Dimitsana
Between the steep slopes of Mount Mainalo, the mountain village of Dimitsana nestles. It is a traditional Peloponnese settlement, rich in history since antiquity and the Greek Revolution of 1821; it is a place known for its legendary heroes, fierce battles, and glorious achievements. Today, thanks to its proximity to Athens and its impressive beauty, Dimitsana is one of the most popular destinations in Greece all year round. The settlement is a typical example of Gortynia architecture, with stone-built mansions, such as the Tower of Xenios, which was built in 1850-51 by Pyrsogiannites and Lagkadia craftsmen.
Some of the most important attractions that you should not miss are:
- The Outdoor Museum of Hydrokinesis aims to highlight the traditional hydrokinetic installations in the area
- The old and new Monastery of Filosofou, as well as the Monastery of Prodromou, located inside the Lousios Gorge
- The archaeological site of Gortyna, where the sanctuary of Asclepius was located
- The Library of Dimitsana, which today numbers more than 35,000 volumes, manuscripts, and documents. It is noteworthy that during the revolution of 1821 part of the books were used to make cartridges as there was a shortage of paper
- The six surviving gunpowder mills, as Dimitsana played an important role during the years of Turkish rule, by establishing the “hidden school” and producing the “Dimitsanitiko gunpowder”
- The houses of the heroes Patriarch Gregory V and Palaion Patras Germanos
- The gorge of Lousios for rafting and hiking
- Finally, during the winter months, the ski center of Ostrakina is open for skiing enthusiasts.
Stemnitsa
Known as “Ὑποῦς” during antiquity, Stemnitsa, this traditional settlement of Mainalo, built at 1083m, played a decisive role in the national liberation. Due to its leading role in the Greek Revolution, it was the seat of the first Peloponnesian Senate and the first informal capital of the revolutionary Greek nation. Stemnitsa is a cultural center with important attractions, such as the School of Silversmithing and its Folklore Museum. Also, it is the starting point of the first certified path in Greece and the tenth in Europe, the well-known Menalon Trail, which attracts hikers from all over the world.
Lagkadia
It is no coincidence that Lagkadia is called the “hanging village of the Peloponnese”, since it looks as if it is hung over the gorge, which is formed by the Tuthoa river (a tributary of Ladonas). It is a picturesque town, amphitheatrically built on a verdant slope of Mainalo, at an altitude of 1000 meters and only 65km from Tripoli. The historical Lagkadia are known for their contribution to the Greek Revolution against the Ottomans. Also, it is a famous village for its craftsmen, these unique stone craftsmen, who literally adorned with their magnificent stone architectures (bridges, mansions, churches, water mills, etc.), not only Arcadia, but also Peloponnese, Epirus and many regions of Greece. Lagkadia is a sightseeing in itself, with its plane trees, picturesque cobblestones and running waters. You will find traditional cafes, restaurants and taverns for your coffee or food, as well as various options in guesthouses and rooms for rent.
Vytina
Vytina is another traditional settlement in the Arcadian land and one of the most famous mountain resorts in the Peloponnese and in Greece. At an altitude of 1,033 meters, overlooking the fir-covered Mount Mainalo, in a verdant area surrounded by firs, pines and chestnuts, Vytina is an ideal destination for all seasons of the year. Built at a central location, it offers easy access to the ski center of Mainalo, but also to the other villages in the area. Its main square is full of taverns, cafes-bars and shops selling wood carvings and local products (mainly cheese, pasta and honey). One of its most popular spots is the romantic tree-covered “Street of Love”. The Church of Agios Tryphon, the Folklore Museum and the remarkable library with documents and books from the 17th century are also worth visiting. The stately Vytina with its stone-built houses, its quaint narrow streets and romantic alleys and its ideal climate rewards its visitors providing unforgettable holidays.
Karytaina
The writer Nikos Kazantzakis rightly called it “Toledo of Greece”. Karytaina is one of the most picturesque and historical villages of Arcadia, a well-preserved, traditional settlement that retains the color of the medieval castle state. The sight is impressive when visitors see it from a distance. Its Frankish castle, built on top of an imposing steep rock, was one of the most important fortresses of the Peloponnese, both during the Frankish period and the Greek revolution of 1821. Stately stone houses, old Byzantine churches, cobbled streets and bridges, all create a medieval atmosphere, offering its visitors unique moments of relaxation. Karytaina is surrounded by pristine nature and wild life, particularly that around the impressive gorge created by the Alfios river. Alternative tourism companies operate for rafting and kayak, attracting many sports enthusiasts, at the point where Alfios joins Lousios river.
