A FEW WORDS ABOUT THE NEW KARYOUPOLIS...

In the first half of the 18th century, Karyoupolis was in a transitional stage of relocation to Miniakova. The reasons for the gradual movement are the search for more fertile fields, and the projected development of the Gytheio area, which was founded in 1740 AD. named Marathonisi. The relocation was sealed with the transfer of the episcopal seat, which was probably completed during the ministry of Ananias Lampardis (1741-1747AD) to the diocese of Karyoupolis. Maniakova or Miniakova, a toponym of Slavic origin, according to the prevailing version, was originally the name of the settlement founded mainly by members of the Fokados Kavalieraki family, of Karyoupolis, such as Flitsos, Kavki, and Niochori. A date inscription of 1749 AD is preserved carved on a stone. which confirms the construction of the Kavalieraki house . Therefore, the presence of the episcopal seat in Miniakova had as a mandatory result the change of the name to Karyoupolis. Since then the old Byzantine city is called Old Karyoupolis. Today's Karyoupolis is a traditional settlement in a fortified position which, together with the settlements of Vryses, Lagada and Protova, has 160 inhabitants and is a Municipal District of the Municipality of Gytheio. On the top of the hill is the imposing fortress of the Kavallierakis - Phokas that blocked the passage to Mani and consists of two main building complexes with arched gates, enclosure and battlements, many of which are twin. To the west is the church of Agios Petros and to the east the Tower of Kosonakos, which was built during the years of the revolution (1821 AD) and dominates the area, while next to it is the Church of the Entry of the Virgin. The Temple includes frescoes from the 19th century and is a typical example of late post-Byzantine art of Mani (1749 AD).

(SOURCE: WIKIPEDIA)