Leonidio, for a special Easter, Tyros – Kosmas – Elona Monastery

The Leonidio It is a traditional settlement, seat of South Kynouria, N. Arcadia. belongs to Tsakonochoria an area in which older people still speak the dialect Tsakonian.

OR Tsakonia developed in the east of the Peloponnese, from the Argolic Gulf to the mountain of Parnon. includes Leonidio, the cheese and villages Prastos, Kastanitsa, A Saintndreas, Sitaina, Beyond Black, Sapounakeika, Hawker, Meadow and Vaskina.

The Leonidio strongly maintains Tsakonian architecture with imposing towers of 1800, Old mansions with pebbled yards, stone two-storey and three storey houses with tiled roofs and narrow cobblestone streets.

Leonidio, Tsakonic "Agielidi" or Leonidi, It named by St. Leonides (16 April) a small chapel preserved in Plate. Linked to god Dionysus Prasiati or Vrasiatis as in one version, the church was built on the "tomb of Semele», mother of Dionysus. According to legend washed out with Semele in place of ancient leeks or boil so the plain of Leonidio called "wondrous garden of Dionysus", which became the Bacchic celebrations.

OR Plate It is the seaport of Leonidio, It is 4 km and has a harbor and beach.

Above the port of Plaka, hilltop, are two small Byzantine churches, of St. Athanasius on the ancient Acropolis of leeks and St. Demetrios (nearly destroyed).

TYROS

THE Tyros, Municipality Law. Kynouria, far from Leonidio 17 km and is known for its nautical tradition. It named by Sanctuary of Apollo cheese, the remains of which are located on the hill, there is now the chapel of Prophet Elias (Ano Tyros). at cheese and Tyros beach There are many hotels, rental rooms, restaurants, café etc..

EASTER IN LEONIDIO

Easter Leonidio is distinctive and famous mainly because of the hundreds of balloons lifted the time of the Resurrection. The parishes of Leonidio is Annunciation, or St. Catherine, or Agia Kyriaki (18^th), John the Baptist and the Three Hierarchs (in Koilasso).

the Good Friday the procession of the Epitaphs 5 parishes in the Strait of Leonidio. Then mingle together in Heroes Square and sung the Praise. Each Epitaph rivaling each other in decoration which is a custom.

Night Holy Saturday, after the "Risen Christ" lifted colorful balloons in the sky of Leonidio. Each home from all the parishes of Leonidio, prepares its own balloon, paper and reed. It is estimated that more than 500 balloons rise into the sky among the thousands of fireworks. Simultaneously preparing the "inconspicuous», the burning of Judas.

the Easter Sunday, in the morning, at Garden Hall, erected spits with lambs. Free food, wine, red eggs and Koulourakia all guests.

the Easter Sunday, afternoon, in Sequence of Love, Square March 25 read the Gospel in Tsakonian dialect. Then follow the Feast of Love, a traditional feast, Tsakonian with dances and traditional costumes, «Tzoumpeloudes» (formal attire Tsakonian) and foustanela. They offered to all guests traditional folds and raised dozens of balloons amid fireworks.

EASTER IN Tire

the Good Friday The procession of the Epitaph is along the coast accompanied caïques.

The Holy Saturday, the time of the Resurrection, thrown overboard thousands lit candles symbolizing the souls of the lost fishermen and seamen. Then burn Judas on a special raft floating.

LEONIDIO – SIGHTS

Tsikalioti tower (1808)

Preserved brick building that is today reporting and event space (openly 11 AM-12 7 :30 p.m.- 9 p.m.).

mansion valuable (1816)

Monument city.

mansion Katsikogianni (1807)

Private stone tower located to the north of the village.

Chatziroudi tower (1750)

STOREY preserved tower with small windows.

Fabrica Culture

Center for the Promotion of Rural History and the Sea Routes Eastern Peloponnese – Exhibit space - Artspace. The old buildings of the company of the Apostle Kostaki power plant converted by the Municipality Cultural Center in Leonidio. In the courtyard made various social events (openly 10 a.m. – 1 pm. and 7 pm-10 pm. www.fabbricaofculture.gr )

Annunciation (authorities 19^th )

It is the Cathedral of Leonidio and the wooden temple stands the old pictures. It is brought from Prastos, the historic capital of Tsakonia when 1826 the Prastiotes order to escape the raid in the village of Ibrahim fled to Leonidio.

