Epitalio
It was the seat of the former municipality of Volakas, which was merged into the municipality of Pyrgos under the major administrative reform of 2011. Epitalio is situated at the foot of low hills, 4 km from the Ionian Sea and 2 km from the river Alfeios. It is 7 km southeast of Pyrgos, 12 km west of Olympia and 12 km northwest of Krestena. Some places in the wider Epitalio area are located below sea level at -6 m elevation, the lowest point in Greece. The Greek National Road 9 (Patras - Pyrgos - Kyparissia) and the railway from Pyrgos to Kalamata run through Epitalio. The community consists of the town Epitalio and the beach village Paralia.
Historical population
Year | Town | Community |
---|---|---|
1981 | 1,869 | - |
1991 | 1,752 | - |
2001 | 1,893 | 2,059 |
2011 | 1,469 | 1,495 |
2021 | 1,239 | 1,291 |
History
Epitalio was named after the ancient Elean city Epitalium. Epitalium, identified by Strabo as the Homeric Thryon or Thryoessa, was situated on a hill near the ford of the river Alpheus. Its strategic position on the road along the Ionian Sea coast made it an important military post. The ancient ruins lie north of the present town.
See also
References
- ^ "Αποτελέσματα Απογραφής Πληθυσμού - Κατοικιών 2021, Μόνιμος Πληθυσμός κατά οικισμό" [Results of the 2021 Population - Housing Census, Permanent population by settlement] (in Greek). Hellenic Statistical Authority. 29 March 2024.
- ^ Name changes of settlements in Greece
- ^ "ΦΕΚ B 1292/2010, Kallikratis reform municipalities" (in Greek). Government Gazette.
- ^ "Greece topographic map". Retrieved 16 February 2023.
- ^ "Meteoclub". Retrieved 16 February 2023.
- ^ Strabo Geographica 8.3
- ^
Smith, William, ed. (1854). "Epitalium". Dictionary of Greek and Roman Geography. Vol. 1. London: John Murray. p. 843.
External links
- Epitaliotes (in Greek)