The picturesque village of Kampos Avias is built at an altitude of 350 metres and is 22 kilometres from Kampos. Many archaeologists place the village in the area of ancient Gerenia and the earlier Mycenaean Enopi. According to the traditions saved by traveller Pausanias, Gerenia (or Gerina) also gave its name to the legendary king of Pylos, Nestoρ, who was also called "Gerinius" because he took refuge there and stayed for a long time when Hercules captured Pylos during the dispute between the Heraklides and the Nelides. In Gerenia, Nestor carried the bones of Machaon, who was killed in the Trojan War and buried them in the "Rhodon" area. In the same place, there was also the "Sacred Heroon", where a standing bronze statue of the "Crowned Machaon" had been erected. At this point, we should mention that Machaon, son of Asclepius, and his brother Podaleirius participated in the Trojan campaign as doctors.
At Kampos Avia, visitors can see many churches, which have been classified as historical monuments by the Ministry of Culture, such as the church of Agios Nikolaos, Prophet Elias, the Dormition of the Virgin, the Savior and the Life-giving Spring (Zoodochos Pigi) with the wood carving iconostasis and the remarkable frescoes. Equally important are the twin cross-roofed church of Agios Ioannis Prodromos (13th century) and the now-ruined Monastery of Evangelistria.
On the village’s main street, visitors can see the Byzantine church of Agioi Theodoroi, a 12th-century building. The temple is known for the number and uniqueness of its frescoes, which are later. The icon of Agios Georgios, embroidered with silk fabric, and handmade in 1908, is significant. The Ministry of Culture has classified the church of Agioi Theodoroi as a historical monument.
The central church of Kampos Avia is that of Agia Varvara, which celebrates on December 4th. Every year, on this day, after the eulogy, traditional dances are presented by local associations ("Machaon" Cultural Association, "Lefkippos" Dance Association). At the same time, local delicacies are also offered at the village square.
At a short distance from the village, in the "Garbilia" location, within the single archaeological site, the Mycenaean vaulted, royal "tomb of Machaon", dating to approximately 1250 BC, has been found. Another building has also been located, which is either another tomb or the ancient "Trikkaion Asklepiion" of Gerenia. Finally, the ruined Tower of Koumoundouros, where the Bey of Mani, Captain Koumoundouros, was besieged and exterminated by the Turks and where his descendant, the later Prime Minister Alexandros Koumoundouros, was born, dominates the same area.
