Karytaina

Karytaina is one of the most picturesque and historic villages in Arcadia. It is built on the top of a hill around the medieval castle, on the site where the ancient city of Vrenhthi once stood. According to ancient sources, the Gigantomachy took place in the ancient city of Vrenhthi.

The stone-built village of Karytaina is located at an altitude of 580 meters and is 54 kilometers from Tripoli and 20 kilometers from Megalopolis. It is an imposing, preserved settlement that will impress you with its stone two- and three-story houses, some dating back to the 19th century, its cobbled streets, and numerous old Byzantine churches.

The Frankish castle, located to the south of Karytaina, is built on a steep rock. The castle was constructed in the 13th century by the French lord Godfrey de Villehardouin, who used it as his base. It was one of the most notable fortresses of the Peloponnese during the period of Frankish and Ottoman rule.

Karytaina is also called the “Toledo of Greece,” both for its castle and the picturesque charm that characterizes it.

Karytaina is surrounded by a wild and imposing landscape, complemented by the Alfeios River that flows at the “foot” of the village. On the way to Megalopolis, beneath the modern bridge, there is a Frankish bridge with six arches, 50 meters long, built in the 13th century. Next to it stands the small chapel of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary.

Close to the village runs the Lousios River, which, along with the Alfeios, is ideal for many alternative tourism activities, such as rafting. Just outside the village, there is a base catering to sports enthusiasts.

In the past, Karytaina had fourteen watermills and a fulling mill. Three of these watermills have been preserved.

A characteristic feature of Karytaina is its pristine nature and the dense vegetation that surrounds it, as well as a special species of birds found in the area, the rock-thrushes. These small birds are connected to the rocks, and their chirping can be heard in every corner of the village.

In Karytaina, you will find many charming guesthouses and hotels, as well as several options for delicious food in the village’s taverns and restaurants. The aristocratic stone-built town of Karytaina, surrounded by greenery with its traditional stone houses, is an ideal destination for winter holidays.

Local Flavors & Products

In the picturesque taverns of Karytaina, you can taste delicious lamb in the oven (giouvetsi), kokoretsi, fried appetizers, spleen (splehnadero), and stewed pork or hare. Don’t forget to buy local pasta, dairy products, chestnuts, honey, excellent woven goods, and other traditional crafts.

Cultural Events

Many cultural events take place in Karytaina during the summer months.

Notable is the market organized by the local women’s association, featuring handicrafts, woven goods, and other traditional art forms. There is a festival on August 23rd for the Panagia of Karvounara and another on May 17th for St. Athanasius.