Mourtzinos Tower

Nestled in the heart of the old Kardamyli village, the Mourtzinos Tower stands as a proud reminder of the region’s storied past. Built in 1807, this stone fortress was more than just a defensive stronghold; it was a bustling center of life and activity.

As we stepped through the arched gate, we were transported back in time. The base of the tower, which once served as a prison, hinted at the complex’s multifaceted history. The first building to greet us was the church dedicated to Saint Spyridon, with its single-aisle construction and a four-story bell tower that boasts a bell once claimed as pirate loot.

The main tower itself was a marvel of engineering, accessible only by a wooden bridge that could be lifted to secure the fortress.

The Troupakides-Mourtzines family, who built the tower, were once one of the most influential families in Mani. Their legacy lives on in the stone walls and the tales of heroism and rebellion that echo through the halls. Theodoros Kolokotronis, a hero of the Greek Revolution, used this very tower as his residence while planning the liberation of Kalamata.Read more