SMALL CHURCH

MANI PENINSULA, GREECE

Image Number 344

Although not far from Athens, the Mani peninsula in the south of the Pelopponese has been remote for centuries. Until recently its villages could be reached only by boat.  The residents are characteristically gruff, tough, resistant to strangers (both Greek and foreign) and fiercely independent.  However even they are forced to admit the tourists who are now bused into their enclave mostly against their will.   The tourists, who expect to be welcomed throughout Greece, are shocked by the sullen Maniots.  However, the Mani Peninsula offers some of the most spectacular architecture and coastal scenery in Greece.  So Atticus, along with everyone else, went there just the same.  

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 200. Exposure of 1/0-th of a second and aperture F9.   80mm Schneider Kreuznach lens with leaf shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

 

CAPE MATAPAN

MANI PENINSULA, GREECE

Image Numbers 341, 342, 343

Although not far from Athens, the Mani peninsula in the south of the Pelopponese has been remote for centuries. Until recently its villages could be reached only by boat.  The residents are characteristically gruff, tough, resistant to strangers (both Greek and foreign) and fiercely independent.  However even they are forced to admit the tourists who are now bused into their enclave mostly against their will.   The tourists, who expect to be welcomed throughout Greece, are shocked by the sullen Maniots.  However, the Mani Peninsula offers some of the most spectacular architecture and coastal scenery in Greece.  So Atticus, along with everyone else, went there just the same.   This image shows Cape Matapan at the southern extremity of the peninsula.

TECHNICAL NOTES

Image 341 (upper)

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 200. Exposure of 1/160th of a second and aperture F14.   45mm Phase One lens with focal plane shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

Image 342 (middle)

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 200. Exposure of 1/160th of a second and aperture F14.   45mm Phase One lens with focal plane shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

Image 343 (lower)

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 35. Exposure of 1/8th of a second and aperture F22.   45mm Phase One lens with focal plane shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

 

 

VATHIA

MANI PENINSULA,  GREECE

Image Numbers 340 and 329

Vathia is a village in Laconia, Greece, on the Mani Peninsula. It is famous for its grand towers (pyrgoi). Vathia is situated in a hilly setting, and is linked by road north to Areopoli and Kalamata and south to Cape Matapan.   On the hilltops are abandoned homes resembling fortresses and built from local stone.  When Atticus first visited the area in the late 1970’s Vathia was a ghost town populated by a handful of widows who peeped from their windows at the approach of intruders.  It was inaccessible and forbidding. Now Vathia is a tourist attraction and modern replica towers have sprung up inside and around it.  Sad.

TECHNICAL NOTES

Image number 340 (upper)

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 100. Exposure of 1/274th of a second and aperture F7.1.   45 mm Phase One lens with focal plane shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

Image Number 329 (lower)

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 100. Exposure of 1/200th of a second and aperture F7.1.   80mm Phase One lens with focal plane shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

VATHIA

MANI PENINSULA, GREECE

Image Number 328

Vathia is a village in Laconia, Greece, on the Mani Peninsula. It is famous for its grand towers (pyrgoi). Vathia is situated in a hilly setting, and is linked by road north to Areopoli and Kalamata and south to Cape Matapan.   On the hilltops are abandoned homes resembling fortresses and built from local stone.  When Atticus first visited the area in the late 1970’s Vathia was a ghost town populated by a handful of widows who peeped from their windows at the approach of intruders.  It was inaccessible and forbidding. Now Vathia is a tourist attraction and modern replica towers have sprung up inside and around it.  Sad.

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 200. Exposure of 1/200th of a second and aperture F4.5.   150mm Phase One telephoto lens with focal plane shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

TOWER HOUSES

MANI PENINSULA, GREECE

Image Numbers 326 (upper) and 327 (Lower)

The characteristic tower houses of the Mani Peninsula, constructed with field stones, are distinct from the traditional blue and white buildings that characterize many Greek villages.  The disposition of the residents is also flinty.  Although not far from Athens, Mani has been remote for centuries and until recently its villages could be reached only by boat.  The residents are characteristically gruff, tough, resistant to strangers (both Greek and foreign) and fiercely independent.  However even they are forced to admit the tourists who are now bused into their enclave mostly against their will.   The tourists, who expect to be welcomed throughout Greece, are shocked by the sullen Maniots.  However, the Mani Peninsula offers some of the most spectacular architecture and coastal scenery in Greece.  So Atticus, along with everyone else, went there just the same. 

