View Larger Map
...successions of mountain masses, forests, gorges and torrents...
The Municipality of Faridos covers an area spreading on the slopes and the foot of the central-eastern mountain masses of Taygetus, under the peak of Profitis Elias. The terrain relief of Mt. Taygetus formed by mountains masses, gorges, forests, springs, steam plains lends the area a unique natural beauty and attracts various forms of alternative tourism linked to the environment, mountain sport activities and religious tours.
SITES
A. Hellenic Bridge (1st century BC): Single-arch stone bridge dating back to the Hellenistic period, over the torrent of Rassina (Erassinos in antiquity), at the community of Xirokampi. During the Roman era it connected the city of Sparta with the Kardamyli harbour through the Royal road.
B. The “sacred” olive tree of Faris located at the settlement of Mousga featuring a perimeter exceeding 12 metres.
C. Anakolou Gorge - with 67 water springs, protected as an area of exceptional beauty.
D. Traditional settlement of Koumousta, located inside the Anakolou Gorge. There are well preserved traditional buildings, marble fountains and five Byzantine churches at the settlement. E. Pentavloi: Forested area located at an altitude of approximately 1,000-1,200 metres as a continuation of the Anakolou Gorge near the peak of Mt. Taygetus.
F. Katafygiotissas Monastery: Built inside a cave at the community of Anogeia.
G. Arna: One of municipality’s most lively mountain villages, located at an altitude of 740 metres. The village boasts houses and buildings of special architectural value, surrounded by a rich and versatile natural environment including an age-old plane tree rising over the village square and the Aghia Marina water-springs
H. The Monastery of Golas, right after the entry of Arnas, an area of particular natural beauty at the community of Gorana, features murals dating back to 1632 and depicting ancient Greek sage men.
I. Zerbitsa Monastery dating back to the 17th century, surrounded by a tall castle wall, at the community of Kaminia. The monastery houses a museum with interesting collections.
J. Koumbari Monastery: Constructed back in the 17th century (1602), the monastery, which is located at the community of Palaiopanagia, features excellent murals.
K. The settlements of Toriza and Poliana: Popular resorts located at the outskirts of the forest.
L. Mountain lodge (National Tourism Organization) located at an altitude of 1700 metres.
M. The mountain peak of Profitis Elias (called Taleton in antiquity) located at an altitude of 2,404 metres.
CULTURE
a. During the months of December, January and February, everyone is out harvesting olives. The cultivation of the olive tree is practiced since antiquity. Visitors can enjoy the natural taste of the olive oil and purchase it at the olive presses.
b. The feasts on the last Sunday before Lent (Sunday of Apocreo) and relative games (construction and flying with air-balloons, costumed parades etc)
c. Easter Monday the custom of Kouloura at the community of Liantina (Easter round breads which are taken around the village houses and then auctioned out. It is a custom whose origins are lost in the mist of time).
d. The Prophet Elias feast: Mass held on the peak of Mt. Taygetus (altitude 2,404 metres).
e. Bicycle races: the races are held on the first Sunday of each October with the participation of veteran and independent athletes racing in a multitude of categories (Sparta – Xirokampi).
f. On the last weekend of each October, the three-day-long chestnut and tsipouro (local spirit) festival are held at the community of Arna.
g. A number of musical concerts, theatrical performances and feasts take place at the communities mainly during the summer months.
LOCAL PRODUCTS
Oil, olives, sausages, smoked cured pork (syglino), dairy products, oranges, fruit preserves, diples (nut-rich cookies dipped in honey syrup), samousades (pastries with nut and honey filling), squash pies, chylopites (home-made noodles), trachanas (traditional Greek pasta), herbs.
The local cuisine includes bardouniotiko (chicken stir fry with onions and cheese sauce), protoyiachni (rooster with tomato sauce), boiled goat meat, lalaggia (traditional doughnuts) and paximadia (barley husks).
HOSPITALITY is provided at the Guesthouses of the area
Traditional Hotel “Volianiti” Τηλ. 6977923539
Guest House “Rahidi” Τηλ. 6938890777
Traditional Residence “Rouga” Τηλ. 6976767894
Agrotourist Complex “Faris” Τηλ. 27310-75447, Ιστοσελίδα: www.faris.gr