The Road Less Travelled: Aroniadika and environs

 

After the church we will stroll down the narrow pathways of the village and take in the sights around us. This village is special because as it is in the centre of the island, it has combined the two different characteristics of the north and south Kythira. Architectural influences of Mani (north) and Crete (south) combine to create a unique mix. Look out for the colorful doorways of all shapes and sizes, peek to see if there is a date visible on the houses, for many have the year of construction inscribed.

You’ll feel like you are traveling back in time as you walk through the narrow paths of a settlement that has been around since the Medieval times. As you walk, your destination angel will tell you all you need to know about this traditional village. The next stop will be at the Osios Theodoros Monastery. The patron saint of Kythira, Osios Theodoros was a monk who lived in the 9th century, first in Italy and the Peloponnese, until he settled at what is now the site of the monastery.

 

He is buried within the church and his every year on May 12th, his remains are carried in a procession around the monastery grounds in celebration of his life. You will be greeted by Father Petros upon your arrival, who will welcome you and show you the church with Theodoros’s grave, the shrine and the beautiful frescoes and icons that date as far back as the 11th century. A short and effortless walk will lead us to the hamlet of Pitsinades with its brick-red tiled roofs and traditional houses that have recently been restored.

 

As all village life in Greece was always centered around local churches, we will visit St. Athanasios Church which dates back to the 17th century. As is with the first place of worship that we visit in this experience, St. Athanasios is also closed to visitors, but will make an exception for you. The church is tiny, but we all know that great things sometimes come in small packages. Come on in and wonder at the paintings on its walls. Our exploration will end with a walk back to Aroniadika for a light lunch at the local “kafenio” (traditional café that also serves food), of course made from local produce with the unforgettable Greek “meraki” (care and passion), and some time to sit back and reflect on all that we have seen.