Agia Eleoussa means the ‘begging saint’. This old monastery inside a big cave near the Bezinikou summit overlooking Vlacherna, has only its church left intact and no monks to show for. It still affords stunning views and can be reached from the village.
The Church of Saint Theodra can be found outside the village of Vasta near Megalopoli. It was built between the 10th and 12th centuries. According to tradition the construction of the church is linked with the martyrdom of Theodora who was an 11th century Byzantine citizen born in the area of Ancient Melpiea.
On the boundary of Lakonia in an idyllic setting among fir and cypress trees, this monastery from 1720 lies above Kaltezes at 680 meters. It was re-established inconspicuously during Ottoman years after the forest had almost reclaimed it.
Don’t miss the 11th-century church of Ayios Nikolaos in quiet Karitena with its vivid and generally well-preserved frescoes, even despite the Ottomans trying to erase the faces on these frescoes. If it’s locked ask the locals to find the caretaker.
Delve into the life of this local politician and prime minister of Greece from 1924 to 1932. Photographs from his family life, military life and political life are on display, as well as personal belongings, including letters in German and large personal library.
At the beginning of the plain of Asea in today’s Sapolivado (Sapiko in Byzantine times) there are remains of the area’s old acropolis.
This may be the site of Ancient Brasiae or Brasias with remains of a very ancient acropolis lying on the hill above Agios Andreas, with ruins from Palasgian times. Graves from different periods are also present.
Near the village of Piana where the waters of the Elisson or Davia River run, there are remains of the ancient city of Dipaea. There’s also a medieval castle.
Loutra Iraeas near the Ladonas bridge has sulphur springs which may have been popular in antiquity. Very good mosaics are present in what used to an ancient bathhouse, in an area known also as Liadora. The ruins of Ancient Iraea (built by Iraeus, son of Lycaon) are found south of here, near Ayios Ioannis on the banks of the Alfeos river. The city, which had two temples dedicated to Dionysus and an edifice for orgies, was also home of the famous athlete Damaretos (who was victorious in the armed race at the Olympics).
Overlooking the plain of Megalopolis, Lykosoura is a very ancient holy city with remains from temples dedicated to Despoina, Demeter and the Great Mother, one dating from the 4th century BC.
Just 10 km from Tripoli in the plain of Milia lie the remains of Ancient Mantineia (or Mantinea) and its acropolis. There are traces of temples, a theatre, an agora and other buildings. A strange doorless sanctuary dedicated to Poseidon also existed here.
Having gathered settlers from all over Arkadia, Megalopolis offered temples to many gods such as Zeus, Asclepius, the Mother of the Gods and more. Its ruins include the Stoa of Philippos, Sanctuary of Zeus Soter, Stoa of Myropolis and a Bouleterion. There was also an ancient theatre which seats for than 20,000 people and considered the largest in Greece. Its good acoustics have made it a place for drama revivals in recent times.
There are some ruins of Methydrion Here, including a temple dedicated to Poseidon Hypios. Not far off, the village of Valtetsiniko is said to be where Ancient Lousoi once stood.
On a small hill near the village of Nestani or Tsipiana there are remains of the Acropolis of Nostia (also Nostea or Nestani). The settlement was part of Ancient Mantineia in the 5th century BC. There are Pelasgian walls and parts of a wall tower, the only evidence of many towers that were part of the wall.
Near Dimitsana there are remains of cyclopean walls, an acropolis, and buildings from the classical era, which could be from the ancient city of Teuthis. The town reached its zenith in the Middle Ages, mentioned in Patriarchal documents in 963.
See neolithic and early bronze-age items from Agiorgitika and Asea, as well as sculptures from the temple of Alea Athena at Tegea and the area. Small objects from the temple are also found, plus inscriptions from the archaic to the byzantine era, and reliefs form early Christian/Byzantine times (Episkopi Tegeas).
