You’ve read it right. Yes, Paris is not the only place where you can admire and take pictures with the iconic french landmark, the Eiffel tower. Greece has its own too! Surprised?
Imagine driving through Peloponnese and suddenly see the Eiffel Tower. "Wait, what? Is that what I think it is?"…you might think.
Only a few kilometres outside the city of Kalamata, in a small city called Filiatra, you can in fact admire an impressive replica of the Eiffel Tower. The 26-meter Eiffel Tower located exactly at the entrance of the city, usually catches its visitors by surprise. Of course, the replica is way smaller than the original and it was built by the funding and the initiative of the local expatriate doctor Haralampos Fournarakis.
© Photo: Panos Karapanagiotis
As an article on the Wonders of the World points out, Fournarakis used light grey metal to construct the tower, which he shaped “a little too long.” He also placed the second floor of his tower too low, compared to the original, and changed the shape of the third floor. But to a tourist driving by, Fournarakis’ version looks like a convincing, shorter copy of the real thing. - The Greek Reporter.
Filiatra's Eiffer Tower
Eth. Antistasis 13, Filiatra 243 00, GreeceWho would expect seeing the Eiffel tower in such a small city while driving in Greece? It’s a fact that whenever you’re on the road in Greece, you might see a lot of surprising, interesting and exciting sights. However, seeing the Eiffel tower in the middle of nowhere is actually a jaw-dropping scenery that suddenly pops into your view. Stop the car, it’s time for some pictures!
What to do around
Filiatra could be a great starting point to visit plenty of beautiful places, like for example the village of Agia Kyriaki. Located at a distance of 4 km from Filiatra, here you will be able to try fresh fish in the seaside fish tavernas overlooking the traditional fishing boats. At the same time, at about 6,7km north of Filiatra you will find the picturesque village of Agrili. I'd suggest you visiting the wonderful “Castle of Fairytales” and also enjoying swimming in the nearby sandy coast. The “Castle of Fairytales" is said to be one of the most remarkable sights of the area, given the fact that the over-sized statues of Poseidon, Athena and the replica of the ship Argo dominate within the yard, while stories and events from Greek mythology unfold within the castle.
© Photo: Patsis Dimitris
The Castle of Fairytales
6H5R+54, Agrilos 243 00, Greece
The castle of Kalamata
Gortinias 39, Kalamata 241 00, GreeceAt the same time, a visit at the picturesque capital of Messenia, Kalamata, is simply a must-do, while at the area. I’d say that the area covers and combines more or less all the tastes; whether you are a worshiper of the mountains or a sea passionate, a lone or a group traveler, Messenia has probably what you’re looking for and guarantees an unforgettable holiday experience!
Enjoy!
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The author
Chrisa Lepida
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