On This Day in 1821: The Battle of Gravia Inn

·

By Chrisos Mavromoustakos

The Battle of Gravia Inn was fought between Greek revolutionary fighters and the Ottoman Empire on May 8, 1821. The fight was led by Odysseas Androutsos, with a group of 120 men against an 8,000 men Ottoman army.

After the victory in the Battle of Alamana, Turkish commander Omer Vrioni looked to attack the Peloponnese. This was until he was met by Androutsos and his men inside an old inn. Dimitrios Panaourgias and Duovounitis also had a group of men who took post at a higher position. The two captains thought the inn would be blown up and the battle would end in disaster, hence why the higher position allowed them to flee.

The Ottomans surrounded the inn; however, they were taken back by a number of heavy losses. The Ottomans paused their attack at night, which proved to be a huge devastation for them. While they were taking cannons to the inn, the Greeks had fled into the mountains quietly while the Turkish allies, the Albanians, were fast asleep.

Reconstructed Inn of Gravia. Photo: Wikipedia Commons

The Albanians who charged into the building were met by heavy gunfire, and suffered many casualties. Androutsos ordered his men to fire together at once, while the others would fill their guns to take their place. This was the best method to counter any massive attack. The Ottomans were also met with gunfire and were forced to leave.

Vrioni suffered huge casualties, with 300 soldiers dead and 600 wounded within the first couple of hours of fighting. This was a shear contrast to Androutsos, who only lost 6 countrymen.

The battle resulted in Vrioni retreating back to Evia and allowed for the Greeks to regain control of the Peloponnese and regather the capital of Tripoli.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Ethnic media: A necessary platform informing a multicultural Australia

Independent ethnic media like The Greek Herald play a vital role in Australia’s multicultural landscape, delivering culturally specific news.

From Kythera to Katoomba: Preserving the heritage of the Paragon Café

Founded in 1916 by Greek migrant Jack Simos, Katoomba’s Paragon Café is undergoing long-overdue heritage restoration after years of neglect.

Oakleigh Grammar students selected for prestigious Monash Scholars Program

Oakleigh Grammar is celebrating the selection of three Year 10 students into the prestigious Monash Scholars Program.

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia plans revival of historic Mount Gambier church

A historic church in Mount Gambier, South Australia may soon be revived as a place of worship by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.

McDermott Aviation finalist in Australian awards amid Greek wildfire deployment

Australia’s heli-aviation operator, McDermott Aviation, has been announced finalist in two categories at the 2025 Australian Aviation Awards.

You May Also Like

‘It’s in my DNA’: Con Dedes on how his Greek upbringing inspired his culinary journey

Restauranteur Con Dedes, owner of Dedes Waterfront Group, shares his story and how his Greek heritage has inspired his journey.

‘I want my people at the Sydney Opera House’: Mary Coustas ahead of one-woman comedy show

For the first time in her career comedian Mary Coustas will take the Opera House’s Playhouse to premiere her one-woman-show, This Is Personal.

Greek Australian business leaders supporting the Gut Foundation

Half our population complain of digestive problems in any 12 month period, and the rates are only increasing. Bowel cancer is the most common...