Β2 - Agriculture and hunting

AGRICULTURE AND HUNTING still are fundamental activities in the everyday life of the people of Mani. After their daily work, the members of the family used to gather in the house, which formed the center of the patriarchal family and the nucleus of the social organization of East Mani. Therefore, the objects of the traditional Mani household that were donated by the local residents and are exhibited at CCEM help visitors understand not only the everyday life of Mani genera in the past, but also the structure of the broader society in Mani.

The stone of the land of Mani is what connects all the tourist sights in the Municipality of East Mani:
castles, remote villages, churches, archaeological sites, traditional villages, caves, beaches and all the places in the region that stand out for their natural beauty are presented to CCEM visitors through an extensive network, which will help them tour the municipality more easily.

Prospective travelers can thus have a clear and lively image of the history and cultural identity of East Mani.
A separate section is dedicated to the place and space where CCEM is located: the Old Girls’ School and the town of Gythio, the heart of the trading activities in the region ever since antiquity. As the largest transit trade center, Gythio became a very prosperous educational center in the late 19th century, attracting many businessmen and intellectuals. Its cosmopolitan character is reflected on the objects exhibited in this section, which showcases different aspects of the urban development of the city.

To conclude, the vision of the creators of the Cultural Center of East Mani is to see it become a reference point not only for occasional visitors to the area, but also for the local residents. The exhibition and educational activities at CCEM not only provide a better understanding of the cultural heritage of East Mani, but also aspire to maintain it for future generations. The contribution of the local residents in this effort has been of paramount importance, because with their donations, love and enthusiasm, they have contributed substantially in highlighting the cultural capital of their homeland and its touristic development, thus stimulating the local economy and strengthening the local identity.

Municipality of East Mani