Haravgi, 17km from Kalamata, is a mountainous settlement, which belongs to the Municipal District of Sotirianika. It is one of the oldest villages of the Municipality of Avia. During its peak there were 350 inhabitants, but by the time of the 1991 census the number of residents who registered was just 63.

As there are no fertile plains in this area, the main occupations of the few inhabitants are  olive tree growing, cattle breeding and the construction business.

At a prominent place in the settlement there is the impressive fortress of the Kapetanakides family inside which is the Chapel of Prophet Ilias. Unfortunately,  the buildings are badly damaged, but  all the necessary proceedings have been made by the Archeological Service for its restoration. However, due to the prevailing bureaucracy, no start has been made on the restoration work. Through this newspaper,  the Cultural Association of Haravgi would like to appeal to everyone who has the means, to press for  action on this  project –  if only even to allow   the restoration of the roof, which is in danger of falling down (it is the Association which will cover the restoration costs!).

Opposite the fortress, there is another castle named Vardia (watch tower), which is fenced and which is not accessible to visitors.  Both of the fortresses were built at some  distance from the seaside  far below  and became  obse-rvation posts for invasions by pirates.  From them the residents would be alerted of any attack giving them time and to take  refuge amongst the precipitious mountain cliffs. Outside the castle, there is the grave of Kapetanakis.

The region is supplied with water from the springs of Kentro and Altomira. However, the  drain is still uncovered and it is dangerous. There is a serious problem with the transferring of the local  cemetery to another place far from the village. There is land, which belongs to the church which could be used for this purpose.

There is a road plan which reduces  the distance to Kalamata by about 2.5 km. The road begins at Haravgi and ends at Aloi-moneika. There is no transport, however, because the road is too narrow. There is another road scheme  for  Haravgi – Sotirianika – Kentro. The residents consider that this road is of  great importance as it will prevent the settlement from being so isolated and it will help the development of the mountainous area.  The work started in 1990  but since then   only 1500 m of road has been opened.

The rural roads are satisfactory. There is an important cobbled road that gives acess to Agios Nikolaos Church. Half  of it is in  good condition, but the  rest needs to be repaired. There is no signpost, so the village can only be discovered  by luck.

An important event is the village fete, organized by the Cultural Association of Haravgi, Agios Nikolaos, which takes place on the second Sunday of the Carnival. Many of participants come to the village from every part of Greece. In the olden days, the villagers wore disguises and used to make big fires. Now there is still a popular festival with folk dances and songs.  Whilst there are other village festivals, this is the main fete of the region.  It was held at the central place of the village until 1992. In 1993 the Association acquired a building with an area of 230 square metres so since then this has been the location  of the fete. The land for the building was donated by Mr. Ioannis Panagiotou Mitseas and the membersΥ subscriptions and other donations covered the construction and furnishing costs of the building.

The Association was established in 1992, and its activities increase year by year. The aim of the Association is to enhance the cultural level of the locality  and to strengthen ties between the members.

We would like to thank Mr. Stelios Mitseas, President of the Cultural Association Agios Niko-laos HaravgisΣ for the information he has given us.

Antonios Roumaneas