Vytina: The beautiful Vytina, a famous mountain town of Arcadia dominates the center of the Peloponnese, is 44 kilometers from Tripoli and about 200 km. from Athens. The area is stretched out at the foot of Mainalo at an altitude of 1.033 meters and with the incredible nature that surrounds it is one of the famous tourist resorts of the Peloponnese and one of the best in Greece.
The ancient Orchomenos: It was one of the greatest Arcadian cities and is 4 km from Levidi. Its name came from the King Orchomenus, son of Lycaon. In the upper town survived the Bouleuterion, the Great Agora, the temple of Mesopolitidas Artemis and the ancient theater built in the 3rd century BC in a stunning location and with great acoustics.
At the top of the mountain is the ancient Acropolis of Orchomenos which was named by Homer “Polymilos” because it was rich in livestock. The ancient Acropolis was the Arcadian center and seat of the kings in the 5th century BC. In Mytikas location, on the east of Orchomenos are the ruins of Mycenaean settlement.
Kandila: The picturesque village of Kandilas is 12 km from Levidi and it is surrounded by lush greenery and olive groves. The name probably comes from Ancient Kondylia, the Sacred Grove of Artemis, that was said to be there. Its inhabitants engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry as in most villages in the municipality of Levidi.
The monastery overlooks the plain into a boulder. It became an important refuge for the inhabitants during the Turkish occupation and revolution. In 1821 the monastery was converted into a hospital by the Abbot Kallinikos. Besides the monastery he erected the fort “Bourtzi”. From there, in 1821, along with 200 Kandilian people repulsed 3.000 Turks.
The stone stairs that lead to the church of the monastery which is carved into the rock icons with icons of 1833. The Monastery of Kandila is dedicated to the Assumption.
Traditional taverns in the area offering local cuisine and will be impressed by the hospitality of its inhabitants.
Vlacherna: It is situated in the northern foothills of Mainalon and is surrounded by small hills with pines and firs. The old name of the village was Bezeniko.
The area has many monuments to visit such as the castle of Bezeniko built at an altitude of 362 meters, drowned in the firs and the great Angelokastro. Both castles were bastions of freedom during the Revolution of 1821. The view from both peaks is unparalleled panoramic.
In Vlacherna you can visit the Monastery of Agia Eleousa lying in one of the pits of the castle Bezeniko. The view is magnificent while the tour in the monastery is unique because of its different levels. The Cathedral is dedicated to the Assumption and it is celebrated on August 15.
On the south side of the castle is the church of Panagia Katafygiotissa inside a large cave.
The famous monastery of Panagia Vlacherna sits atop the mountain Kastania and got its name from the image of the Virgin, brought from the monastery of Vlacherna in Istanbul. The church is celebrated on July 2, at the feast of the deposit of Timia gown of Mary.
In Vlacherna operate traditional taverns and market shops of cheese and livestock products. Within the limits of Vlacherna and Chotousa was the ancient city Kafyai or Kafyi, whose ruins are still preserved.
Dara: Shortly after Vlacherna lies the village of Dara, built 660 meters above sea level. The area has a long history from antiquity to today. Dara played an important role in the Revolution of 1821.
In Valley region is still preserved a Venetian tower where it was given a significant battle in 1715 with 600 Turks dead. The area they were burried is called “Mnimata”(memories) so far.
It is worth visiting Museum of Dara which hosts extremely fretwork of C. Bakopoulos and walk around the village where he wrote his memoirs Fotakos, the secretary of Th. Kolokotronis.
