The traditional, mountainous village of Exochori (or Xechori) with the Mani towers is located on the southwest side of Taygetos, on the edge of the Vyros gorge, where more than 700 species of plants make up the unique flora of the area. It is 8 kilometres from Kardamyli and 43 kilometres from Kalamata. It is built at an altitude of 500 metres and has approximately 200 permanent residents. It is the ideal destination for mountain tourism lovers since they can enjoy climbing, hiking, cycling and agrotourism there.
Until 1932, the village was known as Androuvista. Androuvista was on the "Royal Road" that connected Kardamyli with Sparta and Mystras. It is mentioned as “San Androuvista” for the first time in 1278 in a document of the Venetian court and the report given by Petros Medicos, in 1465, with the armed men in the villages available for any revolutionary movement. During the Middle Ages and the Turkish rule, it was the seat of a Bishopric with 100 churches, many of which are preserved to this day. It was also the seat of Captaincy, highlighting great captains, such as the second Bey of Mani, Michael Troupakis.
In Exochori, visitors can see the Historical and Folklore Museum "Androuvista", housed in the building of the old Primary School. The museum's collection consists of objects of the folklore tradition of the place, such as weapons, traditional costumes, agricultural tools, textiles, photographs, old coins, etc.
On the borders of the Exochori Municipal area, very close to the Samuil Monastery, is the Kitriniaris Tower. The tower was built at an altitude of 700 metres and has been classified as a historic monument by the Ministry of Culture. It is estimated to have been built around 1786 and is a typical example of a fortified residence (tower house) of the 18th century.
Finally, Exochori is the birthplace of philologist, researcher and writer Stavros Skopeteas (1908-1958), who was Director of the Hellenic Parliament Library.
