The municipality of Skyllountia consists of 16 municipal divisions. The capital is Krestena with a population of 15,391. It covers 45,000 acres and is the second largest in terms of population and the third in terms of extent municipality in the whole prefecture. It extends within river Alpheos, the Tseberoula dam, mount Lapitha and the coast of the bay of Kyparissia.
It is believed to have been inhabited since the Stone Age. Skyllous, who lived between the 7th and 6th century BC was a friend of the Pisseans which led to the destruction of the city in 572 BC by the Elians. The Spartans took over circa 400 BC and then granted most of the area to Xenophon, the famous Athenian soldier, philosopher and writer who lived here in exile for about 20 years. This is where he wrote Anavasis and Cynegeticus. He would watch the Olympic Games from mount Typaion together with the women, who were not allowed to cross river Alpheos.
The foundations of a large Doric temple were found in the vicinity, it is believed to have been the temple of Athina Skylloundia. There are also ruins of another temple as well as a post classical cemetery. Shells and tombs ranging from mid-Helladic to Roman times have been discovered near Makrissia on the hill of Prophetes Helias. There are also several indications of temples and settlements that prove continuous human presence and the strategic importance of the area. The municipality extends to the sea next to Kaiafas where the citadel of ancient Samia stands. The archaeological site of Kato Samiko includes the prehistoric citadel of Kleidi which probably was Homeric Arene and the later citadel in the east which probably belonged to a city called Samia, Samikon or Samos
Hotel “ATHENS” Tel. 2625023150 - Fax 2625022965. It is found in the exit of Krestenas and on the street Krestena - Andritsaina.
School Hostel of Krestena Tel. 2625022591, 2625022592 - Fax 2625022591. It is placed opposite to the Municipal Stage and on the street Krestena - Ancient Olympia. It is managed under the auspice of the National Institution of Youth.
ΔΗΜΟΣ ΣΚΙΛΛΟΥΝΤΟΣ Δήμαρχος ΜΠΑΛΙΟΥΚΟΣ ΔΙΟΝΥΣΙΟΣ ΑΓ. ΓΕΩΡΓΙΟΥ 22 ΚΡΕΣΤΕΝΑ,
27055 26250-23763, or 26250-26250
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West of the mountain Minthi, Lapitha, is found the citadel of likely Ancient Samias. It was founded in the dues of 5th centrury BC and existed until the Roman years, while the sightseer Paysanias saw it destroyed during the 2nd century A.C..
The city's wall, constitutes a characteristic example of polygonian stonework, and reaches in length the 1.500 meters. There, it could be easily seen 4 pylides and big rectangular towers.
Inside the wall are located the ruins of many buildings, while recently has been discovered a building of respectful size, possibly used for public activities.
Certain big tanks have been found scattered ensuring adequate water supply.
It is constituted from four tafikoys periboloys that they encompass teams of graves (in total 15 graves). Periboloi they are placed at length of some ancient road which likely coincided with the current provincial road Krestenon - Together. The graves are kibotioschimoi and lakkoeideis, with orientation from B to N and the head of deads to N. As kterismata of graves had been placed vessels, lychnoi, stleggides and a earthen figurine Niki. The cemetery is found in small distance by the hill where is placed the Dorian temple of Athina and likely belonged in the ancient city Makistos relic of buildings which they are located in I bend region of.
During the historical years in the region round the temple existed a big city, probably ancient Makistos. The temple was built out of local material "porolitho" (kogchyliati) at the top of a hill, has direction East - West of. It is characterised by its Dorian architectural style (dimensions: length 35,10m. and width: 15,85m). The total height of temple is estimated approximately 9,20m.
