Gravia Inn
A story about the heroic stance of the Greeks in a unique, historical place.
A visit to the reconstructed Gravia Inn is of particular interest, since it is the place where the Greeks staged their first victories against the Ottoman conquerors.
On May 8th, 1821, after the Greeks were defeated at the battle of Alamana, and the martyred death of Athanassios Diakos, the Turkish army under the command of Omer Vrioni, numbering 9,000 men and artillery, was planning to attack the Peloponnese. Heading south, the Ottomans came across a small army of 118 men, under the command of Odysseas Androutsos, who had taken up a defensive position inside an old inn, the Gravia Inn. The Ottomans enclosed the area and Vrioni sent an envoy to Androutsos asking for his surrender. Androutsos refused. The Turks waged an attack against the Greeks who were inside the inn. The Greeks, suffering great loss repelled the attack and the Ottomans were forced to retreat. Vrioni, after having watched his men killed in battle ordered for a canon to be brought to destroy the building. Awaiting the canon to arrive, the Turks delayed their attack, whereas the Greeks, who had recognised their intentions, managed to slip out through the enemy lines.
The Turkish victims were numerous, counting 330 dead and 800 wounded while the Greeks lost only 6 men. After the battle, Vrioni upon loosing this battle was concerned and decided to put a halt to his military campaign while retreating to Evia. This retreat, established an important milestone for the Greek Revolution and created a landmark.
Today, opposite the historic inn, where only a few ruins remain, a life-size statue of Odysseas Androutsos has been erected in his memory. Four buildings that previously hosted the stables, attic, kitchen and toilet of the inn, are now decorated with traditional seasonal items.
Every year, the first weekend following the 8th of May, there is a three-day commemoration of the historic battle of Gravia to honor the event. A representation of the battle is staged with various events. Students and soldiers along with local club members in folklore garments parade and the philharmonic orchestra’s from Fokida perform. Throughout this celebration, a ten-minute film (inspired by the letter written by Odysseas Androutsos to his son four years after the battle, while in prison) representing the battle of Gravia is presented.
The Gravia Inn
Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday from 09:30 to 13:30
Ticket: 3€/person
tel.: 22650 91226
