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Built in a prominent place, on the top of a hill, Vatheia (Greek: Βαθειά), is a picturesque village, at the southernmost tip of the Mani peninsula. The settlement existed since the 16th century, while it acquired its current form after the 18th century. The inhabitants worked in agriculture and stock breeding, while later they also worked in olive tree fields. In the beginning of the 20th century the population started decreasing and in 1979 only 11 inhabitants lived in the village.

Reaching Vatheia on this stormy day was not easy at all. The road along Taenaro Cape was washed out by heavy rain and winds of 10 Beaufort. But during a short lull, we reached the top of a hill and discovered the enchanted view on this village. As a gift, the sun made a short appearance and illuminated the landscape. That’s the result of it.

The feudal society of the Maniots developed during the 14th century. The towers of Mani are military hallmarks of a glorious era. These fortifications are established as a local means of defence in the region in the era of Ottoman occupation.
The main reason for fortifying the Mani home with a tower was the organization of Mani society into clans or families, and the need of the clan chief to obtain and safeguard a means of livelihood for his family.
The tower was the bastion of freedom but also the fort of the warring parties in the terrible Mani feuds. From the tower the fighters of the family successfully defended themselves in times of vendetta. The building of the family tower was the common obligation of all the male members of the Maniot clan. Vathia in one of the villages with the greatest concentration of these towers. (More info on here or here)

PP: Adjustments in RAW, cropping to panoramic size, correction of perspective.
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Version large ici!

Bâti sur un promontoire au sommet d’une colline, Vatheia (Βαθειά en grec) est un village pittoresque, au sud de la peninsula du Magne. Le village existe depuis le 16e siècle et a acquis sa forme actuelle au 18e siècle. Les habitants vivaient de l’agriculture et de l’élevage, puis plus tard, de la culture des oliviers. Au début du 20e siècle, la population a décliné pour atteindre seulement 11 habitants en 1979.

Atteindre Vatheia en ce jour de tempête ne fut pas facile du tout. La route qui longeait le cap Taenaro était lessivée par de fortes pluies et des vents de 10 Beaufort. Mais durant une courte accalmie, nous avons atteint le sommet de la colline et avons découvert la vue enchanteresse sur ce village. Comme un présent, le soleil a fait une courte apparition et a illuminé le paysage. En voici le résultat.

Post-traitement : réglages en RAW, rognage en format panoramique, correction de perspective.