Greek Islands

Kalavrita Town

Panoramic Photo Kalavrita

Welcome to Kalavrita!

You are invited to see significant archaeological, historical, and religious monuments at the region of the Municipality of Kalavrita (also written as Kalavryta), such as: the archaeological site of ancient Loussi, with Mycenean tombs and the Temple of Artemis (Diana); the Site of the Nazi atrocity and Sacrifice of the people of Kalavrita, with the sculpture of the Mourning Mother from Kalavrita; the Kalavrita Cathedral, rebuilt after it was burnt down by the Nazis, with the original church clock in place, stopped at the time of the crime; the historic Public School, today housing the newly (2005) founded Kalavrita Holocaust Museum: its collection includes objects from the 1941-44 Nazi occupation era, photographs, old newspapers and documents commemorating the execution of the village's male population by the Nazis in December 1943; the Monastery of Aghia Lavra, where the flag for the Revolution of 1821 was first raised; the Monastery of Mega Spileo; the Monastery of Makelaria; the Monastery of Aghios Nikolaos Vlassias; the church of Panaghia Plataniotissa (Virgin Mary), which is built in the hollow of an everlasting plane tree.

There are many more outstanding monuments of antiquity and modern times. Vouraikos Canyon, is a steep ravine (Vouraikos Ravine) with pine (Pinus sp.) forests and olive groves. The main human activities are cattle raising and hunting. The canyon is of unique natural beauty and the Rack Railway that goes along the gorge is in service since 1896! It is a Special Protection Area. Part of the area is an Aesthetic Forest (Kalavryta: 1,750 ha). There is also the Ski Resort of Chelmos which has promoted the tourist development of the area.

Modern tourist facilities, numerous rooms to let, cafeterias, clubs, and restaurants respond to the needs of the constantly rising number of visitors. The terrain may be mountainous, but the wonderful beaches of Corinthiakos Bay are only half-an-hour away from Kalavrita, offering visitors the chance to enjoy both the sea and mountain landscape. We should also mention the "Cave of the Lakes"; it is a short distance away from Kalavrita, in Kleitoria region. Even if we are not attracted to subterranean lakes and stalactite and stalagmite decorative formations (unbelievable as it may be!) we will by all means be overwhelmed by the fantastic home-made pies served at the local restaurant! If you happen to be in the region during winter, please keep in mind that there is a Ski Center on Mt. Helmos.

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