Trypi (Municipality of Sparta – Regional Unit of Laconia) is a picturesque village that is located just 6 km from the Castle of Mystras and 9 km from Sparta towards Kalamata.
The location is endowed by nature with unique beauties. It is built amphitheatrically on the slopes of the mountain at an altitude of 640 m. and at the entrance of the Great Gorge (Megali Lagkada) of Taygetos, surrounded by a forest of cypresses and pines, which together with the area of Lagkada have been included in the Natura 2000 program, covering a total area of about 1600 hectares (about 16,000 acres).
According to tradition, Trypi owes its name to the fact that it is a passage-hole to the neighbouring district of Messinia. Others believe that it was named after the hole of the cave of Kaiadas, often identified with the “Depositors”, where the ancient Spartans are said to have thrown the disabled or sickly infants in order to ensure their eugenic race. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Trypi was an important commercial and intellectual center of the area, due to its privileged geographical position.
The visitor, here, can enjoy the crystal clear waters of the springs Karvasaras and Vasiloneri, while at a distance of five minutes from the main road there is also the river Knakion. Every year, in September, a big festival with tradition dances and songs takes place at the springs of the river, on the occasion of the celebration of the church of Agios Ioannis.
In total there are seventeen churches in the village, among which stand out the Byzantine church of Agioi Theodoroi, the Dormition of Theotokos, as well as the ruined monastery of Agios Ioannis Prodromos, which is built in the lush environment of plane trees.
Source: lakonia.mobi
