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The municipality of Kalavrita has a great history and it is located in Achaia Prefecture and its capital city is Kalavrita. It was established in 1944, with the liberation of Greece, as a tribute to the victims of the massacre of Kalavrita. Currently has an area of 531,797 hectares (the largest municipality of Achaia) and 8580 population (census 2001). In this area was established Kalavrita ski centre known as Helmos ski centre.

The Ski Center is located in Kalavrita at NW Helmos at an altitude of 1700m. (Xerokampos) to 2.340m. (Neraidorahi). Operating since 1988 it has 7 lifts, 12 runs, spacious parks, cafes, restaurants, shop and ski rental, ski school and First Aid Station. It is 14 km from Kalavrita and 203 km from Athens with very good connection. The Center is open daily during the winter season (December to April) from 09:00 to 16:00.

Each major project has its visionary and creator. These two titles, concerning the history of Kalavrita Ski Centre has given unconditionally to Panos Polka, who served as Kalavrita mayor for about twenty years.

The anxiety about the economic development of his region and the will to keep the population was in constant way the anxiety of Panos Polka. He moved to exploit the coal deposits, up to a secure wing of the military industry Aegio or the operation of a higher school in Kalavrita. Lignite was a risky venture for the environment. The arms industry was unprofitable in an area that had neither a rudimentary road network. The college could not meet the needs of the country site.

The alternative of mild tourist development was no longer the concern seriously. Arachova available to the ski centre and Delphi was the challenge. Panos Polka realized that he has at his disposal Kalavrita to its unique natural beauty, amazing Helmos mountain, a modern history, the rack and many other advantages. While all these elements promises a huge growth potential remained untapped. One area that was important pre-war resort languished in the hands of fate.

Through this discussion came the idea to create one Ski Centre. Moreover Helmos attracted by kings, successors and ordinary people and lovers that was interested for mountaineering and skiing. It’s added an extra confidence and argument to externalize the idea without being exposed to be graphic.

In the process, which was not an easy task for one billion drachmas, fortunately he found companions. Luck seemed to be a part of the then powerful Achaean MP and minister Menios Koutsogiorgas shared the “craze” and gave him the green light. Here in this historic area for our meeting, the ski runs from the theoretical realm to implement.

Menios Koutsogiorgas, although made partaker of the vision, but it certainly could not allocate the budget for the whole of Achaia in a single project. At this stage discovers the idea that “Faith moves mountains.” Panos Polka is intrusive to the point of sitting in the corridors of the offices of the whole day. There were many times that ministers say “we finally pass this polka to get rid of him.” The idea would had be leaving if he had not met his request.

A visit to New York in 1980, namely in the twin towers was a municipal enterprise that gave him the idea for the service management. When this idea matured and legislated in Greece, he grabbed the opportunity and created the first public company in the country for holding the Ski Centre, which opened in 1988.

The Ski Centre has changed radically in the economy, not only of Kalavrita but and the surrounding area. New businesses and accommodation facilities created in the most remote villages. The real estate xerochorafa converted into a prized and expensive land. The beneficial effects have been felt by Aegio City. It would be an exaggeration to say that the ski set the future development of the hole area for the next 50 years.

Panos Polka vindicated. He was lucky to see, enjoy and be happy seeing that his work was growing up. His vision was realized, the persistence paid off. Leaving his life gave a tremendous legacy. Kalavrita become the second winter tourist destination in Greece after Arachova.

There are many local attractions beginning with the Monastery of Agia Lavra that is located 5 km southwest of the city of Kalavrita.

According to tradition, and the data available, the history of the monastery begins in the times of the Nikiforos Fokas Empire. Eugene Hermit who came there from Mountain Athos found the Monastery. Began building in 961 in the place of Palaiomonastiro (west of the current position of the monastery). With the passage of time took physical infrastructure and human resources. So at some time had gathered 960 monks.

In 1585 was burnt by the Turks, where it was destroyed. In 1600 it begins the reconstruction. On March 19, 1689 began the construction of the new building in Byzantine style, stone, three winged building. Since then to 1943, the monastery of Agia Lavra, has suffered many fires and looting. On May 14, 1826 Ibrahim ordered the burning of the monastery. In 1828 the reconstruction of the monastery restarted. On July 24, 1844 an earthquake destroyed the monastery. In 1850 the reconstruction restarted. The church became a basilica with a dome and surrounded several cells.

In 1821 became the centre of the national revolution against the Turks, with the raising of banners and the inauguration of the fighters from Paleon Patron Germanos.

New persecutions, killings and destruction, the monastery saw from the Nazi troops in December of 1943. They burned the monastery, plundered the warehouses and executed three monks who had left the monastery. The monks had hidden a little further away when they came back the troops, bringing with them the relics and banners that were saved and over again to repair and rebuild.

In 1950, the monastery, with offers of believers and support from the state were entirely rebuilt. In recent years it is operated under the guidance of the abbot Philaretos Konstantakopoulos.

The most valuable treasure in the monastery is the Banner of the oath of the rebels in 1821 that the first flag of the Greek nation. Furthermore, the epitaph of 1754 embroidered in Izmir, the image of St. George embroidered in Istanbul by Kokona, a gospel donated by the Empress of Russia, Catherine II the Great, the gold-embroidered vestments of Paleon Patron Germanos, amulets, wood crosses and shrines of saints.

Also notable is the skull of “St. Alexis, The Man of God” patron of the martyred city of Kalavrita, whose memory is celebrated on March 17th and is donated by the Emperor Paleologos Emmanuel in 1398. There is also the head of St. Filaretos the Merciful, of Saint Panteleimon, of Saint Paraskevi, of Saint Anargyroi etc.

Apart from the major relics and remains there at the Monastery, a very important treasure is the 3,000 publications in the library. The oldest dates from 1502. The setting of the library contributed significantly Lavriotiko Cyril in 1796 and Kalavritinos teacher monk Gregory Ioannidis in 1929.

Kalavrita Territory as have understood is a special and historical Greek area that offers to its visitors great time, adventure, culture information and activities for their vacations. The only think is to visit Kalavrita.