Vasilitsi

Vasilitsi has a long history, it follows the history of Messinia , the wider area of Koroni.

Due to its southern location in Greece, the climate is classically Mediterranean , but it has its own microclimate . Due to the location and the height of the village opposite the mountain and the proximity of the sea, the humidity is relatively low , especially in summer. The climate is mild, frosts are rare and winters are not very cold, nor are summers excessively hot.

In ancient times , the area of Vasilitsi was under the control of Asini, the ancient Greek city that developed into Koroni. Historical maps of Venetian rule show the village from 1500 onward . The village already existed in Byzantine times and is mentioned in various sources under the name of Vasiltisi.

The origin of the name is not certain, some explanations are that the founder of the settlement was named Vasilis , a shepherd or herdsman from Arcadia who eventually settled in the area. Another version is that the village was named after a Byzantine princess named Vasilitsa, according to legend she married a wealthy Byzantine landowner and to honor her the settlement was named after her. It is certain that the great majestic church towering over Vasilisti was named in honor of Agios Vasilis , (Saint Basil - born ad 329, Caesarea Mazaca, Cappadocia), and the original inhabitants influenced that naming.

The local economy mainly revolves around agriculture, especially the harvesting and production of olive oil. In particular, the Koronaiki variety of olives , which yields a top quality extra virgin olive oil with low acidity , is highly sought after in Greece and abroad.

Willem Vandenameele