Housed in a neoclassical building – formerly a hospital – designed by Ernst Ziller, the museum boasts 7000 finds from Arkadia, including prehistoric, Mycenaean, geometric, archaic, Classical, Hellenistic and Roman artefacts. Clay idols, jars, children’s toys, figurines, glass, pottery, votive reliefs…
The Astros Museum has exhibits of inscriptions from the villa of Herod Atticus (on the site of the Loukou Convent), marble statues of gods from the Classical period, inscriptions, pottery, small items from various periods, etc.
The museum contains a rich collection of folklore pieces, the main ones being bronze handmade utensils from Tripolitsa, the historical name of Tripoli.
A strong family with tradition in winemaking and quality wine. Over 30 years’ experience in producing high-end wine and unique microclimate of Mantineia have created products that boast a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) label. Try the Mantineia Bosinaki white 2010!
Remains of a byzantine castle, destroyed in 1460, lie in on the hill of Mouchli near the village of Agiorgitika. The castle city housed the church of Panagia Mouchliotissa of the 13th century. Some columns of the church still remain.
There are remains of the Castle of Akova some 3.5 kilometres outside Vyziki. The castle represents a barony founded in the 13th century. It was built by Baron Gautier de Rosieres on more ancient ruins, and changed hands from the Franks to the Byzantines to the Venetians and the Ottomans. Only a few parts of the wall and tower remain intact, but the magic that surrounds the area is still there. Only a few parts of the wall and tower remain intact, but the magic that surrounds the area is still there.
Northeast of Leonidio in a very difficult-to-reach location lies the cave of Dionysos, requiring rope and a descent on an aerial ladder. Inhabited during Neolithic times and later on, the cave is reputed to feature conches and even pieces of figurines in its floor.
The Byzantine church of the Apostoles, 14th century, with wall-paintings (for many years covered by a coat of whitewash), has been described as one of the finest in Greece.
A well-preserved 11th century church from the Byzantine era at this convent hosts a miraculous icon of the Saviour.
This amazing little winery that lies in the green valleys of Arcadia produces some fantastic organic wines that will surprise your pallet. The Spiropoulos family will welcome you with open arms and invite you to taste these tasty wines.
Excavations have revealed parts of a theatre from the Hellenistic period (175 BC), an agora from the Hellenistic and Roman period, two early Christian basilicas (5th-6th century AD), amazing mosaic floors and parts of a Byzantine settlement (10th-13th century AD). In the middle ages the area was called Nikliou.
In the community of Manari (Mantineia), this little museum exhibits textiles, local costumes, tools and other traditional paraphernalia like an old curiosity shop. It has been operating since 1974.
In the renovated old primary school of Partheni there is a folk museum that has tools and items used in the not-too-distant past by the locals. It includes objects and tools of everyday life such us woven embroidery, jewellery, local costumes, agricultural tools, and decorative items for the house. There are also documents and letters with texts about the traditions and history of the area.
Right on the village square in an old house lies this folk museum housing. The museum is divided into two sections. In the first there are traditional items of daily use and tools, reflecting also the agricultural life of local families in the recent past. Old household items and traditional paraphernalia are on display. In the second part there are ecclesiastical utensils, pictures of candles and samples of the military equipment of the Greek Revolutionary Fighters of 1821.
In the picturesque village of Karitena lies a Frankish castle since the days when the Franks took over the region from the Byzantines, around 1209. Under the Franks the town was given to Hugo de la Bruyeres, who built the castle on a hilltop in 1245 and gave it to his son Geoffrey. The castle is sometimes referred to as the Toledo of Greece for its strategic location right at the entrance to the Alpheios Gorge. Greek hero Tehodore Kolokotronis made use of this during the revolution against the Ottomans. While the castle is not in the best condition and is not always open to the public, a snoop around its walls can be enchanting.
This museum is found in on old stone house built in a traditional style. It is accessible from the village of Chrissovitsi.
The remains of a prehistoric settlement have been found in the area of Kafyes.
Kapsia Cave (near the village of Kapsia) may not be open to the public yet, but it is certainly one of the important caves in the country. Clay objects and human bones have been found there attesting to ancient civilizations, while the cave itself is a rainbow of colours from green and blue to yellow and red, full of stalactites and stalagmites.
