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The village was once called Selinitsa, an old Slavic name which many locals still use. Because its natural geomorphology and location is conducive, and because the fertile, quiet waters of the Messinian Gulf are ideal for netting and trawling, Selinitsa evolved from very early times as a fishing village. Its population and that of other villages in this part of Greece fell rapidly through emigration in the decades after World War II, but its harbour always remained active, providing a rich source of fish for the area. Since the main road from Kalamata was built in the late 1960s, tourism has brought new prosperity to the area and nowadays villagers also look after visitors who come to stay and enjoy the unique hospitality that their hotels, restaurants, cafés and shops offer. A considerable percentage of the local community has grown up abroad and numerous villagers speak perfect English, as well as other European languages.
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Although there are no ancient remains in the immediate area, three embattlement towers remain scattered around the village, the largest of which dominates the skyline on a hillock just behind the harbour, and the nearby hills have many Byzantine churches with spectacular views of the Messinian Gulf and of the Taygetos further inland.
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