We head to mountainous Arcadia for delicious chestnuts
The village of Kastanitsa is not only listed among the most historic villages of the area, but UNESCO has also characterized it as a Historical Preserved Monument and a Region of Particular Natural Beauty.
This is where we will also taste delicious chestnuts in various forms: in their original fresh form, in sweets, as a liqueur or even used in cooking recipes!
Kastanitsa is one of the most ancient villages of the complex of Kinouriaka villages of Mount Parnonas and it is located in the county of Arcadia. According to written manuscripts its existence is first recorded in 1293 AD.
It is considered as one of the most beautiful preserved settlements of the Peloponnesian peninsula and an area where the locals still use their own dialect, which is called the ‘Tsakoniki’ dialect.
Traditional stone-built houses painted with white lime solution, wooden balconies, brightly coloured windows and yards full of blossoming flowers…All of the above in combination to the stone-paved alleys, give the village an idyllic, happy setting which resembles to that of an Aegean island village, although Kastanitsa is located up on the mountains. Most houses are tower-houses and their construction dates back to 300 years ago. The view from the hill, from the castle at the top of the settlement and from the newly renovated main square of the village, is absolutely stunning. The village is absolutely surrounded by a dense forest of fir and chestnut trees.
One of the most significant locally sourced products of the village, is that of chestnuts. The seasonal crop used to reach at least 500 tones. Nowadays, the production is a lot smaller but the area is still famous for its chestnut variety. The few tavernas which are situated at the main square of the village, prepare and serve chestnuts in various forms and they are all worthy to taste. Chestnut salad, cheek peas with chestnuts, pork stew cooked in chestnuts and red wine served with freshly cut potato chips or rice, are only a few of the novel cooking recipes. As far as chestnuts in their sweet form is concerned, the local gastronomy keeps a very special place for the home-made deserts, such as the chestnut preserved in jars of sweet syrup, as well as, the delicious walnut and chestnut pie.
