Iamia or Yamia is a village in the Regional Unit of Messinia, with a population of 122 inhabitants, according to the 2011 Census. Administratively it belongs as a Community of Iamia, in the Municipal Unit of Koroni of the Municipality of Pylos-Nestoros. It is located very close and between Finikounda (7 km.) And Koroni (10 km.).
It is located at an altitude of 294 meters, opposite Mount Zarnaura (altitude 518 meters). The 13th Provincial Road of Harakopi - Methoni passes through Iamia. It is 272 km from Athens, 232 km from Patras and 50 km from Kalamata.
The latest tradition states that after 1800 large
families from Arcadia gradually migrated to the village, such as the
families of the Mourdoukoutians ("Mourdoukoutas") and the Sardelians
("Sardelis"), who used to live as nomads, being employed. shepherds,
initially moved to the village of Desylla in Messinia and from there
gradually migrated to the area of Pylia.
Evidence also for
the folklore of Iamia, but also of other villages in the area of
Koroni, is also present in the work of the writer and folklorist
Georgia Tarsouli.
The Blanai family ("Blanas"), originating
from Arkoudorema in Arcadia, also settled in Iamia. Arkoudorema is
120 km away from Iamia.
It is a rural area, with olive oil as
its main product. The olive (Koroneiki variety) is cultivated and
olive oil is traded and exported. It also has small livestock and
poultry farms, Cafe-Grocery and apartments for rent.
It used
to have a larger population and operated a Primary School, which now
serves as a polling station and a small folklore collection, among
other uses.
The settlement has 4 churches. The Parish Church of Agios Konstantinos and Eleni, which celebrates on May 21, the church of Agios Georgios of the Cemetery, the chapel of the Assumption of Agia Anna, near the area of Hamaloni, which celebrates on July 25 and the church of the Assumption of the Virgin, near the Cemetery.
Cafe - Grocery Store (The Mulberry), 24004 Iamia, phone +30 2725
061255.
Supermarket (Vergis), 24004 Charakopio, telephone +30 2725
041800. It is 6km from Yamia.
Supermarket (Sipsas), 24004 Koroni,
telephone +30 2725 022198. It is 9km from Yamia.
Restaurant - Tavern (Tsapogas), 24006 Loutsa Finikounda Beach,
telephone +30 2723 071150, +30 693 2703111 (mobile). Next to Loutsa
beach, Iamia is 5km away.
Restaurant (Parthenon), 24004 Koroni,
telephone +30 2725 022146, +30 697 3061510 (mobile). It is 10km from
Iamia.
Restaurant (Bogris 2), 24004 Koroni, telephone +30 2725
022947. It is 10km from Iamia.
Restaurant - Tavern (Elena), 24006
Finikounda, phone +30 2723 071235, +30 694 7262300 (mobile). It is 7km
from Iamia.
Koroni
Finikounda
Pylos
Kalamata
Farmhouses (apartments for rent)
Chamaloni Cottages (Guesthouses
Chamaloni - Yamia - Koroni - Finikounda), 24004 Yamia Koronis (Iamia
village), ☎ +30 2725 061436, e-mail: info@chamaloni.gr. It is 4 km from
Loutsa Beach of Finikounda.
Cafe - Grocery store
Cafe -
Grocery store "I Mouria", 24004 Yamia Koronis (Iamia village), ☎ +30
2725 061255. It is 7 km from Finikounda and 10 km from Koroni.
Swimming beach
Loutsa Beach, 24006 Loutsa, Messinia (Loutsa Beach).
It is 5 km from Yamea.
Restaurants - Taverns
Restaurant -
Taverna "Tsapogas", 24006 Loutsa Messinias (Loutsa Beach), ☎ +30 2723
071150, +30 693 2703111 (Mobile). Next to Loutsas Beach, 5 km from
Yamea.
Restaurant - Tavern "Elena", 24006 Finikounda, ☎ +30 2723
071235, +30 694 7262300 (Mobile). It is 7 km from Yamea.
Restaurants
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subject:
Hyamea
"Parthenon" Restaurant, 24004 Koroni, ☎ +30 2725
022146, +30 697 3823532 (Mobile). It is 10 km from Yamea.