In Korakovouni, lying among some venerable plane trees are the remains of a Venetian castle.
Not far from Yefira (‘bridge’ over the Alfeos river) is the medieval settlement of Leontari. Ruins of the town’s caslte are found on the hill. Leontari was an important 14th century town and the seat of the Despots of the Morea (Peloponnese).
Accessed from the village of Dimitsana, this famous gorge runs along most of the Loussios river and is famous for its beauty. Rare plants and birds found only in the area offer a unique opportunity for hiking, along with stone bridges, old churches and other landmarks. Exit the gorge at the village of Hellenikon.
Arkadia is home to the luxurious mansion of Herod Atticus with fine sculptures, amazing statues and intricate mosaics with intricate shapes, found at Eva in Astros. The Loukous Monastery is located nearby.
The beautiful road from Dyrrachi to reach this historic monastery is an experience in itself. The monastery featured a secret school and harbored hearoes from the Greek revolution (e.g. Zacharias, Papaflessas, Anagnostaras, Nikitaras, Kolokotronis, etc.). Wall paintings by Michalis Pediotis of Crete date to 1714 .
Right above the village of Kandila in Mantineia on the steep mountainside, this nunnery has suffered damage in the last couple of hundred years. In the rocks behind the church lies a cave that’s used as a fridge.
This 16th century church has fine wall-paintings and pretty woods close by. The remains of a Byzantine fort can be seen on Aimilianos hill which affords a good view of Mount Chelmos (or Aroania) and Mount Erymanthos.
Founded in 963 AD by Ioannis Lambardopoulos – philosopher at the court of Emperor Nicephorus Phocas – the monastery was meant to Christianize and Hellenize the Slavic settlers in the region. It moved down from the rocks by the Lousios gorge in the 17th century. Note its church of the Dormition, icons and wall paintings.
Here’s an old monastery built in a cave of Kastania mountain, south of Vlacherna. The church is still there but there are no monks today. Access the Monastery from the Tripoli-Patra crossroads just outside Vlacherna.
Different elevations offer different natural wonders: serene, bare mountain tops contrast with thick fir forests, cedar woods, oaks and strawberry trees, all mixed with springs, caves, rivers and gorges. There are 570 species of flora, many which are unique to the region or country. Do not pick the flowers as many are endangered!
Around 100 rock-cut tombs of different types (chambers, tholoi, pit-graves, well-shaped graves, etc.) and a temple for religious ceremonies have been uncovered here from the late Mycenaean era, matching Homeric texts about Necyia in the Iliad. The sites artefacts are at the Archaeological Museum of Tripoli.
A protected area under an EU directive for conservation, the northern slopes of Mount Parnon are home to black pines, which mingle with other conifers, all growing between 700-1,700 meters. An important biotope that is home to many types of wild fauna and flora.
Dimitsana has an open-air hydraulics museum which has revived the water mills of the town and is a true eco-friendly museum. Its shop sells books on hiking and other subjects of interest to the eco traveller. It has even helped the economic prosperity of this traditional region, and should be visited by all means!
Prehistoric Orchomenos was founded at the foot of the Acropolis and later during historic times moved up to the mountain where its most important monuments (Agora, Theatre, etc) are also situated. The plain shows prehistoric drainage infrastructure, a prehistoric tumulus bridge, and a prehistoric settlement at the Katalymata site. The modern site shows evidence of an agora, bouleuterion, walls, and hekatompedon temple of Mesopolitidos Artemis. At the Mytikas site there are remains of a Mycenaean settlement and ancient sanctuary of Palaiopyrgos. There’s also an ancient sanctuary – followed by an early Christian Basilica – between Orchomenos and Palaiopyrgos in Mantinea.
The Orthokostas Monastery of the Transfiguration features a marvelous 12th century church with notable Byzantine wall paintings. An Ottoman tower is found nearby.
