Kalávryta (Kalavryta) in Greece

The village of Kalavryta in the central north part of Peloponnese has a lot to show: rich history and monuments, an exciting natural landscape, the mount Helmos, warm hospitality and many good choices when it comes to food. Since the foundation of the ski center, just 20 km away from Kalavryta, the village has been a popular destination not just for skiiers, but for anybody who wants to have a nice weekend away from Athens and drive only 2 hours to have that.

Pre 20th

The area of Kalavryta seems to have been inhabitated since the Neolithic Period, as findings in the Cave of Lakes suggest. The ancient name of Kalavryta was Kynaitha. During the 18th century the village starts to grow and it has alaready schools, commercial trade and roads. 

Most significant was the role of Kalavryta in the greek revolution against the Turks in March 1821. In the Monastery of Agia Lavra, just 3 km outside Kalavryta, the Paleon Patron Germanos (a priest who helped the uprise of the Greeks) blessed the weapons of the combatants and raised the flag of the revolution. On March 21, 1821, 600 greeks combatants besieged the village of Kalavryta. After 5 days of battles, Kalavryta were liberated. 

Modern History

During the Second World War, the people of Kalavryta were trying to fight back in many ways. The crimes of the German occupation troops peaked in December 1943,  with an organized clean up in the region of Kalavryta,  known as "Operation Kalavryta" (from 5 to 15 December 1943).This operation was one of the toughest of Wehrmacht, not only in Greece but in Europe generally.

The Germans invaded in Kalavryta on December 9. They formed a tight cordon around the city so noone could not escape. On the 13th December, the Germans concentrated all the population in the school. They took all the men from 14 years and older to a hill just above the village. They shot to death all of them (1200 men) and after that they burned down the entire village, after they had looted it. The holocaust of 1943 is remembered by the museum and the monument in the site where the executions took place.

Recent History

In 1988 the Ski Center was founded. This gave great prosperity to the village and brought touristic growth.

Number service

26920

Police

26920 23333

Taxi

26920 22127

Tourist Assistance

26920 22380

Health Center

26920 22222

It's best to visit Kalavryta during fall and winter. At fall it's the perfect period to go sightseeing and explore the mountain, while in winter you can ski, snowboard and sit by the fireplace.

By Bus

Buses from Athens go to Kalavryta a few times a day. Info on 0030 210 5136185

By Road

Kalavryta is in west Peloponnese and the distance from Athens is 190 km. Follow the National Road Athens-Patra and after 159 km, you will see a sign to turn for Kalavryta. The last 32 km are on a bit difficult road with many turns.