LEONIDIO - TYROS, CUSTOMS & EVENTS

Feast Tsakonikes Eggplant

It includes eating contest by Tsakonian Eggplant (PDO product), buffet with various local food and dance to songs Tsakonic. You will find stalls with traditional products like sweet eggplant, (end of August, harbor Plaka). The plain of Leonidion produces approximately 2.000 eggplant tons annually.

Melitzazz Fsummer

Dancing and singing by international orchestras, reports, representations, poetry evenings, (early July, Leonidio).

Festival of the Sea and Maritime Fisherman

Live music, dance, seafood and plenty of wine, (end of August-September, port Tyros).

"Apollonia"

Cultural events, music and dance, at the main square, the beach and the small theater in the harbor of Tyros. Also included events such as the "Apollonius Road», the classical route, swimming races, Tournament 5 × 5, 3×3, Beach Volley Summer Camp learning and sports for children 6-15 years, (August, Tyros beach).

Festival "ParaTyro – Open art experience»

Music events, concerts, aqua yoga, dance classes, diving etc., (Tyros).

Honey festival

Treats with honey and yoghurt, sweet with honey and report Tsakonic woven (end of July, Pera Melana). The village Black Located in altitude 200 m., overlooking the Argolic Gulf and is famous for weaving.

CLIMBING FESTIVAL

Climbing Festival Leonidio (November, www.climbinleonidio.com).

LEONIDIO - ACTIVITIES

Climbing Park Leonidio

Climbing the "red rock" is one of the most famous climbing areas both in Greece and abroad. The slope is located in the center of Leonidio and height 250 m. You will find more than 1.000 Routes enabled opening of new, (www.climbinleonidio.com ).

Hiking

Hiking trails in South Kynouria :

Leonidio – Palaiochori, in altitude 850 m. within firs, cedars and sources.
Leonidio - Prophet Elias (20′), easy trail, among pine and fir.
Leonidio – Tsitalia – Agios Athanasios (2-2:30 hours), the National Road. Leonidio – Tsitalia, where around half of the route you will find a concrete wall that marks the beginning of the old paved path that connected to the town with the village Tsitalia. Inside the old path you arrive at the chapel of St. Athanasius Plaka, with stunning views. There is a second way to St. Athanasius, a path from Plaka, but it is quite rough and dangerous.
Leonidio - Elona Monastery (4 hours), through the gorge Dafnona, river laurels, ancient Selinountas
Leonidio Plates, through paths that lead to the harbor and beaches.
Leonidio- Kokkinovrachos (1:30 -2 hours) ascent from the NE. side of town, the cemetery of All Saints to the lowest point of the rock "in step" (www.walk4fun.gr , Leonidio, tel. : 27570 22422, 6974 110463)

Run

Tyros Run (the 1^The AS of June or the Holy Spirit) www.tyrosrun.gr
Tyros Triathlon (the penultimate SK September) www.tyrostriathlon.gr
tsakonikes Road (mid-June) «Leonidio- Poulithra-Leonidion», 16.000 m. and "Leonidio round» 5.000 m.
Race anomaly Parnon Road, with start and finish Kosmas, The route is the firs, the chestnut trees
Mountain Bike Trail, Leonidio there is the possibility for mountain bike, given the particular geomorphology of the territory of the surrounding area

Nature observation

The ravine Dafnona and areas Elona Monastery and Skintzas owned Areas of Conservation. You will see rare species of flora and some species of birds of prey and nesting on the rocks.

COSMAS

THE Kosmas Municipality Law. Kynourias located in the SE. Parnon, in altitude 1.150 m. within firs, cedar and chestnut.

The scenery here is stone houses, cobbled streets, taps with running water, old plane tree in the village square (planted 1883) and the imposing church of St. Anargyroi.

