Laconia: Three Monumental Trees That Witnessed the Greek Revolution

Which Three Historic Trees Have Been Added to Greece’s Network of Revolutionary-Era Trees?

Three ancient trees in Laconia have recently been added to the Network of Monumental Trees of the Greek Revolution, serving as living witnesses to history and connecting the past with the present.

Specifically, the network now includes the Myrtolia olive tree in the village of Apideas in the Municipality of Evrota, the coastal cedar of Elafonisos, and the Athinolía olive tree in the upper town of Monemvasia’s Castle, near the Byzantine Church of Hagia Sophia.

The announcement was made by the Messinia Institute of Culture, which has undertaken the mapping and promotion of these natural monuments.

Trees That Lived Through History

The Olive Tree of Apideas

The olive tree in the village of Apideas, recently designated as a protected natural formation, survived the devastation caused by the Turco-Egyptian forces in September 1825, standing as a powerful symbol of resilience.

The Coastal Cedar of Elafonisos

This ancient cedar of Elafonisos “witnessed” key figures of the Greek Revolution, such as Admiral Miaoulis, Sahtouris, and Kriezis, and “listened” to the Psarians, Hydriots, Maniots, and Spetsiots as they discussed their vision of an independent Greek state. Notably, during the pre-revolutionary period, it “experienced” the daring escape of Theodoros Kolokotronis in March 1806 when he fled the Peloponnese.

The Olive Tree in Monemvasia’s Castle

The centuries-old olive tree in Monemvasia’s upper town “witnessed” naval battles between Greeks and Turco-Egyptians, “saw” the city’s surrender to the Greeks on July 23, 1821, and “heard” the bells ring in celebration of freedom.

Preserving and Showcasing Monumental Trees

These three trees, along with 68 others already documented in the Peloponnese, will be marked with a commemorative label designed by Greek-Australian artist Joanna Kordos. The label, inspired by Theodoros Kolokotronis, bears the emblem of the "Greece 2021" Committee, as the research project was conducted under its auspices.

Additionally, efforts are underway to register the Network of Revolutionary-Era Trees in Greece’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Plans are also in motion for a published album and a documentary that will highlight these historic trees and the remarkable stories surrounding them.