The archaeological site KatoSamiko is extended north of the Kaiafa lake and it seems to be the same ancient city that received in succession the names Makistos, Arini and finally Samia or Samikon or Samos. It is strategically placed, as long as it is clearly distinctive in the fertile plain of Samiko, on the road that linked the ancient Pisatida with the Trifylia and the western Messinia. It includes a prehistoric citadel on the rocky hill 'Key'(Kleidi), as well as a citadel of the classic period that is extended in Eastern. The prehistoric citadel is found west of the classic citadel. It is surrounded by cyclopean walls full of inhabitants during the middle-elladiki and post-elladiki period.
The citadel of Platianas is placed in the south-eastern department of Prefecture Ilia, in Lapitha's mountain eastern endings , just right on the borders between ancient Trifylia and Arkadia. This fortified city is built at an innaccessible hill of the aforementioned mountain and southernly of the homonym current community. The citadel of Platianas constitutes an important archaeological site. The placement of this settlement is unused for a Greek city. However, the fact that it dominated in the region of mountainous Trifylia and that it controlled the street from Pisatida to Megalopoli and the rest of Arkadia had significantly contributed in its choice. The acne of growth period of the city was the post-classic and hellenistic period.
In the Alfios valley, in the village Mpitsimpardi (nyn Trypiti), area Palatakia, of Skylloyntia Municipality, stand the ruins of a monastery, that have been identified with the occidental abbey of Isobas, famous due to the Chronicle of Moreos. It has been claimed to belong to the battalion of the Benediktin monks. Mrs. Kitsiki- Panagopoulou refers to the battalion of Kisterkians and their interaction with the Abbey of Isobas. The 6th Eforate of Byzantine Antiquities, in the context of interventions in terms of maintainance and research, conducted for the first time archaeological excavations, which despite their time-limited character, contributed significantly to the local history.
In Skillountia of Skillountia Municipality, between "Old Mazi" and "New Mazi", easternly of the hill where is placed the temple of Athina, in the area Etia, are found the ruins of a Byzantine temple, named the Red Church (Kokkini Ekklisia).
According to the recent national inventory (2001) the municipal administrative division of Vrina has 741 residents. Vrina has a marvellous view as it is built on an upland at the foothill of Smerna, only 3 km from Krestena.
At the Vrina's square there is the church of Saint Ioannis of Theologian, surrounded by enormous cool planes, a traditional cafe and the enchanting view to the Ionian Sea.
Furthermore, noticable is the way in ascent toward the Smerniotissa Virgin Mary church, at the top of Lapithas Mountain.
In 2000 was discovered the Cavern, with valuable geomorphological decoration.
The Municipal Administrative Division of Graika
The municipal apartment of Graika is found at the Smerna's foothill in a green landscape, 10 km from Krestena, having 406 residents (based on the recent inventory of 2001).
The "Chalepia's pine" forest of Graika of with evergreen, broadleaved trees is ideal place for recreation.
At the entrance of the village opposite to the Municipal School is the tap of Arapi, in a calm and peacefulness ambience.
In the limits of villages Graika and Koumoutherka, in 755 m altitude, there is the temple of Limnatida Artemis which is a building of Dorian style of the 5th BC.
Westward of Graika and in a distance of 2 kilometres in the place "Stone"(Petra) there are the waterfalls.
The Municipal Administrative Division of Gryllos
The municipal administrative division of Gryllos, the older name of which was Mountriza, is built in a two-leveled green area. The newer "Down Village" (Kato Chorio) on the provincial road Krestena - Andritsaina and the "Up Village" (Pano Chorio) are placed 7 km from Krestena. According to the 2001 inventory Grillos has 450 residents with the settlement Gryllos Inn (Chani) (144).
Gryllos is the birth-place of Nikos Konstantopoulos, former chairman of the political party of Synaspismos.
LITOS HOLY
Placed in the Homeric city Amfigeneia, perhaps close to the existing community Gryllos of Trifyllias. According to Stravonas, Amfigeneia was one of the 9 cities of Nestora's kingdom (Pylos - Argini - Thryon - Aipy - Kyparissienta - Amfigeneia - Pteleos - Elos - Dorion). Amfigeneia claimed to be the birthplace of Apollo. Stravon commented on the fact that Amfigeneia, with entire Skilloyntia belonged to Makistos.