This women’s monastery dedicated to Koimisi tis Theotokou was built in the side of Mainalo mountain at 1278 meters, in the early 11th century. This is the highest monastery in the Peloponnese. It offers amazing views all the way to Parnonas and Taygetos. Access fromthe village of Perthori near Tripoli.
At an elevation of 1,050 meters lies the village of Piana above the verdant valley of Falantho where the Elisson or Davia river runs. There are remains of a medieval castle there, are well as remains from the ancient city of Dipaea.
Prodromou monastery dates probably to the 16th century and is considered the largest with over a dozen monks. Prodromou hangs from the rocks almost unnoticeably. It doubled as a hospital during the Greek War of Independence. In English it would be known as the monastery of John the Baptist. It lies near the historic village of Stemnitsa, Arcadia, and was rebuilt in 1973 over the remains of an old hermitage. Visit this small unique monastery and enjoy the panoramic view of the gorge, the remains of ancient Gortyna and the traditional village of Atsicholos.
There is a riparian forest where the Ladonas and Alfeios rivers meet, creating small jungle-like areas and a very important ecosystem for fish, birds and amphibians. The best part may be on the road to the village of Krestena, near the dam.
Going back to the the first half of the 4th century BC, this temple is the largest in the Peloponnese after that of Olympian Zeus in Olympia. There are remains of another temple under it from the Archaic period, as well as of a Byzantine basilica from much later.
Near Valtesiniko there are two churches that are built in a double cave. Their wall paintings date from the 14th and 15th centuries. The churches were eventually destroyed by the Ottoman troops of Ibrahim Pasha.
Α huge metallurgical kiln, which is considered the largest kiln of Prehistoric times (before 2000 BC) was found in this area, along with washing facilities, tanks and workshops, and interestingly from the Roman period as well have been revealed at the site. The kiln was used for melting and improving copper ores. In Roman times the kilns were probably used to remelt metal scrap.
A very rare forest of Syrian juniper can be admired around Kynouria. The forest is spread over 74 hectares, and is of a unique botanical and ecological value.
The medieval town of Tavia boasts remains of buildings and a castle, supposedly built with stones from Dipaia, a more ancient site.
Medieval Tavia, built at the foot of Mount Mainalo. featured a castle which today lies in ruins. Various buildings of this medieval town, including the castle towers and two gates, still remain.
This gorge offers an excellent representation of local plants and animals, along with amazing waterfalls. It can be accessed through Kato Doliana (Lower Doliana) or from Kastritochoria, i.e. near Kastri.
Near the resort village of Tropaia on the slopes of Ayios Giorgos there are well preserved remains of a medieval castle, with three towers, dating from the Frankish period.
There are only remains today of the Venetian Castle which once stood in Nisi, beside the resort town of Paralio Astros.
Tripoli’s war museum unveils the recent troubled history of the country through several exhibitions: revolution of 1821, the Greek-Ottoman war, Macedonian war, Balkan wars, first world war, the defeat in Asia Minor, Greek-Italian war and German occupation, plus general themes such as the Middle East and liberation.
At the beginning of the plain of Asea in today’s Sapolivado (Sapiko in Byzantine times) there are remains of the area’s old acropolis.
This may be the site of Ancient Brasiae or Brasias with remains of a very ancient acropolis lying on the hill above Agios Andreas, with ruins from Palasgian times. Graves from different periods are also present.
Near the village of Piana where the waters of the Elisson or Davia River run, there are remains of the ancient city of Dipaea. There’s also a medieval castle.
Loutra Iraeas near the Ladonas bridge has sulphur springs which may have been popular in antiquity. Very good mosaics are present in what used to an ancient bathhouse, in an area known also as Liadora. The ruins of Ancient Iraea (built by Iraeus, son of Lycaon) are found south of here, near Ayios Ioannis on the banks of the Alfeos river. The city, which had two temples dedicated to Dionysus and an edifice for orgies, was also home of the famous athlete Damaretos (who was victorious in the armed race at the Olympics).
Overlooking the plain of Megalopolis, Lykosoura is a very ancient holy city with remains from temples dedicated to Despoina, Demeter and the Great Mother, one dating from the 4th century BC.
