Among the most picturesque villages of Arcadia, Stemnitsa spreads its traditional houses at an elevation of 1,100 m. on the western slopes of Mainalo. The stately stone-built village is an ideal destination for a short getaway.
Spring is coming and what could be better than a weekend in the lush nature of Mountainous Arcadia? Stemnitsa is one of the most beautiful villageson the slopes of Mainalo and this season is just right for a short escape that will fill you with abundant images of nature and tradition. The stately village is a true museum of traditional architecture, while the region’s rich nature invites you to savor the beauty of the mountain landscape and lose yourself on emerald-green paths.
Getaway to Stemnitsa, Arcadia
Amphitheatrically built on the western slopes of Mainalo, at an elevation of 1,100 m, Stemnitsa is one of the most beautiful and historic villages of mountainous Arcadia, and a popular base for stays in the area thanks to its lovely, well-kept guesthouses. Imposing tower houses, cobbled lanes, Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches, and stone fountains enchant visitors.
The stately village has a rich and important history. During the years of the Revolution, Stemnitsa was linked to Theodoros Kolokotronis, who moved his headquarters there, finding solace in the «Village Girl of the Morea» - as he called her - after the loss of his son. Due to its role in the war of independence, Stemnitsa served as the seat of the first Peloponnesian Senate and the first informal capital of revolutionary Greece for one month.
The ornate bell tower of St George stands out from afar and will lead you to Stemnitsa’s beautiful and always lively central square, brimming with cafés and tavernas. The village has a notable Folklore Museum housed in the Chatzi mansion, as well as the famed School of Silversmithing and Goldsmithing, which proudly continues the area’s distinguished tradition. You can buy exquisite handmade jewelry from the village’s various traditional workshops.
For lovely views over the entire village, climb up to Mana tou Nerou (the village’s water source) or follow the cobbled path from the square to reach the Kastro site, where a medieval castle once stood.
Enchanting nature and historic monasteries
Stemnitsa is an excellent base for excursions in the wider area, such as to nearby Dimitsana with the Water Power Museum, and to the Lousios Gorge with its beautiful monasteries: Monastery of Timios Prodromoswhich clings to a sheer cliff, and Philosophou Monastery.
With a length of 15 km and a width of about 2 km, the Lousios Gorge is among Arcadia’s most important sights, and one of the most imposing gorges in Greece. Lush vegetation, old bridges, washhouses and watermills create a beautiful setting, and traversing the gorge is a unique experience for visitors. The Lousios River is ideal for those who love rafting as well as for anyone wanting to try the sport for the first time.
One of the best ways to get to know the area is by hiking the Menalon Trail. The first trail in Greece certified by the ERA (European Ramblers Association) extends for 75 km, passing through Arcadia’s historic settlements (Stemnitsa, Dimitsana, Zygovisti, Elati, Vytina, Nymfasia, Magouliana,Valtessiniko,Lagkadia).
Accommodation
- Trikolonion Country Hotel welcomes you in the heart of Stemnitsa. Its 14 luxurious rooms and 4 suites will impress you from the first moment with their simple and warm ambience.
- Tsarbou Guesthouse is just a few steps from the central square. The old Tsarbou mansion, built in 1875, was restored in 2009 and transformed into a cozy retreat with touches of discreet luxury and an atmosphere of aesthetic refinement.
- Kantos Guesthouse will offer you an experience of authentic Arcadian hospitality in a house with a rich history and a distinctive atmosphere that will take you back in time.
- Bellaiko guesthouse is a stone, restored 17th-century mansion with traditional rooms and sweeping views of the lush nature.
Food
- In the village square, the traditional Stemnitsa Taverna serves excellent grilled meats and home-cooked dishes.
- Don’t forget to stop at the traditional Gerousia café for tsipouro, meze and homemade sweets.
- A trip to the village of Psari, very close to Stemnitsa, is well worth it to eat at Arkadiani. Beyond the good restaurant, the complex includes a workshop that produces traditional products and a cooking museum.