The Municipal Administrative Division of Diasella
The municipal administrative division of Diasella is built between two hills. It is placed 16 km East of Krestena and has 680 residents (2001) including the settlements Ladikaki (25), Papa Chania (32) and Scala (37).
4 kms from the village is found the small church St. Athanassios, which was the local temple of the abandoned settlement of Koytsochera.
It should be mentioned that in the place "Koutsochera" there are two chambered graves - one of them - being exposed in the museum of Ancient Olympia.
Near the entry of village, an old stone tap surrounded by big planes. Every year in the 14th and 15th of August takes place, in the square of the village, an event with traditional groups, roasted meat. etc.
The Municipal Administrative Division of Kallikomon
The municipal administrative division of Kallikomon is a recently built village on the National Road Pyrgos - Kyparissia because of the transfering of two former communities, Krounon (Risovou) and Ladikou due to the devastating earthquakes of 1965. It is placed 3 km away from Krestena and 17 kms from the city of Pyrgos. It had been registered 1318 residents including the settlements Krounoi or Risovo (100) and Ladikon (0).
In the ruined, nowdays, settlement of Ladiko someone could see only old houses, the deserted alleys and the imposing church of Saint Dimitrios (1847). The temple has been evaluated by the Ministry of Culture as a preservable monument.
In the settlement Krounoi is placed the temple of Saint Panteleimona (1874), in the center of the village, an area with exceptional view. Every year on the 27th of July takes place the Rissovo Festival, with traditional groups, roasted meat etc.
The Municipal Administrative Division of Kalyvakia
The municipal administrative division Kalyvakia is built in a green erea near to the banks of Alfios River, opposite to Ancient Olympia. The village was built to settle the residents of the old village, shortly after the disastrous earthquakes of 1965. It is placed 7 km from Krestena counting 519 residents according to the inventory of 2001.
In the place "Kropissa", 5km outside the village, is found the local church of "Metamorphosis of Sotiros" with the homonym picture, work of the eminent Fraternity Abramaion of Mouth Athos.
The residents deal with the rural cultures, while is well-known for its production orange of excellent quality.
Every year on the 15th of August takes place a Festival.
The Municipal Administrative Division of Kato Samiko
The Ancient Samia, named Down Samiko as the existent municipal administrative division of the Skyllountia Municipality, was founded Southernly of Olympia. The place was of high importance while domained the north-west road passage. The findings form the opinion that during the 4th century. B.C. concrete walls with towers were fortifing the citadel. Nowdays the walls could be seen north of the Kaiafa lake. The local residents worshipped Neptune (an adoration that brings in the mind the ceremonies which were held by the residents of Pylou in the beach, to honour Neptune, in the Homeric Odyssey). In the Southern side of Samiko existed the cave of Anigridon Nymphs with spurted water for the skin treatment?
In 1908, in the place "Kleidi" (Key), north of Samiko, DOERPFELD found mykinaika shells and relic of cyclopean walls. Also, in 1954, N.Gialouris brought to the light a tomb with graves, in which were found vessels of messoelladikis and mycenean historical period. According to him the tomb had been built to honour Iardano. The excavations were repeated by Helen Papakonstantinou in the beginning of 80s bringing in the light four more tombs as well as a vaulted grave, which had been built inside a tomb.
In the region have also been found ruins of Samia ancient city, which Pausanias identifies with the Homeric Citadel Arini.
In the place "Kleidi" (Key) were revealed cyclopean wall relics, a cemetery and a vaulted grave.
Nowdays, Down Samiko has 531 residents, including the residents of the settlements "Kleidi" (Key) (22) and Fragkokklisia (34) being 25 kms far from the city of Pyrgos, on the National Road Pyrgos-Kyparissia.