Restaurant
"Bogris 2", 24004 Koroni, ☎ +30 2725 022947. It is 10 km from Yameia.
Supermarkets
Super Market (Vergis), 24004 Harakopio, ☎ +30 2725
041800. It is 6 km from Yameia.
Supermarket (Sipsas), 24004 Koroni, ☎
+30 2725 023011. It is 9 km from Yameia.
Pylos Health Center, 24001 Pylos, telephone +30 2723 360000. It is
27km from Iamia.
General Hospital of Kalamata, 24100 Antikalamos,
telephone +30 2721 046000. It is 48km from Iamia
Koroni Post Office (ELTA), 24004 Koroni.
National Bank of Koroni,
24004 Koroni.
Piraeus Bank of Koroni, 24004 Koroni.
Koroni Police,
24004 Koroni, telephone +30 2725 022422.
Koroni Harbor Police, 24004
Koroni, telephone +30 2725 022377.
Ancient Origins
Lamia, located in central Greece and serving as
the capital of the Phthiotis regional unit, has a rich history dating
back to the Bronze Age around the 3rd millennium BC. Archaeological
evidence, including early settlements, indicates continuous habitation
in the area. By antiquity, Lamia emerged as a strategically important
polis (city-state) that controlled the coastal plain above the famous
Pass of Thermopylae. This position made it a vital link connecting
southern Greece with Thessaly and the broader Balkans. The city was
fortified in the 5th century BC and became a focal point of contention
among regional powers, including the Macedonians, Thessalians, and
Aetolians. Its name is believed to derive either from the mythological
figure Lamia—a daughter of Poseidon and queen of the Trachineans—or from
the Malians, the indigenous Dorian tribes who inhabited the surrounding
Malian Gulf region.
The city's early significance is tied to its role
in broader Greek affairs. Following the death of Alexander the Great in
323 BC, Lamia played a pivotal role in the Lamian War (323–322 BC), also
known as the Hellenic War. This conflict saw a coalition of Greek
city-states, led by Athens, rebel against Macedonian hegemony under the
regent Antipatros. Antipatros sought refuge in Lamia during the siege by
Athenian forces commanded by General Leosthenes. The war ultimately
ended in a Macedonian victory after Leosthenes' death, marking a key
moment in the Hellenistic period's power struggles. Despite these
conflicts, Lamia prospered in the 3rd century BC under Aetolian League
control, enjoying a period of economic and cultural growth. However,
this era ended abruptly in 190 BC when Roman consul Manius Acilius
Glabrio sacked the city during the Roman–Seleucid War. Archaeological
remnants from this time, such as coins, marble inscriptions, and the
foundations of a basilica in the castle area, underscore its status as a
thriving polis. Lamia was eventually incorporated into the Roman
province of Thessaly, appearing in Hierocles' 6th-century Synecdemus as
one of 16 notable cities in the region.
Classical Period
In
the classical era (roughly 5th–4th centuries BC), Lamia's fortifications
and location solidified its role in interstate rivalries. It was
frequently contested due to its command over trade routes and military
passages. The Aetolian influence in the 3rd century BC brought stability
and prosperity, with the city benefiting from alliances and trade. Key
artifacts from this period, including Hellenistic-era structures,
highlight advancements in architecture and governance. The Roman
conquest in the early 2nd century BC integrated Lamia into the expanding
empire, shifting its focus from independent polis to a provincial hub.
Byzantine and Medieval Times
During Late Antiquity, Lamia
transitioned into a Christian center, becoming the seat of a bishopric
suffragan to Larissa as early as 431 AD. However, it faded in
prominence, possibly due to invasions, and is notably absent from the
5th-century Tabula Peutingeriana, a Roman road map. Emperor Justinian I
may have rebuilt its walls in the 6th century to fortify against
threats. The 7th century brought Slavic invasions, leading to a period
of decline and a name change to Zetounion (potentially from a Slavic
term for "grain"). The city reemerged in historical records during the
Byzantine–Bulgarian wars of the late 10th century. It was near the site
of the Battle of Spercheios in 997 AD, where Byzantine general
Nikephoros Ouranos decisively defeated Tsar Samuel of Bulgaria, halting
Bulgarian expansion southward.
