Sketi

Sketi is a picturesque village with traditional stone houses, picturesque cobblestone alleys and a fairytale stone square under huge trees that give us a unique coolness in the summer. Perched on the slopes of Mavrovouni – included in the Natura 2000 Network – it gazes at the blue of the Aegean Sea amidst lush vegetation!

Very close to 3 km we find the source of the Bourboulithra stream and the many small lakes that are created. A little further on is the other small lake of Sketi surrounded by chestnut and walnut trees, a hidden oasis of coolness in the summer.

It took its name from the monks’ skeets that existed during the heyday of Mount Kelli. This is also evidenced by the Hermitage of Agioi Anargyroi, located northwest of the village.

These are two Nahydria with frescoes from the late 12th, 13th, and 16th centuries.

On the same side as the Nahydria, ruins of a fortress were discovered, probably the site of the Byzantine Centauropolis. This city controlled the road from today’s Agiokampos to Agia and played an important role as a fortified location for the coastal populations, during the first barbarian raids (3rd -4th AD centuries) and later against the Slavs and Saracens. (6th AD centuries).

Today we can hike in the Polydendri Forest with marked trails, MTB routes, rest on the former Royal estate, visit the Holy Monastery of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary of 1568, with 17th century frescoes and the Holy Monastery of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, a Catholic monastery of the 16th century with frescoes of 1530. Outside the village we will find ruins of the ancient castle, the chapel of Agios Athanasios 16th century, the Holy Taxiarches, the Prophet Elias, and the agios Sotiros.

Going down to the sea we will encounter the archaeological site on the hill of “Skiatha” which, according to the Ministry of Culture, from the excavation data so far, is a sanctuary of the Hellenistic period (3rd-2nd century BC) made of limestone and local stone. This is the first building of a walled city beyond the wall. Lower down, a tower belonging mainly to the Byzantine period was investigated.

Every October we celebrate in Skiti “The Gifts of the Earth” is the chestnut festival and local associations, women’s cooperatives and producers participate. Come and taste the gifts of the earth together and spend a beautiful Sunday.