In the old stone school (1914) housed Folklore Museum Kosmas objects, utensils, ceramics, embroidery and woven. Noteworthy are the scallops loom reed, folklore samples "Giorgatzadon», of reputed decent comb.

In the cafes of the square you will find traditional sweets such as the famous "Kosmitis" galaktomboureko, pecan pie and baklava. Buy local meats such as goat, sausages, honey, Brown, noodles, local raki and herbs from the shops of the village. Kosmas singles feast of St. Anargyroi (1^or September), which is the main square with folk songs and dances. Since the world can continue to Sparta and villages Hawk and Vrontamas.

MONASTERY ELONAS or ELONIS

It is built on a cliff, the ravine Dafnona Parnon, on the road between Leonidas and Kosmas. named "Elona"From Tsakonian word" Eun ", meaning Eleousa. According to another version is named after an old image of the Virgin was moved to the Tsakonia marsh Laconia. When around 582 residents of Elos, because of the invasion of the Slavs, fled to Tsakonia brought with them and the image bearing the name of their place.

According to tradition, the monastery was built at the site when some shepherds of the region saw a light burning on the rock. At this point I found the miraculous icon of the Virgin and lit a candle lit.. Two monks in ascetic area, Callinicos and Dositheos, there founded the first monastery (16^th), a temple and two cells. Then these two monks were massacred by the Turks as the monastery was looted and destroyed. From 1775 that flourished for a long time for this Ecumenical Patriarchate proclaimed Stavropegic and Patriarchal.

The current church was built in 1809 where the old. Is Royal type, rectangular (14,90 CH5,10), without vaulted dome, fitted into the rock.

The marble spire was added in 1831. From 1900 The monastery starts to form its present form and 1930 It appears as one of the richest of the Peloponnesus. The 1972 changed from male to female and remains until today.

The temple is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and celebrates on 15 August. At 21 November in the Virgin Mary, the miraculous image of the Virgin is carried on pilgrimage in Leonidio. namely 9 days Figure remain in the monastery Metochi, to Saint Anthony or Virgin Mary wherein committed Church Services and wakefulness. Inside the church apart from the image of the Virgin and Child (1350 A.D.) stand alone wooden iconostasis of walnut, with silver images as there are frescoes.

The monastery Elona has declared Historical Monument and space to 250 m. around the monastery belongs to Areas of Conservation. Today you will not find any fraternity to welcome you as the last nun died. The monastery remains open all year as at present, managed by a committee (Elona Monastery, tel. : 27570 22297). Far from Leonidio 14 km and will reach following the road to Kosmas. The access to the town is somewhat difficult, because of the many revolutions for this winter limited traffic. Elona from the monastery you can continue to the village Kosmas (about 15′).

LEONIDIO - NEARBY BEACHES

Plate, 4 km from Leonidio, with beach bar, umbrellas, sunbeds, sea sports, beach volley taverns, rental rooms.

Poulithra, picturesque harbor and beach pebbles, after plate. it is organized, with beach bar, restaurants and many accommodations.

Tyros beach, cosmopolitan, fine pebbles, organized with umbrellas and sunbeds, beach bar.

pan Tyros, You will find it before you reach Tyros. white pebbles, umbrellas, sunbeds and beach bar.
Lygeria, beach cove after Tyros, beneath the windmills. Secluded beach because access is by trail or boat. It is considered an ideal place for this you will see many boats and people fishing rods to fish from the rocks.

Kissakas, after the Black turn left on the dirt road. At the end of the dirt road and park continues downhill walk. Shingle, cypress trees for shade and rocks for diving.
Meadow, the homonymous settlement. You'll find clear water, beach bar, rooms and several taverns.
Sampatiki and Thiopeftou, after the Meadow. You will find a small port, beach with crystal clear water, organised, with beach bar, tavern on the beach and rooms (5 km from Plaka). The beach is Thiopeftou after Sampatiki is isolated.
Tserfo, located after Krioneri 8 by Tyros. You will reach the main road following the path to the beach. pebbles, olives, taverns, rooms and let the Camping Tserfos.
Zaritsi, after Tserfo, with easy access from the main road. Shingle, organised, taverns, rooms and let the Camping Zaritsi (campingzaritsi.gr). In the church of Saint Christopher, on the beach a festival (9 May).

