CASTLE

Heading towards this castle town at the top of the hill, one arrives at the only medieval fortress that continues to be inhabited until today: Pera Castle. The exact date that it was built is unknown, but surely it belongs to the Byzantine era, built on top if the foundations of the ancient city of Asine. However, although the castle of Koroni dates back to Byzantine times, it is a typical example of Venetian forts' architecture.

The main entrance, the castle's gate is a large square construction that can be seen from afar. At the town's heyday there was a relief of the Lion of Saint Mark, the emblem of Venice over the entrance. It also featured a propylon (entranceway) with two jambs, left and right, that was preserved until the Greek War of Independence.

As the visitors enter the castle today, they notice fields and houses at the left side. At the first road to the left lies the second gate. A pause is worth it at this point to admire the spectacular view: the entire bay of Messenia lays below and at the background, the snow-covered peaks of Taygetus.

Inside the castle awaits the imposing church of Aghia Sophia of Koroni. Many say that this church belongs to the Early Christian era. Its interior is an architectural wonder constituting thus one of the most particular temples. Some features though are placed at a later period, that of the Byzantine pinnacle of the 11th – 12th centuries.

Under the shadow of the castle stands the church built in 1900, the "Eleistra" the city's patron and protector of the region who celebrates on Zoodochos Pigi day. According to tradition, Virgin Mary herself pointed out the place where the icons of Hosios Loukas (Venerable St. Luke) and the Mother of God where found. They where sculpted like statuettes. Under the church there is an exceptional miniature chapel at the sacred rock where the miracle-working icon was found and the temple was named "Evresi" (discovery).

Today visitors of the castle enjoy their coffee in terraces and their meals in quaint taverns with local culinary choices in a medieval ambience. Every period of time is adjusted to the beauties of Koroni in its own way.

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