Interesting Facts

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The origin of the name Fourni has various theories. One attributes it to the second daughter of a mythical king, Fournea, who ruled from a castle on Lazes beach. Another theory suggests it comes from the Latin term "Fournous-i," meaning a complex of a watermill and oven. Some believe the name refers to the high summer temperatures.

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 Archaeological findings suggest that the area has been inhabited for thousands of years. Near Lambagianna beach lies the renowned archaeological site of Franchthi Cave, which was first inhabited 30,000 years ago.

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Traces of habitation from the 9th century AD have also been found in the area now called Papoulia. The inhabitants likely moved to the current central square (Vrisi) due to its advantageous spring.

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The first official reference to the village dates back to 1376 during Frankish rule. The Arvanites settled in the 14th century, boosting the population.

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A Venetian census at the end of the 16th century recorded 60 houses and 143 inhabitants, with the Church of the Archangels and the chapel of the Virgin Mary.

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By 1870, the village had one of the three public mutual-teaching schools in the area with around 60 students.

In recent years, the elementary school closed due to a small number of students.

 

Until the late 1980s, the village had 3-4 grocery stores/cafes. Now, only one remains, located in the center in a traditional building with a lovely courtyard full of orange trees.

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The village has maintained its beauty and charm. Most of the old houses have been renovated, new ones are being built in a similar style, and it remains clean and well-maintained.