The stone complex ARMONIA SUN TOWER, preserved by the Archaeological Service, consists of the emblematic tower with its tower house, the elevated functional cistern with the sunken pool.
It is located in the settlement of Chora of the Local Community of Exochori in the municipality of West Mani and at an altitude of 430 meters.
Its prominent position makes it an observatory: from above it can be seen most of the houses of the village, the sea as if it were next to it, the slopes of the Vyros gorge and Tseria – the village opposite -, while the mountain peaks of Taygetos, the “ruined” and especially its impressive “pyramid”, seem within walking distance.
The tower is a characteristic example of Mani architecture and a treasure trove for the entire history of Greek architecture.
It bears all the original elements, such as small windows, loopholes and scalding towers, which made it an impregnable fortress, while its vaulted arches stored tons of supplies such as olive oil, grain, food and wine – old wine barrels & jars testify to this.
The surrounding area is endless: lush terraces and courtyards, pergolas with vines (table & wine), mature fruit trees, mulberries, walnuts, oranges, orange trees, lemon trees, apple trees, figs, olive trees for olive oil and olive trees for table olives (Kalamata black olives), native aromatic herbs & wildflowers compose a paradise within the paradise that is the ARMONIA SUN TOWER.
It was not by chance that the late owners of the tower, despite the hardships of their lives, arrived at the age of 95 and 104 with full mental clarity and physical functionality!
They say that a passerby can see Mani in 3 days, a hiker in 3 months, but to see its soul you need 3 lives.
Its special feature is the tower houses, that is, small square towers with narrow/small rectangular windows, built in this way for protection from pirates or would-be conquerors.
The residents take care in every way to keep their customs and traditions, passing them on from generation to generation.
