About us | The Hill of Santova

A few words about "Lofos"

In an idyllic place in Santova-Messinia, with sight to the Messinian gulf, we welcome you to the family restaurant the “hill of Santova” founded in 2007 to taste our delicious Greek cuisine.

Pure traditional materials, of our production, cooked by the skilful hands of Mrs Barbara guarantee an unprecedented dining experience for your night out as well as any family or business event you want to organize.

Dine in the cool veranda in a very quiet and pleasant environment. Enjoy the perfect ambience and warm family environment that offers the “Hill of Santova”.

A few words about the region

Ano Mantineia (“Upper Mantineia”) or Ano Chora was first mentioned in 1463, as opposed to the older Mantineia on the coast. In the mid 18th century, it was an important settlement in the area of Zarnata (Ζαρνάτα). It had 59 families (around 277 people) in 1704. In the late 18th century the smaller settlement Mikri Mantineia was founded, and the older Ano Mantineia was renamed to Megali Mantineia (“Great Mantineia”).

The village joined the municipality of Avia in 1835. From the mid 19th century, a part of the population moved into the seaside areas including Palaiochora (now Avia), Archontikoand Akrogiali. Still Megali Mantineia kept a large population: 413 in 1851, 469 in 1879 and 424 in 1907. In 1914 Megali Mantineia became an independent community which included the new settlements. In 1924 the seat of the community moved to the seaside village Palaiochora. In 1926 both the settlement Palaiochora and the community were renamed to Avia.