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 35. Exposure of 1/111th of a second and aperture F10.   150mm Phase One telephoto lens with focal plane shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

FISHING BOAT

GEROLIMENAS, MANI, PELOPONNESUS

Image Number 325

Gerolimenas is a picturesque small coastal village at the southern end of the Mani Peninsula, in Laconia,Peloponnese. Τhe name, which means "Old Harbour", is thought to derive from the ancient "Ιερός Λιμήν" (Ieros Limen), meaning "Sacred Harbor". One of the remotest settlements in the Peloponnese, until the 1970s it was reached mainly by boat. In the past it was a major fishing centre, and featured substantial infrastructure such as a shipyard, ice supplies, and a fish market. Today the main industry is tourism.  In the 2001 census its population was 55 inhabitants.

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 35. Exposure of 1/50th of a second and aperture F10.   150mm Phase One telephoto lens with focal plane shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

AREOPOLI

MANI, PELOPONNESUS, GREECE

Image Number 321

Areopoli is a town on the Mani Peninsula, Laconia, Greece.  Areopoli is situated near the west coast of the Mani Peninsula, and it is the capital of the Mani province.  Its characteristic tower houses, constructed with field stones, are distinct from the traditional blue and white buildings that characterize many Greek villages.  The disposition of the residents is also flinty.  Although not far from Athens, Mani has been remote for centuries and until recently its villages could be reached only by boat.  The residents are characteristically gruff, tough, resistant to strangers (both Greek and foreign) and fiercely independent.  However even they are forced to admit the tourists who are now bused into their enclave by their Athens-based countrymen.   The tourists, who expect to be welcomed throughout Greece, are shocked by the sullen Maniots.  However, the Mani Peninsula offers some of the most spectacular architecture and coastal scenery in Greece. 

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 200. Exposure of 1/15th of a second and aperture F22.   45 mm Phase One lens with focal plane shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

AREOPOLI

MANI, PELOPONNESUS, GREECE

Image Number 320

Areopoli is a town on the Mani Peninsula, Laconia, Greece.  Areopoli is situated near the west coast of the Mani Peninsula, and it is the capital of the Mani province.  Its characteristic tower houses, constructed with field stones, are distinct from the traditional blue and white buildings that characterize many Greek villages.  The disposition of the residents is also flinty.  Although not far from Athens, Mani has been remote for centuries and until recently its villages could be reached only by boat.  The residents are characteristically gruff, tough, resistant to strangers (both Greek and foreign) and fiercely independent.  However even they are forced to admit the tourists who are now bused into their enclave by their Athens-based countrymen.   The tourists, who expect to be welcomed throughout Greece, are shocked by the sullen Maniots.  However, the Mani Peninsula offers some of the most spectacular architecture and coastal scenery in Greece. 

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 200. Exposure of 1/34th of a second and aperture F22.   45 mm Phase One lens with focal plane shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

AREOPOLI

MANI, PELOPONNESUS, GREECE

Image Number 319

Areopoli is a town on the Mani Peninsula, Laconia, Greece.  Areopoli is situated near the west coast of the Mani Peninsula, and it is the capital of the Mani province.  Its characteristic tower houses, constructed with field stones, are distinct from the traditional blue and white buildings that characterize many Greek villages.  The disposition of the residents is also flinty.  Although not far from Athens, Mani has been remote for centuries and until recently its villages could be reached only by boat.  The residents are characteristically gruff, tough, resistant to strangers (both Greek and foreign) and fiercely independent.  However even they are forced to admit the tourists who are now bused into their enclave by their Athens-based countrymen.   The tourists, who expect to be welcomed throughout Greece, are shocked by the sullen Maniots.  However, the Mani Peninsula offers some of the most spectacular architecture and coastal scenery in Greece. 

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 200. Exposure of 1/90th of a second and aperture F22.   45 mm Phase One lens with focal plane shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

TAVERNA

AREOPOLI, MANI, GREECE

Image Number 318

Areopoli is a town on the Mani Peninsula, Laconia, Greece.  Areopoli is situated near the west coast of the Mani Peninsula, and it is the capital of the Mani province.  Its characteristic tower houses, constructed with field stones, are distinct from the traditional blue and white buildings that characterize many Greek villages.  The disposition of the residents is also flinty.  Although not far from Athens, Mani has been remote for centuries and until recently its villages could be reached only by boat.  The residents are characteristically gruff, tough, resistant to strangers (both Greek and foreign) and fiercely independent.  However even they are forced to admit the tourists who are now bused into their enclave by their Athens-based countrymen.   The tourists, who expect to be welcomed throughout Greece, are shocked by the sullen Maniots.  However, the Mani Peninsula offers some of the most spectacular architecture and coastal scenery in Greece. 

