YEIA SAS from post-lockdown London. One of the consolations of this restricted time has been my cupboard full of Greek produce, an alimentary route to the Mani on a wet city evening. Far more evocative of the peninsula than my home versions of moussaka and dolmades is my store of local Mani olive oil, a cheering and transporting part of … Read More
Saints of the Greek Orthodox Church
On our walks we pass and visit many Byzantine chapels, churches and monasteries so a little information about the saints who name they carry provides added interest. I have mainly used the Greek names (spellings vary) and when confusing the Latin name. There are numerous accounts of the Saints’ lives so I hope what you will read has some authenticity. For … Read More
The Rise of the Frank Villehardouin Family
This French family were prominent in the Morea (the Peloponnese) for several decades having been diverted from their original quest, the Fourth Crusade. The last of his dynasty, William II was the builder of two castles associated with the Mani, the fort at Mystras and the Megali Maini believed to be the ruined castle found at Cape Tigani from which, … Read More
Stealing cheese in Sparta
Our web designer, Gav Clarke, introduces our logo, recalls Shakespeare’s Juliet puzzling over the value of names and reflects on the practice of votive offerings: Look to the head of the page and our little walking warrior. He’s one of thousands of such small lead figures found at the ancient sanctuaries of Laconia, the southeastern part of the Peloponnese peninsula. … Read More