Filotas: Archaeology and Klidonas in June

Filotas brings together archaeological traces from different periods and the Klidonas custom, celebrated each year in June. For planning your trip, this offers two distinct cultural perspectives: the depth of time represented by the archaeological sites and a tradition in the annual calendar.

Archaeological traces in and around Filotas

The oldest finds from the excavation at the Ampelia - Ornithones site date to the Early Neolithic period. Settlement at this location continued into Hellenistic and Roman times. The site thus brings together very early finds and settlement history from later periods. For those interested in cultural history, its appeal lies in the fact that it is not associated with just one historical period. If you are travelling with children, comparing the different periods can be a way to start a conversation: What distinguishes the oldest finds from traces of later settlement? This question draws attention to the vast timespan without requiring you to begin with specialist terminology. The Early Neolithic period means the early Stone Age; the Hellenistic and Roman periods represent much later stages of settlement history.

The picture extends beyond Ampelia - Ornithones. Scattered settlement remains have been discovered at sites such as Tsairia, Tourkou o Mylos, Ampelakia, and Lofos in the vicinity of present-day Filotas. They date from the Early and Late Bronze Ages, the Iron Age, and later historical periods. For orientation, it is helpful to distinguish between the locations: Ampelia - Ornithones is an archaeological site; the other names refer to additional sites in the vicinity of present-day Filotas. If you are interested in local history, you can consider the different periods as a broad historical framework while exploring several sites.

Klidonas in June and planning your trip

Klidonas is another cultural point of reference. In Filotas, this traditional custom is observed every year in June in honour of John the Baptist. Unlike the archaeological periods, Klidonas is part of the recurring annual calendar and gives your plans a seasonal focus. For families, the custom offers a different focus from the archaeological sites: it centres on a tradition that returns year after year, rather than on placing archaeological periods in context.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Filotas, you can first ask yourself which theme you would like to shape your stay: archaeological history or the custom celebrated every year in June. If you choose a historical focus, include the Ampelia - Ornithones archaeological site and the nearby sites in your plans as distinct historical points of reference. If Klidonas is the deciding factor, plan your trip for June.

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