One of the places on our must do list during our 2024 trip to Greece was the small mountain village of Vresthena. Although not easy to get to, we were both determined to visit Vresthena after reading the book A Boy Growing up Under the Nazi Boot and the Greek Civil War by George Kakridas. Mr. Kakridas’ book inspired us to visit his home town after reading about the atrocities this lovely little village withstood during WWII and the Greek Civil War. Yet the village survived and many villagers, like George, survived and eventually thrived in spite of the atrocities.
Location
Vresthena is located in the Peloponnese area of Greece, southwest of Nafplio.
The Road to Vresthena, Greece
We left Nafplio just after breakfast and headed for Sparta; although we took the road less traveled, through the mountains. Once leaving Nafplio, this beautiful route follows along the Argolic Gulf for the first 30 minutes and than turns east and climbs up and down the curvy Parnon Mountains. With each turn there is undeniable beauty, in addition, you will pass through many small villages which sit up upon the hills. Each village having their own characteristics and most likely their own story.
Vresthena
Driving into Vresthena was serene as I believe we came in on the road the Nazi’s military convoy drove the day they invaded and subsequently occupied the village. Although back in those days it was a dusty dirt road compared to the modern paved road we drove in on.
Greek Orthodox Church
The Nativity of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church was easy to find and right off the road we came in on. This church, built in 1916 is a beautiful church with a Platia and a fountain in front, just as Mr. Kakridas describes in his book.
Memorials
These memorials are located by the side of the church. I believe these are war memorials, although my Greek is not good enough to read these. We see memorials in so many Greek Villages and even along the roadsides, honoring those who sacrificed for their country. We always try to stop and honor them when we can. Steve’s mother was a child in hiding in Birmingham during WWII and his Grandfather was a code breaker at Bletchley Park while his father and siblings spent time in hiding as well. My father was in the US army during this time. So WWII has affected our families as well, although not at this magnitude.
The Fountain
The town water fountain is located just in front of the church on the Platia. It is a beauty; it has a lion-head on each of its four sides. This fountain has an endless supply of fresh water from the mountain. While we were here, a truck stopped and a young boy hopped out and had a long drink of water. Once he had his fill, he hopped back in the truck!
The Platia
The Platia is in front of the church and is basically a town square. It is the hub of the village. On the day the Nazi’s entered Vresthena, this is where Mr. Kakridas, as a small child, was playing with his friends when the long line of military vehicles pulled into town and where the soldiers stopped.
It appears today that this area is still used as a place where people meet and hang out as there were tables and chairs around.
While we were here, a gentleman stopped and chatted with us. He was from town but unfortunately, between our language barriers we could not communicate as well as we would have liked. In addition he did tell us about the Nazi invasion and how they burned down a large majority of the town. Although he did not know where Mr. Kakridas or his family had lived we still learned a lot. We also bought some honey from him! Very grateful he took some time out of his day to chat with us. In addition, he also gave us information on how to get to Moni Panagias, one of the places Mr. Kakridas mentioned in his book.
The Streets of Town
Vresthena is a very charming village and we did walk up and down the streets a bit. It was once again a very hot day, but we enjoyed our wanderings. It looks like there are many places in the village that are going through revitalization or renovation, which is wonderful.
Moni Panagias Vresthenitissa
We drove outside of town and up to the Moni Panagias. The drive was again beautiful. We wandered around this peaceful Monastery of the Virgin.
A Boy Growing Up Under the Nazi Boot and Greek Civil War
The story of George and his family growing up during the Nazi Occupation is very inspirational to me. When life gets a bit hard, I can open any spot of this book, read a page or two and realize how fortunate I am. Through all of their hardships his family continued to have hope. Mr. Kakridas eventually immigrated to the United States where he currently lives. I am not an affiliate for Mr. Kakridas or his books, I just think it is a part of history that should be shared. It is a story of endurance, humanity, and inspiration that can only be told by someone who has lived this. It is a good read. You can read more about Mr. Kakridas, his story and his books on his web page. Kakridas books. Below is a photo with Vresthena, Greece in the background.
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Click on the links below to also follow my 2024 Greek Travels:
Anthemion Suites and Villas, Greece-August 2024
A Bit of Charm in Nafplio, Greece-August 2024
Acronauplia Fortress-August 2024
Argos Theatre and Also Agora-August 2024
Exploring the Larissa Castle of Argos,Greece-August 2024
Snorkeling the Sunken City of Epidaurus. August 2024
Ancient Epidaurus: Birthplace of Modern Medicne August 2024
Mycenaean Bridge and Acropolis of Kazarma-August 2024
Ancient Nemea Greece-August 2024
Ancient Mycenae Greece-August 2024
2 Weeks in Greece-Delphi, Meteora, Corfu, Santorini, and Also Athens, Sept 2022
14 Days in Greece-Crete,Naxos, Santorini Sept 2021
10 Day Greece Itinerary-Crete, Santorini, Athens, September 2019
8 Day Greece Itinerary-Athens, Milos, Santorini, September/October 2018
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Despite the hardships Vresthena endured, it’s remarkable that much of it remains standing and well-preserved today! Very quaint place, and it’s piqued my interest to go some day. Thanks for sharing!
It is a lovely place which I would’ve never found or sought out without reading the book! Merry Christmas to you!!
So many cute, quaint villages. Mmmmmm? Summer/winter home. Expats? Toes in the sand on the beach. Merry Christmas.
Would love to expat to Greece! We have 5 kids and will have 8 grandkids by July! Couldn’t be that far away from them that much! Merry Christmas, Jerry!!
What a beautiful place Greece is, and how special you were inspired by the book to visit this wonderful village. I will never fail to be amazed at the horror children, people and communities have to endure, and the strength that people show in even the worst of times.
It is amazing how people can endure such horror yet still come out ahead. Have a Happy New Year!
I’m so ecstatic that you wrote about this village! My great grandmother was from Vresthena and relocated to Chicago, Illinois around year 1900 and I’m in the middle of trying to dig and do family research.. May I ask what is the nearest airport? I’m trying to plan a trip for my mother and my aunts and they are all elderly! So trying to figure out the most convenient travel so they can finally see it with their own eyes.
Hello! I’m glad you found the post! What great family history! I think the nearest airport is either Athens or Kalamata, probably Kalamata. Vresthena is such a lovely village in a truly beautiful area. The book I referenced really inspired me to visit and the author described the area so perfectly. The drive to the village is through the mountains with lots of curves but the road was paved. If you drive from Kalamata and take the main road past Sparta then to Vresthena, it is much less mountainous and an easier drive. I would have to map it out, but I do think the Kalamata airport is closer. I’m excited for you to go on your family trip! Let me know if you have any further questions and I can try and answer them then!! Lori