Karytaina: A Two-Day Getaway to the Heart of Arcadia

One of the crucial historic villages in mountainous Arcadia, medieval Karytaina is a small however lovely settlement, constructed within the space of historic Vrenthi at an altitude of 582 meters. This small village of 250 individuals, constructed of stone and surrounded by lush vegetation as a result of waters of each the Alfios, the biggest river within the Peloponnese, and its tributary the Lousios, is a perfect vacation spot for a weekend getaway in nature.

The fort city of Karytaina, constructed amphitheatrically on the hill that hosts one of the essential fortresses of the Peloponnese, handed by means of the palms of the Franks, the Byzantines, and the Turks earlier than Kolokotronis made it his headquarters in the course of the 1821 Revolution. In accordance with legend, the knight Godefroy de Briere constructed this imposing fort within the early thirteenth century, when Karytaina was one of many baronies of the Frankish Principality of Achaea, and imprisoned his personal spouse within the fort’s foundations to strengthen the town’s bridge. The title Karytaina can be considered derived from the Frankish feminine title Caretene, which is widespread in Burgundy. Maybe for that reason, this village of legends continues to draw extra French vacationers than Greeks, particularly on weekdays. Though solely 2.5 hours away from Athens, with its picturesque cobblestone streets, bridges, and Byzantine church buildings, Karytaina stays a quiet conventional village, superb for getaways.

Day 1 – Karytaina

Start your exploration with a heat welcome at “Arctos” (Matzourani 4, Tel. (+30) 27910.313.41), a stone-built café-patisserie-restaurant within the coronary heart of the settlement that can shock you with its seasonal delights. Proceed your tour to admire the tower homes, arches, and fountains of Karytaina. Descend westward to see the well-preserved 18th-century church of Aghios Nikolaos, considered one of the essential post-Byzantine monuments of the Peloponnese. Then climb to the fort to see the so-called “residence of Kolokotronis” and the Byzantine church of Panagia tou Kastrou. Sadly, the legendary fortress that managed all passes connecting Arcadia to Messinia and Ilia is now closed, however the climb offers a novel view of each the village and all the plain of Megalopolis.

Karytaina’s most well-known landmark is the stone arched bridge on the highway to Megalopolis. This bridge, 12 meters excessive and 50 meters lengthy, was constructed over the Alfios River by the Franks within the thirteenth century, and it’s related to one more legend. Raul Manuel Melikis, a descendant of a Byzantine household, is alleged to have almost drowned after falling into the river whereas making an attempt to cross the partially destroyed bridge. Nevertheless, he was saved and determined to rebuild it in 1441, with the chapel of the Nativity of the Theotokos on one facet to guard it. A lot later, in 1984, the bridge of Karytaina with its 5 arches would turn out to be often known as the “five-thousand drachma bridge,” because it was depicted on the reverse facet of the blue banknote that includes Theodoros Kolokotronis. At the moment, this essential landmark lies destroyed beneath the trendy vehicle bridge. Solely three arches stay, and it’s not protected to cross. However, it’s price visiting to see the stays of the bridge and the three outdated water mills that when operated within the space. From this vantage level, harking back to the Alcantara Bridge in Spain, you may see the village perched on the rock beneath the fort and perceive why Kazantzakis referred to Karytaina as “the Toledo of Greece.”

Don’t neglect to discover the rear a part of the village, on the highway to Atsilohos, the place one other stone bridge, much less well-known however equally spectacular, might be discovered. This bridge crosses over the azure Lousios River and is the proper place to take heed to the sound of the river’s waters, the place, based on delusion, the nymphs Neda, Agno, and Theisoa bathed the new child Zeus. For lunch, return to the village heart. Beneath the principle sq., at the taverna “To Kastro” (tel. 27910.311.13), you may attempt goat with trahana, rooster with hilopites (conventional pasta), bean soup and no matter else the kitchen has to supply, earlier than ending your day in entrance of the hearth.

Day 2 – Philosophou Monastery – Prodromou Monastery

Dedicate the second day of your getaway to a hike to find the realm’s hidden gems. Nationwide Path 032, which passes by means of Karytaina, traverses central Peloponnese and intersects with many trails on Mount Mainalon and Mount Lykaion. One in every of these is the spectacular and comparatively straightforward path that runs by means of the Lousios gorge. Get pleasure from a hearty breakfast, placed on comfy footwear, and prepare to discover Arcadia’s oldest monasteries and one among Greece’s most lovely gorges.

You can begin at the Monastery of Saint John Prodromos, which is simply 17 kilometers away from Karytaina, and cross the Lousios heading in the direction of the Philosophou Monastery, or vice versa. The route takes about 1.5 hours, is properly signposted, and is actually higher maintained than the pothole-filled asphalt highway that can take you to your place to begin. As soon as there, don’t accept the brand new monastery; as a substitute, hunt down the outdated one, which is one among Greece’s oldest Byzantine monasteries. One can find it hidden in a pure hole within the rock subsequent to the trendy monastery on the western facet of the gorge.

On the opposite facet of the gorge, its “Girl,” the Prodromou Monastery, is nestled on a steep cliff 200 meters above the riverbed . This historic 12th-century monastery, which served as a stronghold in opposition to the Turks in the course of the 1821 Revolution, is simply accessible by way of two footpaths. If you happen to don’t need to take the Mainalon Path from the Philosophou Monastery, you may get there by strolling about 800 meters from the chapel of Metamorfosis, which is situated on the freeway, 9 kilometers from Stemnitsa. Whichever path you select, go to the Monastery to mild a candle and take heed to one of many few remaining monks narrate its historical past whereas sipping in your Greek espresso and consuming lukum (Turkish delight). Don’t move up the chance to take pleasure in the very best view of the gorge from the Monastery’s balconies. When you might have had your fill of magnificence, you’ll be able to depart.

When you’ve got time, ensure to return by way of Dimitsana to take pleasure in wild boar at “Kapilio ton Athanaton” (Lampardopoulou 63, Dimitsana), which overlooks the Lousios Gorge, and to go to the Open-Air Water Energy Museum, which is able to enable you to perceive how the historical past of the realm is linked to this river. After seeing the watermill, the miller’s home, the distillery, and the tannery, go to the gunpowder mill on the decrease stage of the museum to see how this army useful resource outlined the area’s position within the 1821 Revolution. Lastly, cease by “4 Seasons” (Dimitsana, Tel. (+30) 27950.315.99) for a heat drink and a dessert earlier than heading again.