The traditional semi-mountainous village of Karyovouni is built amphitheatrically on two slopes that form a stream. The village is "perched" at an altitude of 500 metres and has approximately 70 permanent residents. It is 10 kilometres from Stoupa and 56 kilometres from Kalamata, while it was also known as the "Arachova of Mani" before it was renamed Karyovouni in 1930. In fact, poet Nikitas Nifakos (1748-1818), in his poems about the villages of Mani, writes about Karyovouni:
"To come to Arachova
the famous one
I need to go through the narrow passage
Where it is built".
In the village, visitors can enjoy their coffee in the square with the two giant plane trees (planted in 1918) next to the traditional, stone-built fountain. The village church is the church of Prophet Ilias (which celebrates on July 20th), while the church of Agios Georgios is also of exceptional beauty. The church of the Genesis of Theotokos, which has been classified as a historic monument by the Ministry of Culture and dates back to the late post-Byzantine years, stands out.
In Karyovouni, the Anastasios Goudelis’ tower is also of particular historical value and beauty and has also been classified as a historic monument by the Ministry of Culture. The three-storey tower dates back to the 18th century and has a square plan, while it is a typical example of local architecture. Finally, the village also houses the old olive press, which has been renovated and used as a tavern with traditional cuisine.
