Greece Peloponnese Guide: Arcadia Prefecture Page One

Arcadiais the 4th largest prefecture in Greece and comprises over 4,400 sq. km of area. The mountains; Mainalo (1,935m), Parnon (1,930m), Skiatho (1,800m) and Saita (1,820m) have an major effect on its topography and allow for many variations in scenery.

Shady forests of pine, chestnut and fir trees merge into gently rolling fields and grazing pasture for goats and sheep.

Olive and fruit orchards melt into sandy beaches or abruptly change to precipitous cliffs. These rugged mountains have been inhabited since prehistoric times and it is here that the God Pan is first thought to have made his appearance to the ancient Pelasgians predecessors of the Greek speaking tribes which subsequently invaded the area.

Due to the rugged nature of the terrain Arcadians always retained some measure of autonomy from the Dorians and even the Turks.

The climate varies with the landscape and is mildest along the coast.

The mountainous center has frequent snow and rain in winter. Mt. Mainalo has a ski center while only 50 km away lie the beaches of Leonido and Tyros. Arcadia is underpopulated as many residents have moved to the cities to escape the isolated mountain villages.

The Greek government has placed preservation restrictions on whole villages to ensure their character remains unchanged. Many stone houses have been abandoned.

In ancient times important cities such as Megalopolis, Orchmenos, Tegea and Mantineia sprang up here. The monasteries of Mt. Parnon attest to the deep Christian and Byzantine influences.

The local language/dialect of Leonidio is called Tsakonian and is held to be of direct decent from ancient Dorian.

Arcadia Prefecture Page One | Page Two