Diakonia Initiative
by The Karoussos Archives
Sustainable Village Initiative
Reimagine Sustainability through cultural heritage lenses.
Climate change, resource depletion, and social isolation threaten rural communities worldwide. We need inspiring examples of sustainable living that can be replicated and scaled.
Verga, a historical hamlet in Mani, Greece, is poised to become a global model for sustainable village development.
We invite partners, investors, and volunteers to be part of this groundbreaking initiative. Together, we can make Verga a beacon of hope, demonstrating that a sustainable future is not just possible, but thriving.
The village of Verga
Located in the southern part of the Peloponnese peninsula, the village of Verga has a rich history dating back to the eleventh century. Formerly known as Selitsa Verga village, amphitheatrically built at the foot of Taygetus, goes back to the ninth or eleventh century.
Geographically speaking, Verga is in the middle of two significant Byzantine castes, Mystras and Monemvasia.
Verga's architectural style is based on a distinct style of vernacular architecture characterized by its defensive features and austere beauty. Walking the cobblestone paths of the village, which have been designated as cultural heritage sites, one gets the impression that it is one of Mystras' neighbourhoods.​
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On June 26, 1826, during the Greek Revolution, the civilians of Selitsa vanquished the adversaries, who retreated completely, leaving all of Mani unslaved.
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In the 1970s, locals began selling their homes and establishing their current neighbourhood a little further down the village and closer to Kalamata, seeking to live in better conditions.
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Today Verga village is a "cart blanche" where the possibilities are endless. The village has the potential to become a model village that celebrates sustainable development; a community that prioritizes environmental responsibility and sets an example for others to follow.
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Actions
Solar Power
Incorporate the use of rooftop solar panels- photovoltaic tiles, with a focus on aesthetics. Verga village is a historical site with cobblestone paths designated as a cultural heritage asset. An invisible solar panel installation creates a unique environmental strategy that does not harsh the historical and cultural legacy of Moreas.
Rainwater Harvesting
Byzantine cisterns were highly efficient water storage systems. By Integrating traditional cistern designs with modern rainwater harvesting techniques, Verga village has a public spring that can be integrated with modern harvesting techniques.
Community Workshops
Community Workshops: Revive the tradition of "ergasteria" (workshops) where skilled artisans mentor villagers in new sustainable technologies.
Panegyrics Annual Event (festival):
A joyous celebration of faith, community, and the harvest season, incorporating elements from Byzantine history and culture while catering to a modern audience (Grand Opening Procession, Religious Services, Marketplace, Food stalls, Concerts, Workshops, etc.).