By Nicolas Bard

Very close to the popular Dimitsana and the cosmopolitan Vitina, there is yet another beautiful and traditional village in mountainous Arcadia, Stemnitsa, who is gaining fanatical fans years by year. The village is at 1,100 meters altitude, about 45 kilometers from Tripoli and is well hidden in a dense forest of fir, plane trees, chestnuts, cherries and running waters. The name of the village, after all, in Slavic this indicates and means “place of shady and wooded”. The great natural beauty of the area wins with the first one who visits it, while the scene, depending on the season, changes and gives unique images.

The village is very traditional, with beautiful mansions, stone tiled houses, picturesque cobbled streets and cephalovrysa, and wherever you stand, you will distinguish the white bell tower of St. George, which protrudes above the roofs. The historical temple dates back to 1810, and according to tradition it was built within just 75 days by Stemnitsian artisans of Petra. The Pantocrator we see today in the dome, as well as many of the icons of the Temple, bears the signature of Fotis Kontoglou, who undertook the painting of the temple in 1953, while the original wood -carved iconostasis, which was painted in Constantinople, was renovated by Constantinople, 18 Church (1877) is designed and designed by Tinio Marble Sculptor John Theotikos, who used white stone in the area.

Wandering the village you will also find many handmade jewelry stores, as it has been closely linked to the art of goldsmithing. At the heart of the settlement is the famous goldsmithing school, hosted in one of the most beautiful buildings in the village. The authentic metallurgy of Stemnitsa were distinguished for their excellent technique, separate jewelry and elaborate bell towers, which have adorned many churches in both Greece and abroad. Most of the village cafes and restaurants are located around the small and united square.

There is also a folklore museum, which preserves and presents historical and ethnographic elements of Stemnitsa’s glorious past. The museum is housed in the beautiful Hatzis mansion, and amidst interesting exhibits, handmade jewelry has its honor. If you want to enjoy a panoramic view of the village, then you will go to the so -called “Water Mother”. This is the source of water supply the village and offers a separate perspective in the settlement. The picturesque houses from above look, without exaggeration, with painting. Another route to follow is the one that ends at the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi, with the beautiful frescoes of the 16th century and the elaborate wood -carved iconostasis.

Before leaving there, it is not meant to not make a stop at the beautiful Gorge of the Lucius River. The thick shade from the plane trees and the running waters create a setting of a fairy tale, while in the spring the whole area is filled with colors and aromas. There they find “refuge” today hawk and snakes, as well as wild boars, foxes, weasels, and even a jackal has been found. The Mainalo and the Lucius ravine stand out for the Virgo natural environment and the impressive landscapes. And because the fresh air and walking always open the appetite, you will enjoy excellent quality meats, traditional pies, spoon sweets and tsipouro. All made with love and passion from the locals, who will welcome you as friends and not just as visitors!