Karytaina is a picturesque and historic village in the county of Arcadia presenting a very interesting Castle which was even depicted at the back side of the 5.000 drachma note. The Frankish Castle is situated upon a steep cliff in mountainous Arcadia and used to serve the area as a natural fortress during the Turkish occupation and the revolution of 1821 due to its highly strategic position.

Built in the mid 13th century by the French ruler Hugo de Vrijer and during a time when the settlement of Karytaina was flourishing, the actual Castle was considered as one of the most important fortresses of the Peloponnese which was a reason to name it the Greek Toledo. It also played a very important role during the Greek Revolution of 1821.

Although the Castle’s exterior is still relatively well preserved, its interior remains absolutely ruined. Climbing up the stone-paved path which will lead you to its entrance, you will be rewarded with a wonderful, panoramic view of the plains of Megalopolis and the gorge of Loussios river.

From: Eva Kanellopoulos

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