Manna: Village Churches, Spring and Mount Ziria

Manna lies at the foot of Mount Ziria, at an altitude of 850 metres. Traditional houses and numerous apple trees give the village a distinct character. It is also home to several named churches, the Gkoura spring and a hiking trail in the wider region. This gives you different options when planning your trip: you can focus on the village’s history and details, or take a hike towards the Ziria peaks.

Settlement History and Churches

After 1800, settlers from Barbitsa and Langadia in Arcadia founded Manna. Their origins are one of the early points of reference in the village’s history. A later phase of construction can be seen in the central church of Saints Constantine and Helen: construction began in 1880, and the church was completed around 1920. The long period between the start and completion of construction makes the church a tangible reference point for the village’s development.

A story of community support is also associated with the central church. Filipas, the poorest villager, made a generous donation; other residents then increased their contributions to the church. Alongside the construction dates, the residents’ contributions also come into focus. Manna is also home to churches dedicated to Saint Vlasios and Saint Athanasios, as well as churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Prophet Elias and the Holy Trinity. The church of Saint Dimitrios was built by the family of the military leader Varvitsiotis.

The Spring and Village Details

The Gkoura spring is located at the edge of the village. Abundant clear water flows out of a rocky cave there. Its emergence from the rock makes it a striking natural feature, distinct from the churches and the village’s history. Together with its location at the foot of Mount Ziria and its apple trees, the spring adds another tangible landscape feature to the village.

The water-powered fulling mill is another distinctive feature of the village. It is associated with washing carpets and blankets; a watermill once stood at the same site. Alongside the churches, it brings in a connection to traditional crafts, highlighting the mill and its use of water.

A Hiking Trail Towards Mount Ziria

In the wider region, a hiking trail towards the peaks of Mount Ziria can be reached by car from Manna, also known as Markasi. Responsibility for marking the trail was transferred to the Municipality of Xylokastro. This offers a different focus for your plans from the village’s history: the trail leads towards the peaks, while the churches, traditional houses, apple trees and Gkoura spring are the village’s defining features. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Manna, you can decide whether to devote your days mainly to exploring the village or add the hiking trail to your plans.

Discover More Destinations

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For the broader travel overview: Corinth.