Tuesday, 26 July 2022… Farewelled Kyparissía at 11.00 hours as I left on the bus… a 90 minute ride to Kalamata. Today almost everything worked like clockwork. The 13.00 hours bus on to Kardamýli did exist… just a minor hiccup, my ticket said bus 46, leaving from platform 5. In fact, it was bus 53, leaving from platform 9!
The 75 minute ride from Kalamata to Kardamýli was a slow, hair raising at times journey along a winding, mountainous road but oh so picturesque. I love the sea, however, I am in awe of the mountains and Kardamýli, in the region of Messenia on the Mani Peninsula, sits between the peak of the Taygetos mountain range… Profitis Ilias at 2407m and the Messenian Gulf.
The village and surrounds are so beautiful that British architect and romantic, Charles Robert Cockerell described Kardamýli as being indescribably picturesque with a sensual smell of jasmine, wild herbs and sea that are picked up on the warm breeze.
Wednesday, 27 July 2022… I began today with a stroll around the village. Most of the older buildings are around 300 years’ old and made from local stone. Not too far away is the fortified complex of Troupakis-Mourtzinos in Old Kardamýli. A small collection of abandoned tower houses, clustered around the 18th century church of Ayios Spyridon… a must see in the area.
I’m not sure what possessed me, however, then decided to walk up to the 17th century church of Agia Sophia. Passed by the Tombs of the twin gods Castor and Pollux… onwards and upwards alongside the Vyros Gorge. Such breathtaking views from the mountains to the sea… well worth the journey.