Ruins of the city of Mendi is one of the most ancient archaeological findings on the peninsula of Kassandra.
Rest on the peninsula of Kassandra is rarely limited to just pastime on the beaches. The Halkidiki has too rich past, and there is too much to see here. For example, the ancient city of Mendi in the western part of Cassandra is its fortress and sanctuary, which was revered as a cult place.
History of Mendy: from heyday to decay
The city of Mendi was named after a local aromatic plant related to peppermint. Until now, this endemic grows in the vicinity of the ancient city. The first information about the city of Mendi was found in the works of the famous Thucydides - the ancient Greek historian. Thucydides was mentioned as Mendi the colony of Eretria. In its period of growth, this large acropolis had a significant influence, and people were involved in navigation.
In the VI century BC. Mendy was experiencing economic growth. They minted their own currency, possessed rich reserves of silver and gold, successfully exported wood and high-quality local wine. The vine and the image of vessels with wine were found by archaeologists on coins. A sunken ship with hundreds of amphorae which were used for transporting wine from Mendi was found near the coast of the island of Alonissos in 1990s`.
Prosperous Mendi controlled trade routes along the entire coast of Thrace and had trading relations with Greek colonies. Around the same period, the sculptor Peony was born in Mendi, the author of the famous sculpture of Nicky from Olympia. It is also known that Mendi was an ally of Athens. But, leaving the union, it was plundered by the Athenians after the Peloponnesian War. And then Mendi was captured by the troops of Philip II. The prosperity of neighbouring Olinfos overshadowed the glory of Mendy, as the foundation of the city of Cassandria, which "swallowed" it. Over time, the city lost its former importance and for a long time remained hidden underground. Although there are versions of the temporary rebirth of Mendy in the period of Roman rule.
Mendy today
It seemed that the tracks of the once prosperous Mendy were lost. But in 1835 the town was discovered by William Martin Lick, a British colonel who, studied Greece and its geography. The first complete excavation and research in Mendi was conducted from 1986 to 1994. Then the main archeological zone on the hill was opened, which almost reaches the sea. The rooms intended for storage are found on the Acropolis of Mendi, which extends to the top of the hill. The main finding here is the abundance of ceramics. A significant part of Mendi is occupied by a fortified wall, ancient houses and streets. A study of more than 200 graves in the cemetery of Mendy showed that there were mostly children.
One of the most important findings in Mendi is the sanctuary of Poseidon. It is located in Possidi, about 4 km from the main archaeological zone. The sanctuary served as a place of mass pilgrimage for centuries rituals and ceremonies were held here. Another arched building was recognized as the most ancient sanctuary found in Greece.
What's nearby:
The ancient city is located in a distance from the main hiking trails. Therefore, guests of the Kassandra Peninsula often do not even know about such an important landmark. The nearest infrastructure is in a nearby hotel, which is called Mendi. There are ancient burials of Mendi near the hotel. Anyone can afford lunch at a local restaurant or relax on the beach of the hotel for an extra charge. This beautiful and crowded coast stretches for several kilometers - you can meet only hotel guests and Greeks owning houses on this coast. If you do not need a chaise longue, you can stay at the beach for free.
Not far from Mendi is the resort village of Posidi. It is quite a popular place for summer holidays, which is famous for its long and clean beaches, good fish taverns and hotels of different categories. In Posidi there is a well-groomed quay and the famous sandy spit, which is known as one of the most beautiful beaches of Halkidiki.
Kalandra is the city 2.5 km from Mendi. All old houses are in harmony with modern infrastructure. In Kalandra you can have a snack, buy souvenirs and rent an apartment. Another nearest town to Mendi is Mola Kaliva. It is a cozy and quiet holiday village, which is worth choosing for good taverns, clean sea and hospitality of local residents.
If you have a chance, it is worth to go to Polygyros - this is the administrative center of the Halkidiki peninsula. There is the Archaeological Museum in Polygyros, where many findings from the ancient Mendy are kept and its necropolis is also placed here.
From Thessaloniki: from the central bus station on bus no. 45 to K.T.E.L. Halkidikis, then change to a shuttle bus to Posidi or Kalandra. From these cities to Mendi you can get by taxi in minutes.
