ZARANATA CASTLE AND STAVROPIGIO

TUESDAY 2ND OCTOBER 2012 STAVROPIGIO AND ZARANATA CASTLE

On another fine sunny day here in the Mani, we enjoyed a walk around Zaranata Castle. There were 24 walkers and JJ the dog, as we set off from the village of Stavropigio, we walked through the village streets we were joined by 15 pupils and a teacher from the local Kambos school, who were also walking up to Zaranata castle. From the top of the castle there were wonderful views over Kalamata and behind us the clear Taygetos mountains. After our descent we made our way to the village of Malta and were greeted outside the church by some of the village elders. We then visited the castle to the rear of the village with its beautiful little chapel. After a rest we continued our walk to the Andhroubevitsa Monastery, which on our previous visits as always been closed. But we rang the bell and a nun invited all 24 of us in, except for JJ the dog. A beautiful and well kept monastery, we offered Greek delight (same as Turkish delight) to help us on our way. From there we went by a circular route back to Stavropigio with some stunning views over Kambos. On our climb back into Stavropigio we were met by the same school children and teacher returning to Kambos. Lunch was taken at the kafenion in Stavropigio.