TECHNICAL DETAILS

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 200. Exposure of 1/50th of a second and aperture F12.   45 mm Phase One lens with focal plane shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

FRUIT SHOP

AREOPOLI, MANI, GREECE

Image Numbers 316 (upper) and 317 (lower)

Areopoli is a town on the Mani Peninsula, Laconia, Greece.  Areopoli is situated near the west coast of the Mani Peninsula, and it is the capital of the Mani province.  Its characteristic tower houses, constructed with field stones, are distinct from the traditional blue and white buildings that characterize many Greek villages.  The disposition of the residents is also flinty.  Although not far from Athens, Mani has been remote for centuries and until recently its villages could be reached only by boat.  The residents are characteristically gruff, tough, resistant to strangers (both Greek and foreign) and fiercely independent.  However even they are forced to admit the tourists who are now bused into their enclave by their Athens-based countrymen.   The tourists, who expect to be welcomed throughout Greece, are shocked by the sullen Maniots.  However, the Mani Peninsula offers some of the most spectacular architecture and coastal scenery in Greece. 

TECHNICAL DETAILS

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 200. Exposure of 1/50th of a second and aperture F12.   45 mm Phase One lens with focal plane shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

 

 

 

AREOPOLI

MANI, PELOPONNESUS, GREECE

Image Number 315

Areopoli is a town on the Mani Peninsula, Laconia, Greece.  Areopoli is situated near the west coast of the Mani Peninsula, and it is the capital of the Mani province.  Its characteristic tower houses, constructed with field stones, are distinct from the traditional blue and white buildings that characterize many Greek villages.  The disposition of the residents is also flinty.  Although not far from Athens, Mani has been remote for centuries and until recently its villages could be reached only by boat.  The residents are characteristically gruff, tough, resistant to strangers (both Greek and foreign) and fiercely independent.  However even they are forced to admit the tourists who are now bused into their enclave by their Athens-based countrymen.   The tourists, who expect to be welcomed throughout Greece, are shocked by the sullen Maniots.  However, the Mani Peninsula offers some of the most spectacular architecture and coastal scenery in Greece. 

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 200. Exposure of 1/50th of a second and aperture F12.   45 mm Phase One lens with focal plane shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

 

VILLAGERS

AREOPOLI, MANI, GREECE

Image Number 314

Areopoli is a town on the Mani Peninsula, Laconia, Greece.  Areopoli is situated near the west coast of the Mani Peninsula, and it is the capital of the Mani province.  Its characteristic tower houses, constructed with field stones, are distinct from the traditional blue and white buildings that characterize many Greek villages.  The disposition of the residents is also flinty.  Although not far from Athens, Mani has been remote for centuries and until recently its villages could be reached only by boat.  The residents are characteristically gruff, tough, resistant to strangers (both Greek and foreign) and fiercely independent.  However even they are forced to admit the tourists who are now bused into their enclave by their Athens-based countrymen.   The tourists, who expect to be welcomed throughout Greece, are shocked by the sullen Maniots.  However, the Mani Peninsula offers some of the most spectacular architecture and coastal scenery in Greece. 

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 200. Exposure of 1/60th of a second and aperture F12.   150 mm telephoto Phase One lens with focal plane shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

MYSTRAS MONASTERY

PELOPONNESUS, GREECE

Image Number 313

Mystras is a monastic fortress in the central Peloponnese. Situated on Mt. Taygetos, near ancient Sparta, it served as the capital of the Byzantine Despotate of the Morea in the 14th and 15th centuries.    It remained the capital of the despotate, ruled by relatives of the Byzantine emperor, although the Venetians still controlled the coast and the islands.  Under the despot Theodore, Mystras became the second most important city in the empire after Constantinople. The last Byzantine emperor, Constantine XI Palaiologos, was despot at Mystras before he came to the throne. Demetrius Palaeologus the last despot of Morea, surrendered the city to the Ottoman emperor Mehmed II in 1460. In 1989 the ruins, including the fortress, palace, churches, and monasteries, were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The site is particularly beautiful in spring when spectacular blossom trees are in bloom.

