothomianika by the locals because it is inhabited by a specific family, which are descendants of the famous Fokas family.
