Gavalou

Gavalou (Greek: Γαβαλού) is a town in Aetolia-Acarnania, Greece. In 2001 its population was 1,289. Gavalou is in the municipal unit of Makryneia. The town is located south and southeast of Lake Trichonida and is about 20 km south southeast of Agrinio towards the interior of Aetolia-Acarnania.Gavalou was named after the famous Greek general Gavalas, who died in that area after one of his battles. The lake situated next to the town of Gavalou is lake Trihonida, which is the third largest lake in the Balkan region. The area used to be inhabited by the citizens of the Aitoliki Simpoliteia, and the name of the area during the ancient times was Trihonis. Gavalou is also famous in Greece for its extremely high average summer temperatures.

Nearest places

• Kato Makrinou
• Makrinos
• Kourteleika (Kourtelaiika)

Subdivisions

• Kourteleika (Kourtelaiika)

Population

Geography

Its geography includes farmlands within the shoreline and mountains to the south with forests and grasslands.

History

Gavalou is probably ancient Thrichonium a town of Aetolia, from which the lake Trichonis derived its name. Its position is uncertain. Leake places it S. of the lake at a place called Gavala, and Kiepert, in his map E. of the lake. But since Strabo mentions it along with Stratus as situated in a fertile plain, it ought probably to be placed N. of the lake (Strab. x. p. 450; Pol. v. 7; Steph. B. s. v.). It was evidently a place of importance, and several natives of this town are mentioned in history. (Pol. iv. 3, v. 13, xvii. 10; Paus. ii. 37. § 3; Leake, Northern Greece, vol. i. p. 155.)

The Old Aetolia was the seacoast extending from the Achelous to Calydon, reaching for a considerable distance into the interior, which is fertile and level; here in the interior lie Stratus and Trichonium, the latter having excellent soilA prominent figure was Alexander, of Trichonium in Aetolia and he was commander of the Aetolians in B. C. 218 and 219. He attacked the rear of the army of Philip on his return from Thermus, but the attempt was unsuccessful, and many Aetolians fell. (Polyb. v. 13)

The town in modern history has been struck by several earthquakes , up to 5.7 on the Richter scale. Several houses and buildings were damaged and were in the minor ranges.

Transportation

Gavalou is linked with a road linking the GR-5 (Antirrio - Messolongi - Arta - Ioannina) and the eastern half. Makryneia is located south of Karpenisi, WNW of Nafpaktos, north of Messolongi, ENE of Aitoliko and ESE of Agrinio.

Other

Gavalou has a school, a lyceum (middle school) a gymnasium (high school), banks, churches, a post office, a few supermarkets, a police station, pharmacies and a square (plateia).

External links

• Gavalou on GTP Travel Pages

References