Mourtzinoi Tower, Kardamyli

About the museum

The fortified complex of the Troupakis–Mourtzinos family shows the distinctive architectural tradition of Mani. Its owners, one of the most powerful families of the area, governed the kapetanate of Androvista for more than 200 years. According to the particular administrative system of Outer Mani, the kapetan was the local lord of a specific area, which he controlled from his own fortress.

The complex was built in phases from the late 17th to the 19th century. It comprises three fortified walls around the tower, the three-storey fortified residence (pyrgospito or onta), many outbuildings such as a forge, a cistern, an olive press and a kitchen garden, as well as the Church of St Spyridon with a four-storey bell tower. The family hosted Kolokotronis here when he arrived from Corfu, before setting out for the liberation of Kalamata.

Today the tower house operates as a museum on the history of the monument itself and of Mani in general.

Highlights

• Tower and three-storey tower house within three fortified walls
• Church of St Spyridon with a four-storey bell tower
• Outbuildings: forge, cistern and olive press
• Museum on the history of the monument and of Mani

Permanent exhibition

• Μουσείο του πυργόσπιτου – Exhibition on the history of the fortified complex and of Mani in general, in the three-storey tower house.

Operated by

Εφορεία Αρχαιοτήτων Μεσσηνίας (Υπουργείο Πολιτισμού)

Admission & discounts

Free admission: 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, the last weekend of September, 28 October and the first and third Sunday of each month from 1 November to 31 March

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The complex is about 10 minutes on foot from the centre of Kardamyli and about 50 minutes by car from Kalamata.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.