 Stemnitsa
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Stemnitsa is one of the most beautiful and popular villages of Arcadia. Together with Dimitsana and Vytina, it forms a central attraction in the entire Mainalo region.
It is built amphitheatrically between two western slopes of Mainalo at an altitude of 1,100 meters, in the heart of Gortynia, surrounded by lush greenery. It is located 45 km from Tripoli and 8 km from Dimitsana. Stemnitsa serves as the seat of the Trikolones Municipality.
The area has a long and rich history, as archaeological findings indicate habitation since ancient times. It is believed that present-day Stemnitsa was built on the site of the ancient city of Ypsous, a name it retained until the mid-7th century AD. The name “Stemnitsa” has Slavic roots and means “forested area.”
Throughout history, the area was influenced by Slavs, Franks, and Turks. The village flourished during the Byzantine period and later became famous for goldsmithing and silversmithing. During the Ottoman era, many important families took refuge in Stemnitsa to escape the invader, as its mountainous and rugged terrain made access difficult.
Stemnitsa captivates with its traditional architecture. Its characteristic features include old stone houses and mansions, picturesque cobbled streets weaving through walnut and cherry trees, and traditional stone fountains, creating a unique and charming landscape.
The village¢s location between the Mainalo fir forest and the Lousios Gorge, along with its scenic beauty and proximity to regional attractions, makes it an ideal destination for winter vacations and a year-round retreat.
During your visit, you will notice numerous Byzantine churches (eighteen in total) that impress with their grand architecture and rich interior decoration. The most significant include the Three Hierarchs with frescoes from 1715, Panagia Mpafero founded in the 12th century, Saint Nicholas with 14th-century frescoes, and Zoodochos Pigi from the 15th century. Notably, the Zoodochos Pigi Monastery once served as the seat of the First Peloponnesian Senate, which occasionally met in one of its cells.
Stemnitsa offers hotels and traditional guesthouses that provide comfortable accommodation for visitors. In the village taverns, you can taste exquisite dishes of local cuisine.
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