“Everyday Life, Greece” - Walking Tour in Pyrgos City

Departure from Katakolon port. After a 15-minute drive through rural landscapes and the crossing of Agios Ioannis village we arrive at Pyrgos, capital city of the region. Disembark from the bus and start a walking tour in this contemporary, non-tourist Greek city.

We start our tour at the beginning of 28th October str., the central pedestrian street of Pyrgos. Passing along shops and cafes, we reach the Central Square (Sakis Karagiorgas Square). After a short visit to the Metropolitan Church of St. Nicholas,we pass from Eparcheio, the highest spot of the centre of the city, (and one of the seven hills on which the city spreads itself) and enjoy the spectacular panoramic view of the region.

From there we pass to the city’s old quarter, and visit “Palia Agora” (Old Market) also known as “Stavropazaro”, a fine specimen of neoclassical revival with roman elements, designed by famous architect Ernst Ziller in the 1890s to serve as municipal market, now restored and planned to house the Archaeological Museum of  Pyrgos. Around the Old Market we find artisan workshops that offer handcrafted items and various services. Going up to Ermou Str., a short stop by Koutifaris Ouzo and Spirits Distillery, a family-run distillery that has been continuously in business since 1902 in the same building and using the same distilment methods and equipment up until this day. Quick detour through Germanou str., another one of the city’s commercial streets, to pass by the city’s Municipal Theatre “Apollon”, a restored neoclassical building dating from 1879.

Having reached the central square again, we follow a different route and visit the Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of Ilia-Olympia *(UAC), for a range of local products such as Black Currants – (“Stafida Ilias”, for which the region is famous) various kinds of wine from locally cultivated grape varieties, Olive Oil, Fir tree and Flower Honey and other products of protected geographical indication (P.G.I.). For those with a sweet tooth, we return to our starting point  passing by “Bougatsa tou Pasa”, for a taste of traditional bougatsa pastry.

At the end of the walking tour enjoy free time in the city centre for shopping or just for leisure in one of the nice cafes nearby. Meet up again with the rest of the group and drive back to Katakolon and your ship.