 Arcadia
is a closed land, all mountains and high peaks with large fir forests and
lush vegetation.
An
unspoiled land, little known, full of surprises, truly bewitching.
On
the eastern coast it is washed by the gulf of Argos and the Mirtoo sea.
Here
and there the sea has carved fantastic bays and peninsula out of the land.
In
fact, whoever roams through Arcadia today will get to know a part of the
country that has remained virtually unchanged since antiquity.
Arcadia
is a natural wonderland whose mountain dwellers have preserved it intact
up to today
Tripolis
is the capital of the prefecture.
Built
in the center of a wooded plateau, it is one of the most important agricultural,
commercial and transportation hubs in the Peloponnese
Mantinis,
Tegea, Pallation, Assea, Orhomenos, ancient Arcadian cities. Ruined walls,
theatres, public buildings.
.
Stemnitsa
(alt. 1.100 m.) Old stone houses, Byzantine churches, little cafes and
taverns, a lovely folk museum, the scenery greener than green.
Dimitsana
(alt. 1000 m.), cobbled lanes, wooden balconies, tiled roofs.
A
respect for local architectural tradition, an impressive library and folk
art museum. Churches and gunpowder mills.
Loutra
Iraias, forests of pine and fir. Hot springs. Ruins of ancient Heraia
on the hillside.
Vitina
(alt. 1060 m.). More fig trees and fresh air.
A
wonderful climate. Beautiful countryside and running brooks. A park for
walks. Traditional cooking. Here everyone seems to be occupied in wood
carving.
There
are carved objects in original shapes and styles in the shop windows, ad
every church has its own magnificently worked icon screen.
Magculiana
(alt. 1.247 m.). Its old stone houses with red tiled roofs dusted with
frost on a winter afternoon.
A
landscape that legends are made of. A Byzantine castle overlooks the village.
To
your left Lagadia with its impressive old mansions and venerable
churches.
Leonidion,
sea
and lush plain. Old mansions with courtyards and high walled gardens. Houses
with symmetrical windows and skylights.
Artfully
designed chimneys. Painted shutters. Decorated doorways. Stately houses
with wood-panelled floors and moulded ceilings.
As
you stroll around you feel tradition coming alive with your every step
in this lovely town. Holy Saturday in Leonidion. The bells toll in a festive
way.
Fire
crackers hiss and bang in the streets nonstop. "Judas" figures burn outside
the churches. Noise, commotion. Lights are carried from one neighborhood
to another.
The
skies aglow with the beams of countless lanterns. On Easter Sunday the
festivities reach their peak. Roast meat, wine, sweets, fritters, offered
free to all comers. Locals and strangers. A gesture of traditional gentility.
This
is Leonidion. Nobility, sunshine, gardens loveliness and generosity. Further
on there's Plaka, a charming little port with a pebbly beach. Shining next
to the sea.
To
the south, Peulithra, with its old stone houses and marvellous beaches.
To
the north, little bays. Sabatiki, Livadi quaint unforgettable fishing hamlets.
Tiros
beach. An enormous expanse of sand and gleaming pebbles. Relaxation
and warmth. Just above it the beach of Agios Andreas, Dazzing azure
seas. Fishing caiques and taverns.
Sky,
sea and land in endless serenity. Paralio Astros, White on a green
and blue background. A verse from a poem. Blue and the slap of oars on
the water. Shady trees and "tavernoules". The sweet smell of grilling octopus.
A fisherman is untangling his net on the wharf.
From
here the road branches off to the mountains, Mt. Parnon. The drive is exciting,
the countryside wild and unspoilt. Tiny villages, farmhouses. Platanos,
Prastos, Agios Petros.
Cottages,
manor houses towers and monasteries. The monasteries of Loukou, Elonas,
Palaiopanagia Eortakousti, Karia, John the Forerunner. Awesome, silent
and strangely comforting. Lighted candles and faint frescoes. |
