Kyriaki is located on the western slopes of the mount Elikonas, in an altitude of 860 metres, only 18 km far from Ljvadea. The Community of Kyriaki comprises the settlements Kyriaki, Panaghia Kalamiotisa, Tarsos, Karioti and Aghios Athanassios. In the antiquity, a city named Flygonio, was located in the place of Kyriaki. The name of the place, Flygonio comes from the abundance of waters in the area (from the Greek verb "fleo" which means gush of water).
Flygonio was an important city, as from this place it was easy to control the passages that connected the mountainous with the coastal roads of the area of Elikonas. The city was destroyed by Philippos V' the Macedonian at the Holy War (around in the 350 b.C.) from Philippos V'. However it is believed that the city continued to be inhabited until the 6th century a.C. when it was finally destroyed by a big earthquake. At the beginning of the 14th century, the city was renamed to Kyriaki. During the Ottoman domination the people of Kyriaki participated in fights on the side of famous chieftains. During the period of the German possession Kyriaki suffered three times, from hard attacks, one time from the Italians (25 May 1943) and two times from the Germans (3 October 1943 and 25 April 1944).
Sightseeings
The Acropolis of Flygonio. Traces of the fortification of the ancient Flygonio, some walls and traces of some buildings of the ancient city (from the classic period), are saved.
The Castle and the Tower of Tarsus. Traces of fortification of the castle, show that this place was the Acropolis of the settlement, that was located at the north slopes of the hill. The Tower is found about 300 metres below. The Tower and the Castle must be connected for the co-ordination and the monitoring of the area. The church of Timios Prodromos, in the homonym square of Kyriaki, the small church of Panaghia (Virgin Mary) (the first church of the village), in the courtyard of which there was the cemetery of the village.
The church of Aghios Georgios Lakas. The church depends on the Monastery of Osios Loukas. The first building, floor parts of which, are saved up to today, was destroyed by an earthquake. In the same place, a second temple was built (12th century), that was destroyed during the years of the Ottoman domination. A little later a new temple was built, which was restored in the summer of 1999.
The Monastery of Aghion Theodoron. The Monastery is built on a rock with a panoramic view to the Corinthian gulf. In the Monastery, there is a library and two temples, the temple of Osios Ieronimos and the temple of Osios David. Very probably, the particular place was inhabited already by the 7th century b.C. In the years of the Ottoman domination, a small Monastery existed in this place. The Church of Panaghia Kalamiotissa. In this small church, Osios Loukas lived many years. It is found near a small port on the Corinthian Gulf.
The small church of Osios Nikitas. The small church is dated from the 12th century a.C., and it is found on a rock in the southern side of Elikonas, very near to the church of Panaghia Kalamiotissa. It resembles to an eagle’s nest. At the last years, a rural road was created in order to facilitate the restoration of the church of Osios Nikitas. In the small church, Osios Nikitas lived his entire life by praying.
Natural beauties
In the place Pablouki, the imposing mounts combined with the view to the gulf of Zaltsa and the indented coastline of the Corinthian gulf. Between the areas of Aghia Anna and Kyriaki, you will find Arvanitsa, a splendid locality full of firs, situated between the two highest tops of Elikonas. In the area of Panaghia Kalamiotjssa you will find beautiful and calm beaches with clean waters. The beach Alyki in Tarsus is known as very special for swimming. You must also ask the local boatmen to take you to the islets Abelos and Daskalio.
Useful Information
Events The last weekend of May, two-day events are organized in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. Also, at the last 10 days of August, the Community of Kyriaki in collaboration with the Local Cultural Association, organise many events. At the end of August, the annual festival (panyghiri) of Timios Prodromos is realised. You can enjoy your summer vacations in the area by participating to the Festival of Elikonas, in Arvanitsa. Concerts, meetings, expositions, cinema and alternative activities attract many tourists each year.
Infrastructures Kyriaki is built with beautiful houses and narrow streets. You will enjoy the quietness, drinking ouzo in the central square of the village. You will find rooms to let, traditional lodgings, traditional cafes (round the central square), coffee - bars, and taverns. In Arvanitsa, there is a refreshment stand for the better service of the visitors in the area.
