1293-2009

A magical path (22 kms.) that begins from mountainous Meligou and passes from the villages Haradro, Platano and Sitaina . Finally it reaches Kastanitsa, a picturesque Tsakonian village ('tsakonia' is an Ancient Greek dialect) of  Mt. Parnona. Kastanitsa was settled in 1293 which explains it's rich heritage, culture & timelessness.

(see map below for alternative routes to Kastanitsa as there are many picturesque paths such as via Astros or Ag. Andreas)

Mt Parnona has an altitude 950 m. & is surrounded by stunning forests of 'kastanies' (chestnut trees), firs and pine trees. Kastanitsa is considered one of the more beautiful traditional settlements of the Peloponnese & has also been classified by the Greek Government as a 'heritage' listed village. This requires all new building constructions to conform to strict traditional architectural designs.

The main reason for this is due to the fact that the village has archeological ruins called the 'Pyrgo' which means castle. It is an ancient Greek castle descending from Byzantine times over a thousand years ago (this can be seen in the top left corner of the cartoon on the right). It has been used as a protector from the Turks during the war & used to fight against other ancient enemies.

With it's traditional 'petroktista' (stone built) houses & dyed white roofs from plates of slate of 'Mt. Malevos'  (adjacent mountain of Mt. Parnona), you feel as though you have gone back in time.

The lush valley is enclosed by dense and virgin forests made up of firs and 'kastanies' (chestnut trees). Kastanitsa is perfect for calm and peripatetic travel. Roaming in the tree lined paths and walkways that intertwine with the forest is a breathtaking experience. Kastanitsa residents were 'onomasti' in older times,for their production in lime. This is where she (Kastanitsa) took her colour as did the 'Kastano' (chestnuts) give Kastanitsa her name. In the past, 'sodeia'  from the chestnuts   exceeded the 400 tons while forty traditionally 'asbestokamina' (chestnut mines).