Libovisi: trails, history, facilities, routes
Libovisi, the cradle of chieftains
Limbovisi, the place
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Limbovisi, the place
Limbovisi (or Limbovitsi) is an old mountain hamlet, nestled at the head of the Arkoudorema ravine, at an altitude of 1,200 m.
The site has large springs and vast forest and grassland resources and has been almost permanently inhabited since the late Middle Ages. At that period, Limbovici, lost in the mountains and protected by a wild relief, was a natural refuge in turbulent times. It is reported that the first permanent installation took place at the beginning of the 16th century. from the Kolokotronis family, while a more massive inhabitation would take place a little later, during the expansion of the Slavic tribes in the mountainous Peloponnese. At the beginning of the 18th century however, Limbovici is listed with more than 500 inhabitants.
The entrance of the lovation
The leader of the Revolution of 1821, Theodoros Kolokotronis, was born and raised in Limbovisi. After the Revolution, people gradually left the village and settled lower, in a village called Katsimbali.
The settlement is thereafter abandoned and ruined, to be partially restored at the end of the 20th century. The area has been designed as a visitor park and a refreshment room has been added. An old building, next to Theodoros Kolokotroni's paternal house, has been restored and transformed to a museum of the Kolokotronis family. The old church of Agios Ioannis Prodromos has also been rebuilt.
Limbovisi, the chapel of Agios Ioanis
The coffee shop
The small coffee shop of Libovisi is open on weekends and major holidays, offering sweets, coffee and snacks, while there is also a small shop selling local goods. The space is joyful, with an open wooden roof and a large fireplace.
The coffee shop
More information on oppening days of the coffee shop on the phone +30 6972449050.
The museum of the Kolokotronis family is an exhibition of informational material about the history of Kolokotronis family and the events of the period of the Revolution of 1821.
The museum of the Kolokotronis family
A small historical walk has been prepared on the slope above the settlement.
Events and a small festival are organized in Libovisi on the last weekend of August.
Text and photos by T. Adamakopoulos
topoguide Greece
A guide to Mt Menalon
Mt Menalon topoguide is available for Android devices as one of the dozens of available region of Greece via the topoguide Greece application. Mt Menalon is a member of the Peloponnese group. Get the Mt Menalon guide as an in-app purchase through the app.
Mt Menalon topoguide is also available for iOS (iPhone & iPad) devices via the application Topoguide Greece. Get the Mt Menalon guide as an in-app purchase through the app, found in the Peloponnese group.
topoguide Greece offers active navigation along the trails, as well as a comprehensive guide to the geography, the nature and the culture of the area.