Foinikounda

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Foinikounda
Φοινικούντα
Location
Foinikounda (Greece)
Foinikounda
Coordinates 37°48′N 21°48′E / 37.8, 21.8Coordinates: 37°48′N 21°48′E / 37.8, 21.8
Time zone: EET/EEST (UTC+2/3)
Elevation: 20 m (66 ft)
Government
Country: Greece
Prefecture: Messinia
Municipality: Methone
Districts: Foinikounda (seat)
Population statistics (as of 2001[1])
City Proper
 - Population: 559
Municipality
 - Population: 626
Codes
Postal: GR-240 06
Area: 11-(00)30-2
Auto: IN

Foinikounda, Finikounda, Foinikouda or Finikouda (Greek, Modern: , Ancient/Katharevoussa: Φοινικούς), older form: Foinikous or Finikous is a small town in Greece located 10 km east of Methoni and about 15 to 20 km west of Koroni off the main road.

Contents

[edit] Settlements

  • Anemomylos
  • Chounakia
  • Grizokampos
  • Loutsa
  • Schiza, also an islet

[edit] Population

Year Village population Change Municipal district Percent of the municipal district Percent of the municipality
1981 519 - - - -
1991 588 +69 or +13.29% - - -
2001 559 -29 or -4.93% 626 89.29% 21.19% (village)
23.72% (municipal district)

[edit] History

Finikounda is mentioned for the first time in Pausanias Messiniaka (4, 34, 12) as a port after Cape Akritas. It is believed that it was a small commercial port where the fishers of murex frunculus (a porphyry shell from where the known dye is produced) could trade their product. The origin of the name also has to do with the ancient Phoenicians whose trade routes came through this natural port.

The contemporary village appears at about 1840-1850, from the inhabitants of Lahanada, immigrants from Crete, who started building their houses on this location. It was also called Taverna, from a small tavern that someone kept there. Officially, it got its contemporary name in 1930. Today it is part of the Municipality of Methoni. The main resources of the inhabitants are agriculture and tourism, whish has flourished in the last few years

[edit] Rivalries

Foinikounta has a big rivalry with the neighbor village called Lachanada. This rivalry is mainly expressed in the local football (soccer) games. Lachanda has not lost from Foinikounta during the last 10 years, with their biggest victory being 10-0.

[edit] Culture

Even though Finikunda is mainly thought of as a place to relax by the sea and be part of the joyous night life, it also has noted cultural activity. The cultural club always hosts a theatrical play or other event in the small open amphitheatre by the port, and during the whole summer, there is a book exhibition with a variety of books to choose from.

[edit] Other

Finikunda has a church, a square (plateia). Its nearest school, gymnasium (middle school), lyceum (secondary school) are near the area.

[edit] See also

[edit] Sources

v • d • e
Municipal districts of the municipality of Methoni
Evangelismos (Dentroulia or Dendroulia · Kamaria) · Foiniki · Foinikounda (Anemomylos · Chounakia · Grizokampos · Loutsa · Schiza) · Kainourgio Chorio (Varakes) · Lachanada (Nerantzies) · Methoni (Kokkinia · Kritika · Sapientza · Tapia)
Greece · Peloponnese · Messenia · Methoni