Panariti is a village just 10 km from Nafplio and the settlement is built on a hill, offering to residents and visitors of the village a very nice view of the Argolida’s plain.
The name of the village is due to a local ruler of Arvanitic origin, who lived in Panariti the 15th century. Panaritis had in the large area, croplands and many animals. During the summer months, due to heat, he transferred his holding activities in the villages of Goura in Nemea (there is a corresponding village named Panariti to mountainous Corinth).The historian Constantine Mpiris and the other scholar or historian Constantine Sathas made reference to Panaritis and martial activities. They referred to major combat abilities of Panariti and other Arvanites of the region.
The population of Panariti, according to now-retired teacher of the village, who has dealt extensively with its history, Mr. George Golemis, is derived mostly from the Limnes of Argolida. About half of the families of Panariti have surnames that appear identical to surnames of families originating from today (2011) Limes. It is speculated that the move from Limnes to Panariti became the 15th or 16th century.
In 1829, according to the census of the French Expeditionary Corps, Panariti region had only 20 residents, while the years that followed there was an upward trend in the population. Many of the villagers took part in the wars of the early 20th century and excelled in battles, but the most illustrious personality was Kimpouropoulos (Lieutenant and Master of the village), who was killed in Kilkis and his name was given to the mountain, at the battle where he was rendered dead.
The village has several old houses (Turkish time), but the most famous is where the Turkish tax collector resided. It is located in a part of the village with panoramic views across the plains of Argolida. This house has now been renovated. Despite the fact that they have maintained key architectural elements, it has received many interventions by the present owners who wish they had not done them. The most typical element was the red staircase by marble which was “destroyed” as part of a renovation a few decades ago. For the Turkish tax collector, the oldest in the village, has to tell many stories like that residents of Panariti intoxicated him in order not to pay the tax and many others, which over the years were mutated and supplemented.
The visitor of Panariti is able to visit the Monastery of St. Theodosius. The villagers consider the existence of the monastery as “blessing” of God. Its long history and its impressive view can allure anyone coming across 4 km from the centre of Panariti and reached the monastery. (More information on the monastery can be found in the “Archaeological Sites – Points of Interest”).
An event for several residents of the village to remember is that in 1956, two planes collided and one crashed in Poulakida and the other in Panariti. The wreckage of the plane fell among the houses of the village and although the pilot managed to leave the plane, he did not manage to be saved because its parachute did not open. In honor, his name was given to a road leading to the point where he lost his life, George Street Balaka.
The village, among other things for which it is reputable, it is also famous for its traditional dishes which visitors can taste at the taverns of the village square. In particular, on August 6 – Feast of St. Theodosius (Monastery) and on 8 September – Feast of Assumption (Central Church of the village), traditional festivals take place, where visitors have the opportunity to taste Giossa, Piglet and other local delicacies.
“Cultural Association of Panariti” with its rich cultural activity plays an important role in the history of the village.
The team’s history of the village is great. The “Fearless of Panariti” was founded in 1978 and it has had continuous racing action culminating in the involvement of the 1997-8 season the Fourth National. In 2004 it was merged with Pammideatikos and Midas and they created the group “Union of Midea.”
Geographical Coordinates
Holy Church of Assumption – Central Square
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