Standing on top of a mountain ridge, above an elaiona - an olive field - our first sighting of Koroni took our breath away.
Founded in ancient times, the town is nestled on a hill below an impressive Venetian castle and reaches to the edge of the gulf.
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The town was founded in ancient times and is mentioned by Pausanias, the ancient Greek geographer.
Perched on the edge of the cliff, the castle is easier to spot in this photograph
a mass of red ceramic tiles topping the white houses; the green silver of the olive trees; and the blue of the sea - a typically Greek image
The waterfront is a mass of cafes and restaurants
Some gorgeous old buildings, even if in need of some restoration
a side view
pale, mellowed old stone
the arches providing much needed shade
The village square
with a monument that pays homage to the Mediterranean diet
On the other side of the square another gorgeous stone building, very similar to the previous one
housing a cafe on the ground floor
with a nice piece of driftwood in a large amphorae placed amongst the tables and chairs
a closer look
also a closer look at the balcony stone supports
By the sea front
a closer view of the castle
a pomegranate tree
some of the fruit had split revealing the red jewel-like seeds inside.
We left the sea front and started exploring the narrow lanes
The Little Perfume store
This building houses the town's gallery, so we had to go in. There was an exhibition of a Dutch artist, Gertrude de Veldt
Lots of steps to negotiate as with all towns built on a hill
It wasn't lunchtime yet, so the restaurants were empty
one of the town's many bakeries
We then came upon this shop
old crates for shelves and the photographs of the original owners in pride of place
A barber's shop
more steps
one of the churches
we then started the long climb to the higher parts of the town
the sea never far away
tiny alleyways
the road snaking round, up the hill
very quiet during the middle of the day, people sheltering from the midday sun
this was a nail bar, if I remember right
We then joined the rest of our party for some lunch
We chose a place by the sea-font that afforded great views of the bay and the choppy sea
The road to the castle was lined with olive trees
spectacular views from the arched entrance
looking closer
and closer
the whole bay at our feet
A really lovely looking lively place. You seem to be having quite a tour. The Amstel crates brought back memories - in the early days we used to drink Fix - does that still exist?
ReplyDeleteFix closed down Olga, too much competition from foreign brands, I think. But, apparently, in the last few years it's having a come back: I don't know the details, whether it's just the name, or the same quality of beer, etc. I don't drink beer so I don't know.
DeleteThe old Fix factory is fairly near to where we live. Half of it was demolished but the other half is being converted to a museum of modern art - it should open sometime this coming winter. It looks very good, and I'm quite excited about that.
Our break in the Peloponnese was too short: four nights/ five days. Half of it was visiting various places and the other half swimming and sitting around the beach. I wish it had been longer.
Thank you for the information. It seems that everywhere is becoming an art gallery these days!
ReplyDeleteThey were described as the 'cathedrals of our age' by an art writer - I can't remember who it was. But you are right. There's another huge art centre being built on the site of the old ippodromos, the race course at the end of Syggrou: I presume you must have passed it on your way to the sea from Nea Smyrni, when you used to do your walk. That is absolutely massive but they have only started building.
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