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 200. Exposure of 1/250th of a second and aperture F11.   45 mm Phase One lens with focal plane shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

MYSTRAS MONASTERY

PELOPONNESUS, GREECE

Image Numbers 311  & 312

Mystras is a monastic fortress in the central Peloponnese. Situated on Mt. Taygetos, near ancient Sparta, it served as the capital of the Byzantine Despotate of the Morea in the 14th and 15th centuries.    It remained the capital of the despotate, ruled by relatives of the Byzantine emperor, although the Venetians still controlled the coast and the islands.  Under the despot Theodore, Mystras became the second most important city in the empire after Constantinople. The last Byzantine emperor, Constantine XI Palaiologos, was despot at Mystras before he came to the throne. Demetrius Palaeologus the last despot of Morea, surrendered the city to the Ottoman emperor Mehmed II in 1460. In 1989 the ruins, including the fortress, palace, churches, and monasteries, were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The site is particularly beautiful in spring when spectacular blossom trees are in bloom.

TECHNICAL NOTES

Upper Image 311

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 200. Exposure of 1/137th of a second and aperture F9.   45 mm Phase One lens with focal plane shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

Lower Image 312

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 200. Exposure of 1/160th of a second and aperture F10.   45 mm Phase One lens with focal plane shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

 

MYSTRAS MONASTERY

PELOPONNESUS, GREECE

image Number 310

Mystras is a monastic fortress in the central Peloponnese. Situated on Mt. Taygetos, near ancient Sparta, it served as the capital of the Byzantine Despotate of the Morea in the 14th and 15th centuries.    It remained the capital of the despotate, ruled by relatives of the Byzantine emperor, although the Venetians still controlled the coast and the islands.  Under the despot Theodore, Mystras became the second most important city in the empire after Constantinople. The last Byzantine emperor, Constantine XI Palaiologos, was despot at Mystras before he came to the throne. Demetrius Palaeologus the last despot of Morea, surrendered the city to the Ottoman emperor Mehmed II in 1460. In 1989 the ruins, including the fortress, palace, churches, and monasteries, were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The site is particularly beautiful in spring when spectacular blossom trees are in bloom.

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 200. Exposure of 1/111th of a second and aperture F8.   45 mm Phase One lens with focal plane shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

MYSTRAS MONASTERY

PELOPONNESUS, GREECE

Image Number 309

Mystras is a monastic fortress in the central Peloponnese. Situated on Mt. Taygetos, near ancient Sparta, it served as the capital of the Byzantine Despotate of the Morea in the 14th and 15th centuries.    It remained the capital of the despotate, ruled by relatives of the Byzantine emperor, although the Venetians still controlled the coast and the islands.  Under the despot Theodore, Mystras became the second most important city in the empire after Constantinople. The last Byzantine emperor, Constantine XI Palaiologos, was despot at Mystras before he came to the throne. Demetrius Palaeologus the last despot of Morea, surrendered the city to the Ottoman emperor Mehmed II in 1460. In 1989 the ruins, including the fortress, palace, churches, and monasteries, were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The site is particularly beautiful in spring when spectacular blossom trees are in bloom.

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 200. Exposure of 1/180th of a second and aperture F8.   45 mm Phase One lens with focal plane shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

VILLAGE SQUARE

KOSMAS, PELOPONNESUS, GREECE

Image Number 308

Kosmas is a mountain village in Arcadia, Peloponnese, Greece. In 2001 its population was 591. Kosmas is situated in the southeastern part of the Parnon mountains, at about 1150 m elevation, on the road from Skala to Leonidio. Kosma has an idyllic village square centred on massive oak trees.  It also has a dark history - during WWII it suffered popular executions from the Germans in retribution for membership of the resistance by local villagers.

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 35. Exposure of 1/10th of a second and aperture F11.   45 mm Phase One lens with focal plane shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

VILLAGE SQUARE

KOSMAS, PELOPONNESUS, GREECE

Image Number 397

Kosmas is a mountain village in Arcadia, Peloponnese, Greece. In 2001 its population was 591. Kosmas is situated in the southeastern part of the Parnon mountains, at about 1150 m elevation, on the road from Skala to Leonidio. Kosma has an idyllic village square centred on massive oak trees.  It also has a dark history - during WWII it suffered popular executions from the Germans in retribution for membership of the resistance by local villagers.

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 35. Exposure of 1/6th of a second and aperture F11.   45 mm Phase One lens with focal plane shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

PANAGIAS ELONAS MONASTERY

PELOPONNESUS, GREECE

Image Number 306

The Monastery of Panagias Elonas in the Eastern Peloponnese dates from 1300 but has been reconstructed several times.  It was originally built on the site of a miraculous icon of the virgin.  Since then the monastery played an active part in the war of independence against the Turks.  It is accessible by a road which winds up the cliff from the rear.

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 35. Exposure of 1/34th of a second and aperture F10.   150mm Phase One telephoto lens with focal plane shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.