Nea Figaleia Explained

Nea Figaleia
Name Local:Νέα Φιγαλεία
Type:community
Periph:West Greece
Periphunit:Elis
Municipality:Zacharo
Municunit:Figaleia
Pop Community:954
Population As Of:2021
Elevation:451
Coordinates:37.4167°N 67°W
Postal Code:27056
Area Code:+30 26250

Nea Figaleia (Greek, Modern (1453-);: Νέα Φιγαλεία, before 1927: Zουρτσα - Zourtsa[1]) is an historical town in Elis, that since the 2011 local government reform is a part of the municipality of Zacharo, Elis, Peloponnese, Greece. The town was the seat of the municipality of Figaleia until 2011 (Kallikratis Programme).[1] Its average altitude is 451 meters above sea level. It has many churches, among which the predominantly old stone church St. Nicholas. The folklore museum and the community clinic are located along the main road. The main landscape is formed of olive trees and cypresses with a panoramic view towards the Ionian Sea.

History

Zourtsa's settlement probably dates back to the 11th century A.D.. Important document for the Zourtsa's history is the golden seal of Mystras, signed in 1321 by Andronikos II Palaiologos. Zourtsa undertaking a significant role during the Independence War of 1821. It was mentioned by the Turkish traveler Evliya Çelebi who visited the area between 1668 and 1671. He described it as a famous resort, full of springs, vineyards, gardens and 150 stone-built houses. The town was renamed Kato Figalia in 1927, and Nea Figaleia in 1976.[1]

Population

Year Town Community
1951 1,925 2,082
1961 1,669 2,004
1971 1,645 1,965
1981 1,318 1,614
1991 1,329 1,689
2001 1,279 1,624
2011 785 1,033
2021 731 954

See also

References

  1. Web site: EETAA local government changes . 26 June 2020.

External links