Just 10 km from Tripoli in the plain of Milia lie the remains of Ancient Mantineia (or Mantinea) and its acropolis. There are traces of temples, a theatre, an agora and other buildings. A strange doorless sanctuary dedicated to Poseidon also existed here.
Having gathered settlers from all over Arkadia, Megalopolis offered temples to many gods such as Zeus, Asclepius, the Mother of the Gods and more. Its ruins include the Stoa of Philippos, Sanctuary of Zeus Soter, Stoa of Myropolis and a Bouleterion. There was also an ancient theatre which seats for than 20,000 people and considered the largest in Greece. Its good acoustics have made it a place for drama revivals in recent times.
There are some ruins of Methydrion Here, including a temple dedicated to Poseidon Hypios. Not far off, the village of Valtetsiniko is said to be where Ancient Lousoi once stood.
On a small hill near the village of Nestani or Tsipiana there are remains of the Acropolis of Nostia (also Nostea or Nestani). The settlement was part of Ancient Mantineia in the 5th century BC. There are Pelasgian walls and parts of a wall tower, the only evidence of many towers that were part of the wall.
Near Dimitsana there are remains of cyclopean walls, an acropolis, and buildings from the classical era, which could be from the ancient city of Teuthis. The town reached its zenith in the Middle Ages, mentioned in Patriarchal documents in 963.
Excavations have revealed parts of a theatre from the Hellenistic period (175 BC), an agora from the Hellenistic and Roman period, two early Christian basilicas (5th-6th century AD), amazing mosaic floors and parts of a Byzantine settlement (10th-13th century AD). In the middle ages the area was called Nikliou.
The remains of a prehistoric settlement have been found in the area of Kafyes.
Arkadia is home to the luxurious mansion of Herod Atticus with fine sculptures, amazing statues and intricate mosaics with intricate shapes, found at Eva in Astros. The Loukous Monastery is located nearby.
Around 100 rock-cut tombs of different types (chambers, tholoi, pit-graves, well-shaped graves, etc.) and a temple for religious ceremonies have been uncovered here from the late Mycenaean era, matching Homeric texts about Necyia in the Iliad. The sites artefacts are at the Archaeological Museum of Tripoli.
Prehistoric Orchomenos was founded at the foot of the Acropolis and later during historic times moved up to the mountain where its most important monuments (Agora, Theatre, etc) are also situated. The plain shows prehistoric drainage infrastructure, a prehistoric tumulus bridge, and a prehistoric settlement at the Katalymata site. The modern site shows evidence of an agora, bouleuterion, walls, and hekatompedon temple of Mesopolitidos Artemis. At the Mytikas site there are remains of a Mycenaean settlement and ancient sanctuary of Palaiopyrgos. There’s also an ancient sanctuary – followed by an early Christian Basilica – between Orchomenos and Palaiopyrgos in Mantinea.
Going back to the the first half of the 4th century BC, this temple is the largest in the Peloponnese after that of Olympian Zeus in Olympia. There are remains of another temple under it from the Archaic period, as well as of a Byzantine basilica from much later.
Α huge metallurgical kiln, which is considered the largest kiln of Prehistoric times (before 2000 BC) was found in this area, along with washing facilities, tanks and workshops, and interestingly from the Roman period as well have been revealed at the site. The kiln was used for melting and improving copper ores. In Roman times the kilns were probably used to remelt metal scrap.
The medieval town of Tavia boasts remains of buildings and a castle, supposedly built with stones from Dipaia, a more ancient site.
Remains of a byzantine castle, destroyed in 1460, lie in on the hill of Mouchli near the village of Agiorgitika. The castle city housed the church of Panagia Mouchliotissa of the 13th century. Some columns of the church still remain.
There are remains of the Castle of Akova some 3.5 kilometres outside Vyziki. The castle represents a barony founded in the 13th century. It was built by Baron Gautier de Rosieres on more ancient ruins, and changed hands from the Franks to the Byzantines to the Venetians and the Ottomans. Only a few parts of the wall and tower remain intact, but the magic that surrounds the area is still there. Only a few parts of the wall and tower remain intact, but the magic that surrounds the area is still there.
