The Gold Book of Sparta | Page 67

TRYPI OF LACONIA Just 6 km away from the Castle of Mystras and 9 km away from Sparta, on the provincial road that leads to Kalamata, we meet a unique picturesque village that has come from another time… The slate rocks, the verdant landscape and the running waters create a setting of remarkable natural pulchritude and, at the same time, of wild imposing beauty. Trypi, this privileged place, is amphitheatrically built on the slopes of Taygetus. There we also meet the infamous chasm of Kaiadas, where, according to the legend, ancient Spartans used to throw the children that “weren’t qualified” to become warriors or to serve the Spartan ideals, in order to ensure this way the eugenics of their tribe. An advantage of the village is the fountains with gushing crystal-clear waters that well up during the entire year, offering a cool oasis! If you meet the village during winter, there is also an impressive waterfall which, depending on the rains, can keep until early summer. Don’t forget to take a rejuvenating walk by Knokionas river, only 5 minutes away from the central road. 67