Fokianos, Well region, 35 km from Leonidio. small bay, natural shelter for boats, small pebbles, trees, organised, taverns, beach bar and rooms.

Kryoneri, near Astros Kynouria to the limits. It is a large beach with pebbles, organised, with beach bar, taverns, accommodation. For underwater fishing enthusiasts there underwater cave exploration.

ACCOMMODATION

Indicatively we report some accommodation near Leonidio :

«mansion CHATZIPANAGIOTOU», 4*, Leonidio, www.hatzipanayiotis.gr , tel.: 27570 22476, Listed mansion 1809
«Chian mansion», 4*, Leonidio, archontikochioti.gr ,tel.: 27570 22332, brick mansion 19^th
«Agroktima», traditional hostel, 3 km from Leonidio, www.agrotictima.com, tel. : 27570 23244
Costa-Rini Hotel, Leonidio, tel. : 2757 022100
Troumpas Family, rental rooms, Leonidio, www.troumpasfamily.gr, tel. : 27570 23671- 23660
Hotel DIONYSOS, Plaka Leonidio, tel. : 27570 23455 -22379
Semeli Camping, Plaka Leonidio, www.camping-semeli.gr, tel. : 27570 22995, 6948 881559, 6970 804672
Paraskevas Hotel & Spa, Tyros beach, www.hotel-paraskeyas.com, tel.: 27570 41398
Apollo, Tyros beach, tel. : 27570 41393- 27570 41268
Laloudaki Apartments, Tire, laloudaki-apartments.gr,tel. : 27570 41653
Filoxenia Studios, Tire, filoxenia-studios.gr,tel. : 27570 41580
Meltemi Studios, studiosmeltemi.gr, tel. : 27570 41531
KAMVISSIS, Tire, www.kamvissis-hotel.gr, tel. : 27570 41424
Kardaras Rooms, rental rooms, Tyros, tel. : 27570 41316
Antoniou, rental rooms, Tyros, tel. : 27570 41269
Apelon Tiritas Villas, Meadow beach, apelontyritas.gr ,tel. : 27570 61384, 6945 971819
Golden Beach, Tigani beach, tel. : +302757041072
DIO GUESTHOUSES, Eparch. Street Astros- Leonidio, tel. : 27570 41508, dioguesthouses.com
Guest house Polichni, Poulithra, tel. : 27570 51264
Filyra Xenonas, 3*, Poulithra, 9 km from Leonidio, tel. 27570 51296, 6972 051831- 6972 024858

ACCESS

Athens - Tyros : about 190 km
Athens - Leonidio : about 208 km
Athens - Tripoli : 158 km
Tripoli - Leonidio : 89 km
Leonidio - Sparta : 80 km
Nafplio – Leonidio : about 80 km
Patra - Tripoli : 203 km

From Athens, with your own car through the highway Corinth -Tripoli (Moreas SA) Sterna exit, AK. 6 (Sterna) to Leonidio and Tyros. Follow the signs to Astros through Eparch. Road Astros -Leonidiou, You will get to Leonidio.

From Athens, Corinth-Tripoli highway, via Tripoli. Output AK. 10 (Tegea) to Tegea and Astros and then coast through Eparch. Road Astros -Leonidiou, to Leonidio.

From Athens, Corinth motorway -Tripoli, through Nemea, AK. 4 (ancient Nemea) to Argos (through Dervenakion) and then coast through Eparch. Road Astros -Leonidiou, to Leonidio.

From Nafplion to Astros (about 32 km) and then coast through Eparch. Road Astros -Leonidiou, to Leonidio.

From Patras via Corinth to enter the highway Corinth -Tripoli and get to Leonidio as above.

By bus Arcadia, via Tripoli, Athens -Tripoli- Leonidio or Piraeus-Athens -Tripoli- Leonidio.

By bus Argolida, to Tripoli and then by bus to Arcadia Leonidio.

USEFUL ADDRESSES