Gargarou Retreat     villas for long lets in the Peloponnese, Greece

The Citadel contains several churches and a Monastery where several nuns still live. Like Methoni it has a long history of invasion and occupation by the Turks, Venetians and the Holy Roman empire. Today its a tranquil and pleasant place to visit and still the heart of Koroni religious life.

Walk through the stone archway you can see on the cliff above the harbour (accessed through the small lanes at the back of the town) and follow the cobblestone track. There are several small houses, still in private use, on the left side. There is a small path to the left between two of the houses down which you can explore a section of the outside walls and underground storage caverns.

Continuing up the track you’ll find gates ahead and to the right. To the right is the monastery of Prodromos. You can walk round the grounds which are lovely - the entrance is through the church of Agia sofia. The nuns don’t speak English but are very welcoming. Up ahead you’ll find a church and cemetery and expansive views along the coast from the top of the castle walls. Behind the  war memorial there are steps that will take you down to the church of Panagia Eleistria, who is the protector of the people of Koroni. The icons of Eleistria, found on the site where the church was subsequently built, are carried in procession around the town once a year on the Friday after Easter.