Whilst visiting Ermioni, it is worth exploring the Old Village of Ermioni.  It still has a certain authentic charm about it.  The locals are very friendly and welcome visitors.  Wander through the small backstreets and see the local villagers at work and play. 

The present Old Village is located on the site of the original Archaic 6th & 5th century BC town of ancient Hermione, that had spread and expanded up the Eastern slopes of the Hill of Pronos, also referred to as the Hill of Pron by some later historians.  The town developed further in the Hellenistic and early Roman period right through to the Frankish and Venetian era, when it was encircled by large stone walls and renamed Kastri.  Following the abandonment of the fortified citadel on the Bisti peninsula to Ottoman forces in 1537, the town of Kastri benefitted from its elevated position on Pronos Hill, which offered better protection.

In the Old Village, the link between Medeival Kastri and Ancient Hermione is highlighted with the present 9th century AD Byzantine Metropolitan church of Aghoi Taxiarches being built over the very foundations of the Archaic pagan temple of Demeter Chthonia.  This temple was described by the Greco-Roman Pausanias, a geographer that recorded his visit to Hermione in the 2nd century. 

The Old Village is the original site of the modern town of Kastri/Ermioni, that developed on the slopes of Pronos Hill during the 17th to 19th centuries, located within the Venetian Kastri defensive walls that can still be seen today.  Some larger properties in the Old Village were further fortified, as the present building that houses the History and Folklore Museum of Ermioni, to repel ruthless marauding bands of pirates that attacked many coastal settlements during the period of Ottoman occupation.  To find the Old Village, head uphill from the Limani war memorial towards the two Orthodox churches, or follow the Ermioni museum direction signs from the Limani harbour square. 

Many businesses within the Old Village have closed down in the past twenty years, even the famous Holy Gyros* souvlaki shop had re-located to Pefkou (Pine) Square, behind the Limani port.  Today, the Old Village comes to life during the numerous annual religious festivals that revolve around the two Greek Orthodox churches of Taxiarches (Archangels) and Panaghia (Holy Virgin).

Visitors who need to connect with the world, there is the Ermioni Library which opened in 2008, offering free wi-fi connection.  The library is situated in the corner next to the Village Hall and the fresh fruit and vegitable shop, through the metal gates, alongside the original Kapodistrian village school built in 1888.  Many Greek books are available in the library, with a selection of European books to select from.  The success of the village library has been thanks to private donations and volunteers.  The library is usually open 18:00 - 20:30 Monday-Friday, 10:00 - 12:00 on Saturday.  Admission: Free

The History and Folklore Museum of Ermioni is located behind the garden with the three Mitsas' family memorial statues, adjacent to the Taxiarches church.  It is set in a renovated 18th century building that was used for the Third Hellenic National Assembly in 1827, during the Greek War of Independence.  The museum is spread over two floors, with the upper floor being the place where the actual National Assembly took place.  The museum is open throughout the year, however, it is run by volunteers who sometimes don't get chance to attend.  Open most evenings 19:00 - 21:00 during July and August, except Monday and Tuesday, and most public holidays.  Admission: Free

The Ermioni Toy Museum opened in August 2013 and has a good display of traditional and historic toys from the late 19th and mid 20th centuries.  The Toy Museum is located behind the Panaghia church, in a restored traditional 2-storey building.  The museum has a selection of old metal and wooden toys, a traditional Greek puppet theatre, a selection of figures and dolls, compulsory school uniforms and school books from years gone by.  It is worth a visit whilst you are in the area.  Open in the Summer months, 19:00 - 21:00 and most public holidays and festivals.  Admission: Free 

The Old Village has two Orthodox churches, the 9th century Byzantine Taxiarches (Archangels) Metropolis church and the newer 1920s Panaghia (Holy Virgin) church, which are both beautiful inside, decorated with wonderful paintings, frescos and icons.  The priests for both churches are Papa Yiannis (Taxiarches) and Papa Dimitrious (Panaghia), father and son, who both welcome visitors to attend service, or just look around.  Regretably, the churches are only open during services and cleaning, whilst someone in authority is present. The largest festivals are Easter (Paskha) in the Spring, The Dormition - Sleeping of the Virgin (Panaghia) in August and Taxiarches Day in November, which is only celebrated in Ermioni.  Click for all Festivals in Ermioni dates.

*O Mastoras (the Master) gyros-bar, which many regular residents and visitors to Ermioni enjoyed, and fondly referred to as the 'Holy Gyros', sadly closed in the old village.  Costas and Yiota relocated their gyros-bar to Pefkou (Pine) Square in 2012, behind the Limani main street.  Following their retirement and under new ownership from 2020, O Mastoras continued to serve tasty pitta-gyros wraps, kalamaki's, gyros merida's, chicken 'specials' and fresh Greek salads.  The new owners decided to close the business mid-April 2024, selling up completely, including all catering equipment, fixtures and fittings.  We are left with many fond memories of the Holy Gyros.

Location

Picture Gallery