THE “ETERNAL” VINE
The name of the vine originated from the renowned Greek traveller Pausanias. Pausanias visited the surrounding area in 173-174 AD. According to tradition, at the end of his visit he found the vine and rested under its shade. Its size impressed him and urged the locals to protect it and watch over it. Based on the connection with Pausanias, the age of the vine is estimated to be more than 2200 years, something that has not been precisely verified until today. The vine due to its growth appears to be very old and it is considered as one of the oldest preserved vine trees worldwide. According to one version of the third labor of Hercules, the deer of Cyrenia (Kerynitida elafos) with the bronze feet and the golden horns, in its attempt to escape from Hercules, got its mane or antlers tangled in the long branches of the vine and this is how Hercules managed to capture it.
Geodiversity
The vine is located in soils derived from the weathering of flysch layers. Flysch is a lithological formation consisting of various rocks such as sandstone and sandstone to mudstone alternations. In this area, the underlying rocks of the flysch are limestones, alternating with calcareous materials, sandstones and siltstones. Τhis combination of rocks is responsible for the thriving and good development of the vine . The vine requires good drainage and is not affected so much by the surface soil but mainly by the deeper layers as it develops an extensive root system that can extend to a depth of several meters. The soil and subsoil rich in calcium, magnesium and clay minerals, as well as the relatively mild climate prevailing in the area combined with the altitude and the exact location seem to be responsible for the longevity of this vine.
Biodiversity
The impressive wild vine was declared a Preserved Natural Monument.according to F.E.K. 738/2.3.1976 . The vine belongs to the species of wild vine Vitis vinifera, subsp. sylvestris and produces flowers that are only ‘male’ and this means that the vine is not fruit-bearing.
