Arcadia is a place that seems to have escaped from time, a destination that uniquely combines the history with the natural beauty. If you want to experience the authentic Greek countryside and travel back in time, the villages of Dimitsana, Andritsaina and Karytaina are ideal for you. Each village has its own character and a fascinating history worth discovering.

Dimitsana is one of the most picturesque villages of Arcadia and a living proof of the local history. It is built amphitheatrically on a hillside and offers a magnificent view of the surrounding mountain peaks and the gorge of Lousios.

Dimitsana played a leading role in the Greek Revolution of 1821, as it was a centre of gunpowder production. A visit to the Open-Air Museum of Hydropower is a must, where you will see how the inhabitants used hydropower to produce products from flour to gunpowder.

The stone towers, the narrow streets and the old churches, such as the church of Agios Charalambos, offer to visitor a sense of the authentic life of the past. Dimitsana is not just a village, it is a historical experience.

Andritsaina: The Noble Charm

Andritsaina, known for its stately atmosphere, is a village that will enchant you from the very first moment. In its picturesque alleys you will find mansions with wooden balconies and traditional cafes that seem to belong to another era.

The history of the area is rich and closely linked to the Temple of Apollo Epikourios, one of the most impressive ancient monuments in Greece. Just a few kilometres outside Andritsaina, this imposing temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the central square of the village, the hospitality of the locals and the traditional cuisine will make you feel at home. Don’t miss to visit the Public Historical Library of Andritsaina, a treasure of knowledge that houses rare manuscripts and books.

Karytaina: The Medieval Heart of Arcadia

Karytaina, often called “Toledo of Greece”, is a place full of medieval charm. It is a beautiful castle town from the Frankish period.

Its emblematic castle dominates the village and is a symbol of the Frankish occupation and the strategic importance of the region during the Middle Ages. It was built in the 13th century BC, on the ruins of the ancient city of Brenthe, by the French ruler Godfrey de Brillier. From the castle you will enjoy a panoramic view of the Alpheus River and the surrounding green landscapes.

Karytaina is also known for its stone bridge, a masterpiece of traditional architecture that unites the past with the present.

According to tradition, the lord of the castle, Godfrey de Brillier, “built” his wife on the foundation of the bridge to make it firm. On one side of the bridge there is a chapel dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, which seems to be ‘stuck’ to the arches. This chapel has its own history. It was built by the Byzantine lord Raoul Manuel Meliki, who, when he almost drowned in the rushing waters of the Alpheus River while trying to cross the destroyed bridge, decided to rebuild it in 1441, considering his salvation a miracle. The Byzantines used to build chapels at the base of bridges for protection.

Walk through the narrow streets of the village and discover old churches, such as the church of Panagia, and enjoy the tranquility that this magical place offers.

Arcadia and its villages offer more than just holidays. It is a place that combines nature, history and culture, offering visitors an experience that will remain etched in their memory forever. Whether you choose to walk the historic paths of Dimitsana, explore the ancient world through Andritsaina or get lost in the medieval atmosphere of Karytaina, Arcadia promises to take you to another world.

Leave behind modern everyday life and discover the authentic soul of Greece in a place where every corner tells a story.