We take a journey through the art of Arcadia. Learn how tradition is transformed into modern aesthetics through museums, folklore centres, wood carving and silver-goldsmiths workshops.

Day 1

ATHENS-TEGEA-MANTINEA-LEVIDI

Boarding the bus in Athens and departure for Arcadia.

We visit the Park of the Association of Tegea, which includes archaeological monuments from all the important moments in Arcadian history. We visit the archaeological site of the Temple of Athena Alea, the Roman theatre and the palaeo-Christian mosaics.

On site there is also a Folk Art Museum with magnificent samples of folk art including weaving, embroideries and handmade everyday objects.

Next we visit the Temple of Agia Fotini in Mantinea. This church combines all known Greek architectural styles. We learn a lot about Greek architecture by examining a complex of Doric columns, Corinthian capitals, Byzantine plinths and mosaics.

Ancient Mantinea is located in an adjacent area. We visit the ancient theatre where we are also informed of the meaning and the proceedings of Theatre in Ancient Greece.

After a short gastronomic break at a traditional inn at Kandila, we visit Levidi.

There we find the Arcadian Museum of Art & History, full of gravures, sculptures and paintings, vividly narrating the history and myths of Arcadia, of the amative god Pan, Nicolas Poussing and Theodoros Kolokotronis.

 Overnight stay in Levidi.

 

 

Day 2

LEVIDI-DIMITSANA-STEMNITSA-ELATI-LEVIDI

After breakfast, we start our journey for the traditional mountain settlements of Mount Mainalo.

First we visit the historic village of Dimitsana.

In its library, apart from old print books and calligraphy manuscripts, there are also various remnants of the 1821 revolution. These include a bronze shrine with the remains of the Archbishop of Patras Paleon Patron Germanos, the saddle of Papaflessas’ horse, portraits of fighters and benefactors of the nation. There is also a small folk art collection with various kinds of folk-life artefacts and artworks (weaving, embroideries, bronze and wooden household objects).

Next stop, the Silver and Goldsmiths School in Stemnitsa. Stemnitsa is a picturesque mountain settlement at an altitude of 1000 metres.

In its cobblestone streets we can admire the old manors, beautiful gates, lintels and wrought railings which make Stemnitsa a prime example of Arcadian architecture.

Many generations of artists have been taught the art of jewellery making, with metal and precious or semiprecious stones, here in Stemnitsa.

Our walk in the village will reveal a multitude of shops owned by former students of the School, selling their creations in excellent prices. Stop for lunch.

Next, we visit a wood carving workshop in Elati. Wood carving is a long tradition of the residents of Mount Mainalo. These artisans produce carved furniture, church supplies and decorative items. Elati is a picturesque village surrounded by forest.

In our visit, we will see how raw wood from the trees of Mainalo is transformed to works of art by the local craftsman.

Return to Levidi for overnight stay.

 

Day 3

LEVIDI-TRIPOLI-ATHENS

Breakfast at the hotel and departure for Tripoli. After an optional visit to the Archaeological or the War Museum, we take a walk in the town market. Boarding the bus and departure for Athens.

 
Προβολή Arcadian Art σε χάρτη μεγαλύτερου μεγέθους