In the picturesque village of Karitena lies a Frankish castle since the days when the Franks took over the region from the Byzantines, around 1209. Under the Franks the town was given to Hugo de la Bruyeres, who built the castle on a hilltop in 1245 and gave it to his son Geoffrey. The castle is sometimes referred to as the Toledo of Greece for its strategic location right at the entrance to the Alpheios Gorge. Greek hero Tehodore Kolokotronis made use of this during the revolution against the Ottomans. While the castle is not in the best condition and is not always open to the public, a snoop around its walls can be enchanting.
In Korakovouni, lying among some venerable plane trees are the remains of a Venetian castle.
Not far from Yefira (‘bridge’ over the Alfeos river) is the medieval settlement of Leontari. Ruins of the town’s caslte are found on the hill. Leontari was an important 14th century town and the seat of the Despots of the Morea (Peloponnese).
At an elevation of 1,050 meters lies the village of Piana above the verdant valley of Falantho where the Elisson or Davia river runs. There are remains of a medieval castle there, are well as remains from the ancient city of Dipaea.
Medieval Tavia, built at the foot of Mount Mainalo. featured a castle which today lies in ruins. Various buildings of this medieval town, including the castle towers and two gates, still remain.
Near the resort village of Tropaia on the slopes of Ayios Giorgos there are well preserved remains of a medieval castle, with three towers, dating from the Frankish period.
There are only remains today of the Venetian Castle which once stood in Nisi, beside the resort town of Paralio Astros.
Northeast of Leonidio in a very difficult-to-reach location lies the cave of Dionysos, requiring rope and a descent on an aerial ladder. Inhabited during Neolithic times and later on, the cave is reputed to feature conches and even pieces of figurines in its floor.
Kapsia Cave (near the village of Kapsia) may not be open to the public yet, but it is certainly one of the important caves in the country. Clay objects and human bones have been found there attesting to ancient civilizations, while the cave itself is a rainbow of colours from green and blue to yellow and red, full of stalactites and stalagmites.
Agia Eleoussa means the ‘begging saint’. This old monastery inside a big cave near the Bezinikou summit overlooking Vlacherna, has only its church left intact and no monks to show for. It still affords stunning views and can be reached from the village.
The Church of Saint Theodra can be found outside the village of Vasta near Megalopoli. It was built between the 10th and 12th centuries. According to tradition the construction of the church is linked with the martyrdom of Theodora who was an 11th century Byzantine citizen born in the area of Ancient Melpiea.
On the boundary of Lakonia in an idyllic setting among fir and cypress trees, this monastery from 1720 lies above Kaltezes at 680 meters. It was re-established inconspicuously during Ottoman years after the forest had almost reclaimed it.
Don’t miss the 11th-century church of Ayios Nikolaos in quiet Karitena with its vivid and generally well-preserved frescoes, even despite the Ottomans trying to erase the faces on these frescoes. If it’s locked ask the locals to find the caretaker.
The Byzantine church of the Apostoles, 14th century, with wall-paintings (for many years covered by a coat of whitewash), has been described as one of the finest in Greece.
A well-preserved 11th century church from the Byzantine era at this convent hosts a miraculous icon of the Saviour.
The beautiful road from Dyrrachi to reach this historic monastery is an experience in itself. The monastery featured a secret school and harbored hearoes from the Greek revolution (e.g. Zacharias, Papaflessas, Anagnostaras, Nikitaras, Kolokotronis, etc.). Wall paintings by Michalis Pediotis of Crete date to 1714 .
Right above the village of Kandila in Mantineia on the steep mountainside, this nunnery has suffered damage in the last couple of hundred years. In the rocks behind the church lies a cave that’s used as a fridge.
This 16th century church has fine wall-paintings and pretty woods close by. The remains of a Byzantine fort can be seen on Aimilianos hill which affords a good view of Mount Chelmos (or Aroania) and Mount Erymanthos.
