PASTRA MOUNTAIN

The little-known Mount Pastra lies between Kithairon and Parnitha, along the borders of Attica and Boeotia. Its shape is elongated, and its two highest peaks barely exceed 1,000 m (Kourteza 1,025 m and Bouzoureza 1,016 m).

Due to its strategic location on the border of the ancient city-states Athens and Thebes, many fortifications and watchtowers were built here, several of which still survive today. Among these are the castle of Eleftheres, also known as Gyftokastro, one of the largest and best-preserved ancient fortresses, and the iconic tower of Oinoi, dating from the 5th–4th centuries BC, guarding the Elefsina–Thebes passage.

In the early years of Christianity, the fertile valley of Oinoi attracted organized monasticism, leading to the construction of numerous monasteries, the most important and largest being that of Saint Meletios in the 11th century.

In modern history, the “Battle of Pyli” in the autumn of 1943 stands out. It was a fierce attack by German forces against ELAS resistance fighters following the Italian surrender. At dawn on October 16, a company of elite German soldiers arrived near the village of Mazi to seize weapons collected the previous day, burn Pyli, and punish its inhabitants.

The Arvanite residents of Pyli had been warned in advance and waited for the enemy under the heroic, yet tragic, reserve lieutenant Stefa Maliatsis. As the Germans approached, three shepherd boys were used as human shields, including Stefa’s eldest son, Giorgos.

The villagers held their breath, awaiting Stefa’s decision. When the Germans were 50 meters away, he gave the order: “Fire!” The first day resulted in 100 German soldiers killed and 42 captured. The next day, German forces were reinforced, and the battle lasted three days. After a steadfast resistance, the villagers and ELAS reinforcements of the 34th battalion retreated in an organized manner, ensuring women and children could evacuate and save their belongings.

During the battle, 14 villagers of Pyli lost their lives. The Germans burned the village, along with nearby Panakto, Skourta, and Krora. What they could not destroy was the thirst for freedom and the courage of the inhabitants, who continued their struggle until the final victory a year later.

The route initially crosses the Oinoi valley, ascends the forested slopes of Mount Pastra, and reaches the village of Pyli. It then continues mostly on passable dirt roads, passing near or through the villages of Panakto, Prasino, and Stefani, finishing at the chapel of Zoodochos Pigi with abundant flowing water. The final section runs between the Mornos water supply channel on one side and a beautiful, steep gorge on the other.

Most of the area covered by the route is dense pine forest, but rugged rocky slopes are also present. Although the route is nearly 50 km long, the terrain is not overly challenging. The longest climb (7 km with 400 m elevation gain) is at the beginning, allowing cyclists to have sufficient energy. The last 20 km are mostly downhill or on flat roads.

The village of Pyli, after the first third of the route, along with two springs, provides easy access to water and food, making them ideal rest stops.