Emperor Basil II, known as the
"Bulgar-Slayer," visited Zetounion in 1018 during his triumphal campaign
following the final conquest of Bulgaria. In the 12th century, Jewish
traveler Benjamin of Tudela documented about 50 Jewish families in the
city and noted raids by Vlach nomads. The Fourth Crusade in 1204
drastically altered the region: Frankish crusaders captured Zetounion,
granting it initially to the Knights Templar, who rebuilt the fortress.
The Templars were expelled in 1209–1210 for supporting a local
rebellion, and the city became part of the Latin Empire under Henry of
Flanders. It established a Roman Catholic bishopric (Dioecesis
Sidoniensis or Cythoniensis), suffragan to the Latin Archbishop of
Neopatras.
Control shifted again around 1218–1220 when Epirote Greeks
seized it, only for it to return to Frankish hands in 1275 as part of
Helena Angelina Komnene's dowry to the Duchy of Athens. From 1318 to
1391, it fell under the Catalan Company and later the Acciaioli Dukes of
Athens. Ottoman Sultan Bayezid I razed the fortress in 1394 during his
campaigns in Greece, marking the end of medieval Frankish rule.
Ottoman Rule
Following the Battle of Ankara in 1402, which weakened
Ottoman forces, Zetounion briefly returned to Byzantine control.
However, the Ottomans besieged it unsuccessfully for two years before
1415 and fully reconquered it between 1424 and 1426. Under Ottoman
administration, it was known variably as İzdin, İzzeddin, or Zeitoun and
remained a border outpost. In 1444, troops from the Despotate of the
Morea launched a plundering attack. The city endured as part of the
Ottoman Empire until 1832, when it joined the nascent Kingdom of Greece
after the Greek War of Independence. Until the annexation of Thessaly in
1881 via the Convention of Constantinople, Lamia served as a frontier
town, with borders just north at "Taratsa."
Modern History
Including Independence and Recent Developments
Lamia's integration
into independent Greece in 1832 marked a new era. It became a symbol of
national revival, hosting key figures like Athanasios Diakos, a hero of
the Greek Revolution executed by the Ottomans in 1821 near the
city—commemorated today with a statue in Diakos Square. The 19th century
saw administrative development, with early mayors like Nikolaos
Chrysovergis (1836–1837) overseeing reconstruction. The city remained on
the border until 1881, influencing its military and economic role.
In
the 20th century, Lamia navigated turbulent times, including World War
I, the Greco-Turkish War, and Axis occupation during World War II
(1941–1944). Post-war mayors, such as Apostolos Pasiakos (1945–1946),
focused on rebuilding. Population growth was steady, from 41,846 in the
municipal unit in 1981 to 58,289 by 2021, with the broader municipality
reaching 66,657 after a 2011 merger expanding its area to 947 km².
Culturally and economically, Lamia has evolved into an agricultural hub
near Mount Othrys and the Spercheios River, known for olives, grains,
and livestock. Landmarks include the ancient acropolis-turned-Lamia
Castle, Eleftherias Square (site of the metropolitan cathedral and
independence celebrations), and museums preserving artifacts from its
long history. Educationally, it hosts six departments of the University
of Thessaly. Sports culture thrives with clubs like Lamia F.C., founded
in 1964 and competing in the Superleague. Recent mayors, including
Georgios Kotronias (1999–2014), Euthymios Karaiskos (2019–2023), and
current mayor Panourgias Papaioannou (since 2023), have emphasized
infrastructure, tourism, and regional development. Today, Lamia blends
its ancient heritage with modern Greek life, serving as the
administrative center of Central Greece.
Iamia is a small, charming village located in the southwestern part
of the Peloponnese peninsula in Greece, within the Messenia regional
unit. It belongs to the Municipality of Pylos-Nestoros and has a
population of around 115 residents (based on the 2011 census).