The Municipal Administrative Division of Krestena
The archaelogists identify Krestena with ancient Skillountia, city under the auspice of Spartians, in which lived the expatriated Athenian historic Xenofondas.
Krestena is found in the crossroad that connects both the historical region of Andritsaina and Epikourius Apollo with the capital city of Ilia prefecture, Pyrgos, and the Ancient Olympia with the coastal region of Kaiafa.
Krestena is the administrative seat of Skillountia Municipality being amphitheatrically built just 20 km from the city of Pyrgos.
At the Eastern side of the city there is the architectural masterpiece of Tsiller, the villa Papalexi that was built in 1891 as the residence of Nikos Papalexi deputy of Olympia, (descendant of Moragianni Papalexi) and vice-president of the greek Parliament (with the party of H. Trikoupi). In this villa accommodated in 1896 the French politician Klemanso, Prime Minister of France,in his tour in the region.
In the Western entry of the city, there is "Iroon" chiseled by the sculptor Falirea, funded by the Filoproodon Association.
While entering the city, there is the Seferli pine forest, ideal for walking due to its paths, where there is also the tourist shop of Municipality.
In the western side on the street towards the Ancient Olympia, in an enchanting landscape is found the Krestena Center of Environmental Education.
Every year, the first 10 days of August, the Krestena Filoproodon Association organizes a three-day cultural event "the Grape festival" which is dedicated in the farmer and in the black Corinthian grape.
The Municipal Administrative Division of Makrisia
The municipal administrative division of Makrisia is stretched out between three hills full of pines and parasol pines 3 klm far from Krestena and 5 klm far from Ancient Olympia. It is the bigger village of Ilia prefecture according to the last inventory 2001 it has 1965 residents.
In the hill of Prophet Ilias, westwards of the village (It is celebrated on 20 July) have been found many shells and graves of the messoelladiki and up to the Roman period.
The regional findings of ysteroelladiki period are exposed in the Olympia Archaeological Museum and in the Athens Archaeological Museum.
In the region "Kania" or "Kibouria", in the place "Kampoulis" and Mpampes", have been located important archaeological findings and particularly were located remains of two archaic settlements, that still do not have been identified.
In the hill "Arnokataracho" came in the light a small (8,40 x 9,55m) temple of Dorian style, with "pronao" and "siko", with the sign "of ZEUS" and on a small hill "Saint Lias" was found the ruins of another small temple.
Paysanias claimed that the women used to watch the athletic events in Olympia from this specific region of "Arnokataracho". It was this place of which used to force, those women who breaced the relative prohibition and crossed Alfios river, to fall flat. On the foothill of Typaio Mountain, stands a block of stones that represents a female figure, which was fossilized while watching the Olympic Events.
Approximately 2 kms before the dam of Alfios River, there is the Saint John church (1899) that is surrounded by a pine forest, being consecrated to the migrants due to the initiative of a Makrisian artist G. Tzouanopoulos. In this area takes place an annual cultural event "the festival of the migrants".
The village is consecrated to Saint Nikolas (the church was constructed in 1890) a holly area of great historical importance.
Before the carnival fests, takes place a massive pork slaughter producing salted pork (tsigarida). These events are held in a folclore socio-cultural context including a significant number of local activities.
The Municipal Administrative Division of Platiana
The municipal administrative division of Platiana has 603 residents that occupy mainly with the agriculture and the livestock-farming. In the old days, dealt also with the resin collection.
Southernly of Platiana found themselves at the antiquity the Typaneai or Aipy city, as Homer reports. This city is found in the southern side of Platiana on the Lapitha Hill and northern of the Palaiochori settlement of the Chrysochori Municipal administrative division of Zacharo Municipality being placed roughly 16 kilometres from Zacharo and 10 kms from Krestena. It is surrounded by a well-maintained line of walls probably dating back to the 4th and 3rd century BC (roughly of 5m height).
