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 “damaged” and especially its impressive “pyramid”, seem within walking distance.
The tower is a characteristic example of Mani architecture but also a treasure for the entire history of Greek architecture.
It has all the original features, such as small windows, loopholes and scalding pits, 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. There are still the pine wood wine barrels for the production of “retsina” wine and the clay jars in which various products were stored.
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!
The direct access to a network of trails (see separate description of trails) which is used by walkers of all nationalities and locals predisposes you to forget the car in the comfortable parking provided and to reach everywhere on foot. Explore every inch of the historic village, discovering its hidden and rare beauties and then enjoy your meal or coffee in one of the village’s café-restaurants, gazing… Descend to the sea, passing picturesque villages and admiring the splendor of nature… Follow the wonderful route to the famous Vyros Gorge. But also as a base by car at a distance of about 8 kilometers, you can swim in the sea or visit other seaside destinations. And after escaping in space and time, return full of experiences to relax in the modern comforts of the hospitable accommodation.
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.
Mani is a peculiar place, rough, rocky and largely barren but at the same time beautiful and unique natural landscape. Mani appears to the visitor imposing and haughty, taken from the past. In particular, Exochori is a surprising destination as it is literally located in the middle of greenery, something that is unexpectedly rare for a place in Mani. It is a surprising village that majestically overlooks both the sea and the mountain, in a key location where visitors can travel through the time machine of history, romance and emotions. It is rightly a beloved destination for visitors/travelers from Greece and abroad.
