Messolongi
The prefecture of Etoloakarnania combines the beauty of both the sea
and the mountains. The capital of the prefecture is Messolongi (244
km from Athens), the sacred city of Greece.
The heroic exodus of the "Free Besieged" was a bright spot in the
country's modern history as well as a source of inspiration for poets
such as Solomos and Byron as well as for other artists. The city was
founded in the 16th century on three islets at the mouth of the Aheloos
and Evinos rivers, which were later united by silting to form three
scenic lagoons.
On entering the city you will see the Exodus gate and the "Garden
of the Heroes". In the central square, the Town Hall houses the picture
gallery. If you 're a history buff, then you'll want to visit Ancient
Kalidon, Ancient Pleuron, "the castle of Kira Rhini", as the locals
call it, and the Windmill, a Revolutionary monument.
About 6 km. north of town, in a landscape filled with plane trees
and running water, stands the historic monastery of Agios Simeon (17th
c.). This is where 1,800 of the besieged sought refuge and were saved.
Since that time, every year on Whitmonday, a lively folk festival
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