Founded in 963 AD by Ioannis Lambardopoulos – philosopher at the court of Emperor Nicephorus Phocas – the monastery was meant to Christianize and Hellenize the Slavic settlers in the region. It moved down from the rocks by the Lousios gorge in the 17th century. Note its church of the Dormition, icons and wall paintings.
Here’s an old monastery built in a cave of Kastania mountain, south of Vlacherna. The church is still there but there are no monks today. Access the Monastery from the Tripoli-Patra crossroads just outside Vlacherna.
The Orthokostas Monastery of the Transfiguration features a marvelous 12th century church with notable Byzantine wall paintings. An Ottoman tower is found nearby.
This women’s monastery dedicated to Koimisi tis Theotokou was built in the side of Mainalo mountain at 1278 meters, in the early 11th century. This is the highest monastery in the Peloponnese. It offers amazing views all the way to Parnonas and Taygetos. Access fromthe village of Perthori near Tripoli.
Prodromou monastery dates probably to the 16th century and is considered the largest with over a dozen monks. Prodromou hangs from the rocks almost unnoticeably. It doubled as a hospital during the Greek War of Independence. In English it would be known as the monastery of John the Baptist. It lies near the historic village of Stemnitsa, Arcadia, and was rebuilt in 1973 over the remains of an old hermitage. Visit this small unique monastery and enjoy the panoramic view of the gorge, the remains of ancient Gortyna and the traditional village of Atsicholos.
Near Valtesiniko there are two churches that are built in a double cave. Their wall paintings date from the 14th and 15th centuries. The churches were eventually destroyed by the Ottoman troops of Ibrahim Pasha.
Delve into the life of this local politician and prime minister of Greece from 1924 to 1932. Photographs from his family life, military life and political life are on display, as well as personal belongings, including letters in German and large personal library.
See neolithic and early bronze-age items from Agiorgitika and Asea, as well as sculptures from the temple of Alea Athena at Tegea and the area. Small objects from the temple are also found, plus inscriptions from the archaic to the byzantine era, and reliefs form early Christian/Byzantine times (Episkopi Tegeas).
Housed in a neoclassical building – formerly a hospital – designed by Ernst Ziller, the museum boasts 7000 finds from Arkadia, including prehistoric, Mycenaean, geometric, archaic, Classical, Hellenistic and Roman artefacts. Clay idols, jars, children’s toys, figurines, glass, pottery, votive reliefs…
The Astros Museum has exhibits of inscriptions from the villa of Herod Atticus (on the site of the Loukou Convent), marble statues of gods from the Classical period, inscriptions, pottery, small items from various periods, etc.
The museum contains a rich collection of folklore pieces, the main ones being bronze handmade utensils from Tripolitsa, the historical name of Tripoli.
In the community of Manari (Mantineia), this little museum exhibits textiles, local costumes, tools and other traditional paraphernalia like an old curiosity shop. It has been operating since 1974.
In the renovated old primary school of Partheni there is a folk museum that has tools and items used in the not-too-distant past by the locals. It includes objects and tools of everyday life such us woven embroidery, jewellery, local costumes, agricultural tools, and decorative items for the house. There are also documents and letters with texts about the traditions and history of the area.
Right on the village square in an old house lies this folk museum housing. The museum is divided into two sections. In the first there are traditional items of daily use and tools, reflecting also the agricultural life of local families in the recent past. Old household items and traditional paraphernalia are on display. In the second part there are ecclesiastical utensils, pictures of candles and samples of the military equipment of the Greek Revolutionary Fighters of 1821.
This museum is found in on old stone house built in a traditional style. It is accessible from the village of Chrissovitsi.
Dimitsana has an open-air hydraulics museum which has revived the water mills of the town and is a true eco-friendly museum. Its shop sells books on hiking and other subjects of interest to the eco traveller. It has even helped the economic prosperity of this traditional region, and should be visited by all means!
