Dimitsana is a historic village of Arcadia, in Peloponnese, with a population of approximately 5,000 inhabitants. Dimitsana is known for its medieval towered settlement, its beautiful natural landscape and its rich history. In addition, this village is known for the production of “Vanilla” honey, a unique product of the region that has been recognized as a product with a protected designation of origin.
We chose Dimitsana for a weekend in November as we wanted to get away from the Athenian capital and literally “soak” in the natural beauty!
A few words about the history of Dimitsana
During the Revolution of 1821, Dimitsana was an important hub of resistance against the Ottoman Empire. Local residents took an active part in the fight, while the city was largely destroyed during the fighting. Finally, during the Second World War, Dimitsana was an important hub of the Resistance against the German occupation. The village suffered great destruction during the war, including the destruction of its center by German soldiers. The village was gradually renovated and today it is a destination for many visitors who want to discover the history of the area!
Sights
The square of Dimitsana is one of the most important attractions of the city and is the center of the social life of the area. The square is surrounded by traditional stone buildings, built in the 1860s and notable for their architecture. In the square there is also a large spring with cold clear water, which is very popular with visitors and locals. Dimitsana has many taverns, cafes and bars where visitors can enjoy local food and drinks, relax and enjoy the atmosphere of the area.
There are many attractions in the area, such as the Open Air Museum of Ηydrodynamics, the Church Museum, the Girls’ school, the Antonopoulos manor house, the traditional settlement of Vytina, the Lousios Gorge, the ancient city of Tegea and the Monastery of Filosofou.
Dimitsana and the Arcadia region in general were important stations in the revolution of 1821 and there are several attractions related to this period:
- The house of Germanos the III of Old Patras: It is the house where one of the leading hierarchs of the Greek Revolution of 1821 was born.
- The Public Historical Library of Dimitsana: A library with rare and rich material of great value. It functions as a museum, as it houses a large collection of artifacts and personal belongings of the leaders of the Greek Revolution.
- Holy Philosopher’s Monastery: This monastery is located near Dimitsana and is one of the most important monuments of Arcadia. It was used as a shelter during the Revolution of 1821.
- Monument of the guard of Kolokotronis in Zygovitsi: Zygovisti is 6 km from Dimitsana and is located at an altitude of 1,160 m on the slopes of the legendary Arcadian Mainalos.
Other activities
Dimitsana is surrounded by natural beauty, with Mainalo, the highest mountain in Peloponnese, located in the area. In addition, there are many hiking trails and routes for nature lovers who want to discover the mighty nature of the area. The paths have different levels of difficulty and you can find them gathered on a hiking map that exists in the central square of the village. Also, the area is suitable for rafting on the Lousios River.
How can I get to Dimitsana?
Dimitsana is located approximately 203 kilometers from Athens. The drive by car takes about 2.5 hours, while there are also daily bus routes from Athens to Dimitsana.
Food in Dimitsana?
Dimitsana has many good restaurants and taverns offering the local cuisine of Arcadia. Some suggestions include:
- The modern taverna “Kallithea,” just 10 minutes away from the center of Dimitsana, where you’ll find yourself in a comfortable space with traditional cuisine made from fresh local ingredients.
- The traditional taverna “O Drymonas,” located in Dimitsana, where you can taste delicious wild boar burgers and many other renowned dishes of the region.
- The taverna “To Kapileio ton Athanaton,” with a view of the Lousios River Gorge.
These are some of the options, but there are many other places to discover within and in the neighboring villages, such as “Zigovistino Steki Taverna” in the neighboring village of Zygovitsi.
Some popular dishes of the area include:
- Beef Stew” or “Kokkinisto”, a dish with beef cooked together with onions, tomatoes and spices.
- Rooster with hilopites
- “Loukaniko Maniatiko”, a local sausage made of pork and aromatic herbs.
- The “Mushroom Coarsely Cooked”, a dish of coarsely chopped mushrooms cooked together with onions, garlic and white wine.
- Spetzofeta”, a traditional pasta with spaghetti, local cheese and eggs.
- The roast pork.
These are some of the most popular dishes of Dimitsana, but there are also many other traditional dishes that you can enjoy in local taverns and restaurants.
Accommodation in Dimitsana
In Dimitsana there are many options for accommodation, depending on the needs and budget of the visitor. Some suggestions include:
- The hotel “En Dimitsani Guesthouse” – a traditional and luxurious hotel in the center of Dimitsana.
- The “Arxontiko Deligianni” – a stone-built, traditional guesthouse with a view of Dimitsana and the mountains of Arcadia.
- The “Enastron Guesthouse” – beautifully decorated rooms with a fireplace and lovely views, located right in the center of Dimitsana.
You can also find traditional accommodation options in the surrounding villages, such as Zygovitsi, Stemnitsa, Vytina or Karytaina, where you will live the ultimate experience of life in Arcadia
What season should I visit Dimitsana?
The time you visit Dimitsana depends on your interests and preferences. During all seasons of the year, this village has its own unique beauty.
During spring and autumn, the clean atmosphere of the area and the easy access to hiking trails and important sights of the historical period of the Greek Revolution can make your visit to Dimitsana even more interesting.
During summer, it can become a destination if you are a mountain and hiking lover, as there are many trails that lead to amazing viewpoints and natural beauties.
Winter in this village is ideal for winter sports lovers, as near Dimitsana there is the Mainalo ski center for winter sports.
If you love excursions, don’t forget to include the beautiful, historical village of Arcadia, Dimitsana, in your schedule the soonest possible. Be sure that just one visit will not be enough for you. You will return again and again, as mountainous Arcadia has many magical places to explore and relax.
Read also: Zarouchla: A village “diamond” 2 hours away from Athens
