| Kopanaki Κοπανάκι |
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|---|---|
| Location | |
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Kopanaki
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| Coordinates | |
| Government | |
| Country: | Greece |
| Region: | Peloponnese |
| Regional unit: | Messenia |
| Municipality: | Trifylia |
| Municipal unit: | Aetos |
| Population statistics (as of 2001) | |
| Village | |
| - Population: | 1,624 |
| Other | |
| Time zone: | EET/EEST (UTC+2/3) |
| Elevation (min-max): | 186 - 195 m (610 - 640 ft) |
| Postal: | 240 03 |
| Telephone: | 27650 |
| Auto: | KM |
Kopanaki (Greek: Κοπανάκι, older form: Kopanakion) is a small but scenic Greek town in Messenia which lies in the south-western corner of Peloponnese. It was the seat of the municipality of Aetos.[1] Famous for its lively Sunday market, where local producers sell livestock, clothing, fresh fruit and vegetables. Kopanaki, used to be for the local people synonymous with the word ‘marketplace’.[2]
Located north of the GR-9A/E55 (Kyparissia - Kalamata), the major highway between Patras and Kalamata and its train track (formerly SPAP) now used only for passengers. It is also located 75 km SE of Pyrgos, east of Kyparissia, about 45 km NW of Kalamata and SW of Athens.
Contents |
| Year | Village population | Municipal district popularion |
|---|---|---|
| 1981 | 1,437 | - |
| 1991 | 1,282 | - |
| 2001 | 1,429 | 1,624 |
Parts of the area are barren, mountainous and grassy, farmlands and forests are situated in the area. Lying north of the Peristeri River. It is between Tetrazi and the Kyparissia mountains. Nearly 2 km east is the watershed division between Peristeri and Pamisos.
The ruins of a very ancient dwelling can be seen in the village. The finds from the ruins are in the Benaki Archeological Museum in Kalamata.[3]
During the Second World War Kopanaki was one of the first places where the Greeks began an organized resistance against the Nazi invaders.
Agriculture, specifically olive farming, is the main economic activity in the village.[4] Raising sheep and goats has also been a traditional form of economic activity for villagers.[5] However, a lack of economic opportunities has led to emigration from the town, mainly to larger Greek cities such as Kalamata, Patras and Athens.[6]
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