Kastania

Kastania is a town in Mesa Mani, in Laconia, Greece. It is part of the municipal unit Smynos. In 1770, after the Orlov Revolt failed, the Ottomans wanted to punish the Maniots for their support of it. They attacked the two Maniot pyrgoi which belonged to the Venetsanakis clan. With them was the father of the hero of the Greek War of Independence, Theodoros Kolokotronis, Kostantinos Kolokotronis and his wife who was pregnant with his son. The Ottoman commander Hussan Bey, laid siege to the pyrgoi. After holding out for three days the defenders burst out of the pyrgoi's doors and charged the Turks. Only a few cut through the Turkish lines. Amongst them was Kolokotronis' wife dressed as a man. Now Kastania is a peaceful town.