Filiatra is at Kyparissias-Pylos road at an altitude of 80m and has approximately 6,800 residents. It is a rather big town, built in the center of a prosperous valley and at the same time it is an important commercial center for the region. It took its name after the many wells that were in the region, and more specifically after the well’s brim which in the local dialect is called “filiatro”.

The region has been constantly inhabited since the pre-historic era and Filiatra is identified with the ancient town of Erana, which is found in Agia Kyriaki’s region. In 1886, a strong earthquake destroyed a big part of the city that was reconstructed later. In the town’s square a beautiful Venetian fountain stands out, which was constructed in Florence in 1871 and it is decorated with a woman figure on the top and four children figures at its base. In Filiatra, you will also find the famous historic clock of Filiatra. Another sight worth visiting is the “Eiffel Tower” in the northwestern town’s entrance, which was constructed in the previous century as an offer by the expatriate doctor from America Charalampos Fournarakis.

The surrounding area is full with important medieval and byzantine monuments, such as the church of Agios Christoforos (St. Christoforos), the church of Panagia (Holy Mary) of Vlacherna, the church of Analipsis (Ascension of Christ) which is considered to be the most important in Greece since it is the most ancient church with a cruciform roof, and of course the ruins of the monastery of Evaggelistria. The patron saint of the town is Agios Charalampos (St. Charalampos) who is celebrated every year on February 10^th with a big festival.

Filiatra has a long cultural tradition. The “Syllogos Filiproodon Filiatron” an association of Filiatra was awarded in 1991 by the Athens Academy. There is also a Music School, a Philarmonic and a dance group with a long tradition on promoting Greek traditional dances. The town also has two important cultural centers, Vorreion and Fournarakeion. Filiatra boomed during the 19^th century from raisins, olive oil and wine exports. Every year from mid-May to mid-June the town organizes the Feast of Watermelon, during which the locals offer watermelon to visitors. Close to the town you will find many beautiful beaches, such as Stomio beach, Agias Kyriakis beach, and others.