Geographically, it sits at coordinates approximately 36.8108°N,
21.8637°E, placing it near the southwestern tip of the Peloponnese. The
village is positioned inland but in close proximity to the coast, about
7 km from Finikounda (a popular coastal town), 5 km from Loutsa Beach,
10 km from Koroni, and 19 km from Methoni. It is also roughly 1 hour by
car from Kalamata (the capital of Messenia) and 3 hours from Athens,
making it accessible yet secluded. Nearby villages include Kaplani,
Akritochori, and Chrysokellaria.
Iamia lies within the broader
Messenia region, which occupies the southwestern corner of the
Peloponnese and covers an area of about 2,991 square kilometers. This
region is bordered to the east by the imposing Taygetos Mountains
(reaching heights up to 2,407 meters at Mount Taygetus, the highest peak
in the Peloponnese), to the north by the Neda River and the Arcadian
mountains, and to the south and west by the Ionian Sea and the Gulf of
Messinia (also known as the Messenian Gulf). The gulf itself is a large,
sheltered body of water along the Ionian Sea, extending southward from
the peninsula and known for its calm waters, sandy beaches, and scenic
bays. Iamia's position near this gulf contributes to its appeal as a
tranquil spot close to coastal attractions.
The topography around Iamia is typical of southwestern Messenia,
featuring a mix of gently rolling hills, fertile plains, and coastal
lowlands. The village itself is nestled in a hilly area, with elevations
likely ranging from near sea level at nearby beaches to modest hills
inland, characteristic of the Peloponnese's varied terrain. The western
part of Messenia, where Iamia is situated, transitions from mountainous
interiors to more open, arable lands toward the coast, supporting
extensive olive groves, vineyards, and citrus orchards that dominate the
landscape. This area is less rugged than the eastern Taygetos range,
offering a softer, more undulating profile with valleys carved by
seasonal streams and rivers.
Natural features in the vicinity include
lush vegetation, with olive trees being particularly prominent,
contributing to the region's reputation for agricultural bounty. The
proximity to the Ionian Sea influences the local microclimate and
scenery, with nearby beaches like Loutsa featuring golden sands, clear
turquoise waters, and rocky outcrops. The landscape is dotted with
traditional stone houses, small chapels, and pathways that wind through
the hills, providing views of the sea and surrounding countryside. While
Iamia is not directly on the coast (about 5-7 km inland from beaches),
it benefits from the coastal plains that extend from the Gulf of
Messinia, creating a fertile zone ideal for farming and tourism.
Iamia experiences a classic Mediterranean climate, shared with much of the Peloponnese and the Gulf of Messinia area. This is characterized by hot, dry summers (June to August) with average high temperatures around 30-35°C (86-95°F) and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for beach activities and outdoor exploration. Winters (December to February) are mild and wetter, with highs of 12-15°C (54-59°F) and occasional rain showers that nourish the region's agriculture. Annual precipitation is moderate, typically around 700-900 mm, concentrated in the cooler months, while sunshine hours exceed 2,500 per year. The coastal influence from the nearby Ionian Sea moderates extremes, providing a breezy, temperate environment. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer pleasant transitional weather, with blooming wildflowers in spring adding to the natural beauty.
The surrounding natural environment of Iamia is rich and diverse,
reflecting Messenia's blend of sea, mountains, and plains. The Gulf of
Messinia to the south is a key feature, with its deep blue waters
supporting marine life and recreational activities like swimming,
sailing, and fishing. The area boasts golden beaches and coves, some
backed by dunes or cliffs, contributing to biodiversity hotspots for
birds, sea turtles (such as loggerheads that nest in nearby sands), and
Mediterranean flora. Inland, the fertile soils from alluvial deposits
support extensive cultivation, with olive oil production being a
hallmark of the region.
Geologically, the Peloponnese, including
Messenia, is part of a tectonically active zone, with landscapes shaped
by earthquakes and uplift over millennia, resulting in dramatic cliffs
and valleys. Iamia's location near the southwestern tip exposes it to
scenic vistas of the sea and distant islands, while the Taygetos
Mountains to the east provide a natural barrier, influencing local wind
patterns and rainfall. The region is also home to protected areas, such
as wetlands and nature reserves, emphasizing its ecological importance.
Overall, Iamia's geography offers a peaceful, rural setting that
embodies the idyllic charm of southern Greece, with easy access to both
mountainous hikes and coastal relaxation.