The fortified complex of the Kapetanakis family is in good condition in the settlement of Trikotsova (named today as Haravgi), on a hill known as Petrovouni, near the village of Sotirianika in Messinian Mani. According to the idiosyncratic administrative system of northwestern (Exo) Mani, which was valid even ceremonially until the founding of the modern Greek state, the "captain" was the local ruler of a certain area, which he controlled from his "fortress". Each "fortress" included a fortified enclosure, a war tower, a tower house and other ancillary buildings. The complex in Sotirianika was founded by Georgakis Kapetanakis, a figure who has been mentioned in local folk poetry and documents of the time. The fact that the name of the master builder who designed it, Nikitas Mandrapilios, is preserved, is a unique and extremely interesting element in the history of its architecture. The monument is trapezoidal in plan, following the layout of the ground. It is surrounded by a wall that is reinforced at points by circular towers. The towers have defensive components, such as machicolations and cages. On the east side opens the arched entrance gate and is the main tower of the captain. The two buildings on the north and west side served as residential areas, with auxiliary and storage areas. As in any similar building of the time, there is a small church, single-aisled wooden roof and dedicated to the Prophet Elijah. According to morphological data but also to what is mentioned in the will of the acquirer, the complex began to be built in the late 18th or early 19th century. It is a kind of small, private castle, a typical example of the Mani social and architectural tradition.

Source: automatic translation from
odysseus.culture.gr/h/2/gh251.jsp?obj_id=19757

In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!

Details

Informations

Elevation 420 m

Weather

Thursday 13 November

18°C

12°C

0 %

If you start your activity now...

Max wind speed: 2.0 km/h

See rides here

Take Me There

Location: Messenia, Greece

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Agia Sofia Church

Piadiotiko Stone Bridge in Rindomo Gorge

Stoupa-Agios Nikolaos coastal bike trail🚴

Rindomo Gorge

Kardamili Vista

Kalamata beach 🏖️ Navarinou promenade

Ancient Stone Pathway Above Kardamyli

View of Kalamata

Secluded Chapel in Mountain Valley

Kampos heights - coastal view

Rema Mili creek delta, Sadova Beach ⛱️

Drinking Water Fountain in Ano Verga

Kapetanakis Fortress

Other Popular Places to Check Out

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️