Zachlorou

 

Kato Zachlorou is a mountain village in the former province of Kalavrita in the prefecture of Achaia. It is built at an altitude of 623 meters on the slopes of one of the mountains that surround the gorge of the Vouraikos river. Since 1997 the village belongs administratively to the Municipality of Kalavrita. It is the seat of the homonymous Local community, which also includes the settlement of Ano Zachlorou and the Monastery of Megalo Spilaio. In the 2011 census it had 38 inhabitants.

The village is crossed by the Toothed railway Diakoptos - Kalavrita, at the station of which those who want to visit the Monastery of the Great Cave, which is located nearby, disembark. Around the station there are several taverns and hostels where visitors can be accommodated. It is 10 km from Kalavrita and 12 km from Diakopto via Odontoto.

 

Sights

The jewels of Zachloros are the monastery of the Great Cave and the gorge of the Vouraikos river. The gorge starts 3 km north of Zachloros, continues parallel to the river that flows out near Diakofto. It has been included in the list of Natura 2000 areas. In the part located in Zachlorou, we find wooded almost riverside vegetation. Some believe that its name comes from the strong burr... sound that its waters make. The most correct interpretation is the one that wants to come from the ancient city of Voura, which was located in the present village of Banka. The monastery of the Great Cave is stuck on a rock, in a landscape of incredible beauty. It was built during the Byzantine era, after finding an icon of the Virgin Mary, made of wax, the work of the Evangelist Loukas. The view from the monastery towards the Vouraikos gorge is unique. Do not miss, during your visit, to see the sacristy with the precious relics of the monastery, the library and the cave where the icon of the Virgin Mary was found, by Simeon and Theodoros, monks from Thessaloniki, who arrived in the area, after separate visions they both saw. A shepherdess, Euphrosyne, led them to the cave. The monastery has suffered many disasters over the centuries, but the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary managed to be saved!

 

It is impossible to go to Zachloros and not walk even a little parallel to the lines of Odontotos to admire the beauties of Vouraikos! The route Zachloros - Diakofto is downhill and for many the most beautiful of the gorge. Here you will meet the so-called "Meteora of Zachlorus" with its impressive rocks, while parallel to the line, you will see watchtowers and water tower bases. Another hike lasting 1.5 hours is Zachlorou – Monastery of Megalo Spileio. The path starts from the restaurant located on the metal bridge of Zachloros, turn left from Odontotos station and following the signs, you reach the asphalt. At the kiosk, continue left for 300 meters and then right and follow the road to the "Mega Spilaio" monastery.

 

Getting here

You will reach Zachlorou via the Athens-Patras national road. After Akrata, exit the national highway at the exit for Kalavryta. Before Kalavryta, you will come across the sign for Zachlorou. You can also get to Zachlorou by Odontotos, which runs the Kalavryta-Diakofto route. Zachlorou is 10 km from Kalavryta and approximately 185 from Athens.

 

History

Zachlorou was built on the estates of the monastery of Megalos Spileos. The first inhabitants of the village came from Zagorochoria in Epirus during the period of the Turkish rule. The name of the village has a Slavic origin. It comes from the word Zagorou which means the place behind the mountain. The inhabitants of the village were engaged in animal husbandry and agriculture and moved during the winter season. Those who lived in Kato Zachlorou, went to Zachloritika near Diakofto and those who lived in Ano Zachlorou in Rodia, near Aigio. In 1943, the villages were destroyed by the Germans. In the past, access to Zachlorou was only possible with the Toothless. The village developed as a tourist destination due to the monastery of Megalo Spileio, which was the destination of many pilgrims.

 

Geography

Zachlorou is built among plane trees, apple trees and walnut trees, with the Vouraikos gorge as its jewel. It is also famous for its good climate. The inhabitants of the village remember that after 1940, many Egyptians visited here, when there was an epidemic of malaria and tuberculosis in their country. It is built in an advantageous position since it is 10 km from Kalavryta and 15 km from the ski center of Kalavryta. At a distance of 33 km from Zachlorou you will find Diakofto.

 

Kalavryta Police: 2610695000,
Kalavryta Hospital: 2610223812
Odontotos routes: 269202224
Megalo Spilaion Monastery: 2692023130