The Municipal Administrative Division of Ploutochori
The Ploutochori municipal administrative division is a modern village built in the small Nta-Villa (Acheronta) Valley as soon as after the landslips of 1963 and the earthquakes of 1965. It is placed 10km from Krestena and counting 344 residents.
In the place "Barikostasi" in the region "Samakia", had been brought to light archaeological findings of unknown historical period and importance.
In the old village remains in prominent place the church of Saint Dimitrios (1893), with fantastic view, while Alfeios River contributes, as well, to this wild natural beauty.
Every June is being held in the village square a festival consecrated to Agia Triada hosting popular groups, roasted pork events etc.
The Municipal Administrative Division of Raches
The Raches municipal administrative division is a beautyful village, built in the fringes of plate his Skillounta and that dominates above the plain of Agoulinitsa former Lake. The village is placed 4 km from Krestena having, according to the last inventory (2001), 361 residents.
Standing at the place "Alonia" in Raches village somenone can see from there the drained lake of Agoulinitsa, the evergreen forest of Strofylia, the sandy beach of the region (only 2 km from the village) and the Ionian Sea. This ambient in combination with an enchanting sunset they present a fantastic and unique picture.
Every year is being held in 29th and 30th of June at the village square a festival consecrated to Agia Apostles hosting popular groups, roasted pork events etc.
The Municipal Administrative Division of Samiko
The Municipal Administrative Division of Samiko (named Tselepi in the past) is explanated at the edge of Skillounta plate, having amazing view to and mainly the plain of Agoulinitsa former Lake, the Strofylia forest full of pines alongside a sandy beach of the Ionian Sea offers an outstanding enchanting landscape.
Samiko is placed 2 km from the beach 4km from Krestena and according to the 2001inventory its population is 566 residents.
The Saint Marina church with the traditional tap, the green all around landscape and the captivating view, is ideal picnic site.
Every year in the 21th and 22th of May is being held in the village square a festival consecrated to Saints Konstantinos and Helen, hosting popular groups, roasted pork events etc.
IONAIO HOLT
In the region of Samiko
This holt is reported only by Stravona and was dedicated in the Ioniades Nymphs (from the river of Arkadia Iaona) The Eyrykydeio Holt, was dedicated in Eyrykyda, Endymiona's daughter (famous king of Ilida).
POSIDON HOLY AND HOLT
In the Samiko beach
The Makistian Posidon's of holy was placed, according to Stravonas, hundred stages from Lepreo, and another hundred stagesfrom the 'Annio', the Ancient River which could be identified as the Alfios River. In this temple, as it is described in the Odysseia of Homer, Telemachus found the inhabitants of Pylos to sacrifice in the name of Posidon (Neptune).
The Municipal Administrative Division of Frixa
Frixa is a beautiful village being amphitheatrically built on a hill. Two settlements "Tournesiari" and "Frixa" compose this municipal administrative division. It is placed 13 km far from Krestena and its population is 523 residents including the Anemochoraki settlement (204).
In the region "Paliofanaro", with the enchanting view around the ruins of Ancient Frixa, existed the eminent temple of Athina Kydonian, as well as long underground tunnels, that begin from the top of Paliofanaro and end to Alfios river.
During summertime well-organized children's camp are installed at the area exploiting the natural ambience of Alfios River.
Every year in the Frixa village on the 8th of September is being held a festival consecrated to Virgin Mary.
ATHINA KYDONIAN TEMPLE
Frixa Olympia
It was found in the left bank of Alfios River, in the Frixa ancient city established by Klymenos, from Cretian Kydonia (a city close to Chania) who was descendant of the Iraklis of Idaio. According to the local history that recorded Paysanias, it was in this temple where Pelopas sacrificed just before the beginning of the horseracing (armatodromia) with Oinomaos.
created by Mihanografiki
