Nea Figaleia (Greek: Νέα Φιγαλεία, before 1927: Zουρτσα - Zourtsa[2]) is an historical town in Elis, that since the 2011 local government reform is a part of the municipality of Zacharo, Elis, Peloponnese, Greece. The town was the seat of the municipality of Figaleia until 2011 (Kallikratis Programme).[2] Its average altitude is 451 meters above sea level. It has many churches, among which the predominantly old stone church St. Nicholas. The folklore museum and the community clinic are located along the main road. The main landscape is formed of olive trees and cypresses with a panoramic view towards the Ionian Sea.

Nea Figaleia
Νέα Φιγαλεία
Nea Figaleia is located in Greece
Nea Figaleia
Nea Figaleia
Coordinates: 37°25′N 21°46′E / 37.417°N 21.767°E / 37.417; 21.767
CountryGreece
Administrative regionWest Greece
Regional unitElis
MunicipalityZacharo
Municipal unitFigaleia
Elevation
451 m (1,480 ft)
Population
 (2021)[1]
 • Community954
Time zoneUTC+2 (EET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+3 (EEST)
Postal code
27056
Area code(s)+30 26250

History edit

Zourtsa's settlement probably dates back to the 11th century A.D.. Important document for the Zourtsa's history is the golden seal of Mystras, signed in 1321 by Andronikos II Palaiologos. Zourtsa undertaking a significant role during the Independence War of 1821. It was mentioned by the Turkish traveler Evliya Çelebi who visited the area between 1668 and 1671. He described it as a famous resort, full of springs, vineyards, gardens and 150 stone-built houses. The town was renamed Kato Figalia in 1927, and Nea Figaleia in 1976.[2]

Population edit

Year Town Community
1951 1,925 2,082
1961 1,669 2,004
1971 1,645 1,965
1981 1,318 1,614
1991 1,329 1,689
2001 1,279 1,624
2011 785 1,033
2021 731 954

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ "Αποτελέσματα Απογραφής Πληθυσμού - Κατοικιών 2021, Μόνιμος Πληθυσμός κατά οικισμό" [Results of the 2021 Population - Housing Census, Permanent population by settlement] (in Greek). Hellenic Statistical Authority. 29 March 2024.
  2. ^ a b c "EETAA local government changes". Retrieved 26 June 2020.

External links edit