Neapoli

Neapolis, formerly capital of the Vatika municipality, has been built in front of the beach and in the lap of the bay between Elafonisos and Kavomaleas peninsula. Is the southeastern continental city of Greece and Europe.

The old part of the city has been built amphitheatrically in 2 hills, the Agia Triada hill where is the church of the city and Vrontas hill eastern. The orientation allows houses to enjoy the freshness that the sea brings from the south and to admire the view of the islands, Kythera and Elafonisos.

But the story of the city starts from the second millennium BC. In the place of the current Neapolis was the ancient city of Voies. The area of Vatika inhabited by mythical character of Aeneas, the founder of Rome, who founded in this region the Itis and Aphrodisias cities, who along with Sidis formed the “Laconia Tripoli” of the Mycenaean period. The Itis is one of the two cities that Aeneas built when after the fall of Troy, on his trip to Italy, was forced to seek refuge in the bay of Vatika. Itis is mentioned that was located in Paliokastro. Aphrodisias was built by Aeneas or settlers of Kythera and placed in Psafaki where tombs, buildings and walls of limestone have been found.

These three cities combined later by Voias, of the Herakleidon mythical generation, in a city named Voies. According to the legend, the goddess Artemis sent a rabbit to indicate the position where Voias should build the city. The Voies flourished until Roman times when it was destroyed.

The first name of the city was Pezoula and belonged to the Vion municipality with Lahi being capital until 1840. Then, after the joining pf Vion and Malea municipalities,became the capital regained its old name and gained a street plan from a Bavarian architect of Otthonas reign. Similarly, the city developed, incorporated population of all the villages and renamed again in Neapolis.

The aura of Neapolis invites you to discover this city. To walk in the small, secret alleys and admire the great street planning of the 19th century. To admire the architecture and the picturesque character of the old city. To visit the church of Aghia Triada which stands on the highest point of the hill and breathe the colors from the pier at the sunset. To taste ouzo and octopus and various snacks at the beach. To walk along the beach but also enjoy the water in the two kilometers, organized and awarded with the “blue flag” for many years beach.

Πηγή: visitvatika