TOWER HOUSES
MANI PENINSULA, GREECE
Image Numbers 326 (upper) and 327 (Lower)
The characteristic tower houses of the Mani Peninsula, constructed with field stones, are distinct from the traditional blue and white buildings that characterize many Greek villages. The disposition of the residents is also flinty. Although not far from Athens, Mani has been remote for centuries and until recently its villages could be reached only by boat. The residents are characteristically gruff, tough, resistant to strangers (both Greek and foreign) and fiercely independent. However even they are forced to admit the tourists who are now bused into their enclave mostly against their will. The tourists, who expect to be welcomed throughout Greece, are shocked by the sullen Maniots. However, the Mani Peninsula offers some of the most spectacular architecture and coastal scenery in Greece. So Atticus, along with everyone else, went there just the same.
TECHNICAL NOTES
The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 35. Exposure of 1/111th of a second and aperture F10. 150mm Phase One telephoto lens with focal plane shutter. The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.