Mantinea is best known as the site of two major battles, the first of which was the largest land battle of the Peloponnesian War. Although the area was inhabited from the Bronze Age, Mantinea reached its height during the Classical period and was an important city state in ancient Arcadia, second only to neighbouring Tegea.
Although it was relatively short-lived Megalopolis was a major city in Ancient Arcadia. It was founded by Thebans after their victory against Spata and was the capital of the Arcadian League. It occupied an extensive site either side of the Alfeios river and among the many civic buildings was a theatre which was the largest then in Greece.
The Majestic Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae
Tegea was ancient city-state of Arcadia and in the 5th Century BC took part in the wars against the Persians and the Peloponnese War. It was known as a major sanctuary to the goddess Athena Alethea and was one of the most important religious centres in ancient Greece. Today it is an archaeological park and has its own museum in the village of Alea with exhibits of the findings from the area.
There are too many people for whom the winter outing is combined with skiing and snowboarding. Sports fanatics, with the appearance of the first snowflakes, look forward to the opening of the ski resorts and visit the closest ones to them to indulge in endless hours of snow surfing. But the ski resorts are not only for experienced skiers but also for the inexperienced, they are for young and old, they are even for those who are not enthusiastic about the idea of sliding down a mountainside with a board or snowshoes strapped to their feet and are content to watch the efforts of others.
If you want to see a green site with flourishing history, then you can drop by the Castle of Acova. The ruins of this Frankish castle will captivate you, while giving you a good sense of the medieval times. This beautiful monument is located on a hill close to Tropaia, next to the village of Vyziki, and everything about it is simply stunning.
If you are interested in a castle that resisted all its conquerors, then the Castle of Karytaina is one of your top choices. It’s located at 600 meters of altitude and it overlooks the traditional settlement and the beautiful valley of Alfios River. It still beholds its splendor and it unfolds its rich history, as soon as you set eyes on it.
If just the thought of a fortress-state makes you feel overwhelmed, then you have to visit the Castle of Mouchli, one of the most characteristic examples of such a state. It’s 4 kilometers away from the village of Achladokambos, on the road from Tripoli to Argolis. Even though just a part of it is still preserved, it can reveal its glorious past upon each visit.
If you want to visit a castle that its rich history is as captivating as its striking view, it’s time to discover the Castle of Paralio Astros. The castle is on the peak of a hill called Nissi (meaning island), which dominates the port of Astros and it has "starred" in numerous periods of history. That’s why when you visit it, you’ll feel like time traveling in multiple layers of history.
If you want to feel the greatness of one of the biggest Arcadian cities of antiquity, you should include the Archaeological Site of Orchomenos in your itinerary. The citadel, built entirely on a hill and protected by a wall, was founded by Orchomenos, the son of Lycaon, and has recently been open to visitors. It’s a striking site full of cultural treasures and an alluring view that will take your breath away.