Tripoli’s war museum unveils the recent troubled history of the country through several exhibitions: revolution of 1821, the Greek-Ottoman war, Macedonian war, Balkan wars, first world war, the defeat in Asia Minor, Greek-Italian war and German occupation, plus general themes such as the Middle East and liberation.
Accessed from the village of Dimitsana, this famous gorge runs along most of the Loussios river and is famous for its beauty. Rare plants and birds found only in the area offer a unique opportunity for hiking, along with stone bridges, old churches and other landmarks. Exit the gorge at the village of Hellenikon.
Different elevations offer different natural wonders: serene, bare mountain tops contrast with thick fir forests, cedar woods, oaks and strawberry trees, all mixed with springs, caves, rivers and gorges. There are 570 species of flora, many which are unique to the region or country. Do not pick the flowers as many are endangered!
A protected area under an EU directive for conservation, the northern slopes of Mount Parnon are home to black pines, which mingle with other conifers, all growing between 700-1,700 meters. An important biotope that is home to many types of wild fauna and flora.
There is a riparian forest where the Ladonas and Alfeios rivers meet, creating small jungle-like areas and a very important ecosystem for fish, birds and amphibians. The best part may be on the road to the village of Krestena, near the dam.
A very rare forest of Syrian juniper can be admired around Kynouria. The forest is spread over 74 hectares, and is of a unique botanical and ecological value.
This gorge offers an excellent representation of local plants and animals, along with amazing waterfalls. It can be accessed through Kato Doliana (Lower Doliana) or from Kastritochoria, i.e. near Kastri.
The Church of Saint Theodra can be found outside the village of Vasta near Megalopoli. It was built between the 10th and 12th centuries. According to tradition the construction of the church is linked with the martyrdom of Theodora who was an 11th century Byzantine citizen born in the area of Ancient Melpiea.
Having gathered settlers from all over Arkadia, Megalopolis offered temples to many gods such as Zeus, Asclepius, the Mother of the Gods and more. Its ruins include the Stoa of Philippos, Sanctuary of Zeus Soter, Stoa of Myropolis and a Bouleterion. There was also an ancient theatre which seats for than 20,000 people and considered the largest in Greece. Its good acoustics have made it a place for drama revivals in recent times.
In the picturesque village of Karitena lies a Frankish castle since the days when the Franks took over the region from the Byzantines, around 1209. Under the Franks the town was given to Hugo de la Bruyeres, who built the castle on a hilltop in 1245 and gave it to his son Geoffrey. The castle is sometimes referred to as the Toledo of Greece for its strategic location right at the entrance to the Alpheios Gorge. Greek hero Tehodore Kolokotronis made use of this during the revolution against the Ottomans. While the castle is not in the best condition and is not always open to the public, a snoop around its walls can be enchanting.
This museum is found in on old stone house built in a traditional style. It is accessible from the village of Chrissovitsi.
Kapsia Cave (near the village of Kapsia) may not be open to the public yet, but it is certainly one of the important caves in the country. Clay objects and human bones have been found there attesting to ancient civilizations, while the cave itself is a rainbow of colours from green and blue to yellow and red, full of stalactites and stalagmites.
Accessed from the village of Dimitsana, this famous gorge runs along most of the Loussios river and is famous for its beauty. Rare plants and birds found only in the area offer a unique opportunity for hiking, along with stone bridges, old churches and other landmarks. Exit the gorge at the village of Hellenikon.
Dimitsana has an open-air hydraulics museum which has revived the water mills of the town and is a true eco-friendly museum. Its shop sells books on hiking and other subjects of interest to the eco traveller. It has even helped the economic prosperity of this traditional region, and should be visited by all means!
A strong family with tradition in winemaking and quality wine. Over 30 years’ experience in producing high-end wine and unique microclimate of Mantineia have created products that boast a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) label. Try the Mantineia Bosinaki white 2010!
This amazing little winery that lies in the green valleys of Arcadia produces some fantastic organic wines that will surprise your pallet. The Spiropoulos family will welcome you with open arms and invite you to taste these tasty wines.