VASSILIKA

A further 4 km away from Lisvori, you will arrive at the Vasilika (Royal) village.  It looks like it is rolling down the hill with its traditional houses enjoying panoramic views of the Gulf of Kalloni. This quiet traditional village has acquired this royal name because royals of the Byzantine era were exiled here (Irene the Athenian and Constantine VIII the Monomahos) and of course of the royal estates all around the hills. Way back Vasilika, was a thriving industrial town due to the magnesite quarries, which now are no longer in use.

Naturally the village has its coastal extension, Skala Vasilikon which can be reached very easily on the well constructed coastal road. This is where the villagers have their summer houses, the fishing boats are moored and it is a nice place to go just to have a meal of traditional fare at the seaside tavernas.

The intervening land between Vasilika and Skala Vasilikon is a vast olive grove which is owned in lots by the villagers from generation to generation. The Pesas Waterfalls at Makri are also of great beauty and worth visiting.

It is believed that St. Paul, the Apostle of Nations arrived to preach the Gospel to the Lesviots at the coastal location of St.Paul at the far end of the beach, where the homonymous church is located.

Getting back on the main road as if you are returning to Polichnitos, on your left you can see the signs directing you to Melanda. It is a detour worth taking because it will lead you to the country church of St. George, which belongs to the Parish of Vassilika. Exceptionally the Saint’s day here is not celebrated on the usual St. George’s Day but on the first Monday after the Greek Easter.

On the way there you will be able to enjoy the countryside and do a little bird spotting too. Many years back this was a small monastery hence the rooms which are situated at the far end of the well kept gardens. Nowadays the rooms are used free of charge by anyone who wishes to stay for a few days of quiet retreat. Over the years the rooms had fallen to disrepair but recently through donations from pilgrims restoration of the rooms has started. Donations are always gratefully received. There is a nun in residence.