There are stories that, like good honey, never get old, even if you tell them day after day. In fact, since childhood, I have loved nothing more than telling stories. And now I'm going to tell the story of my Wednesday walk in Dimitsana.
I am always happy to go to the most secluded corners of the world and marvel at unfamiliar things. Just thinking about them conjures up the most beautiful images in the imagination: walks along evergreen paths shrouded in primordial mist. Stopping at the waterfalls, the sea, the stream to admire the falling water. Listening to the sounds of wildlife. Observation of mountain peaks. And maybe I'll say: "like my own!", without saying anything else, because I'll be surprised again, how the soul calmed down... as if I found a home.
My reader, I want more than anything that when you read the words I write, they make you smile and inspire you to enjoy life and be yourself. And so that your heart remains as calm and cozy as if you had just hugged your best friend. And now, I want to enjoy my walk in beautiful Dimitsana town.
Centuries ago, in the place of Dimitsana, there was an ancient Arcadian city with the name of Teuthis. By the way, that city participated in the Trojan War. However, the exact time period when Teuthis was renamed to Dimitsana is still unknown. The name of Dimitsana has Slavic origins, as are many names of other nearby villages.
Dimitsana is a traditional village high in the mountains of Arcadia. There is no suffocating heat here in summer, and pleasant coolness reigns at night. I was happy to walk along narrow medieval streets. Rising higher and higher, all new views open up to the eyes, one more beautiful than the other. There are fragrant flowers around. Even stoves are made with love. And how beautiful are these tiered belfries!
The proximity to the main attractions of the Lousios Gorge makes Dimitsana a very convenient base for walking and driving around the area. This is one of the major settlements in this area of Arcadia, a tourist center with a large selection of hotels, taverns and shops. Dimitsana also houses a museum of hydropower (watermills) and the history of the area.
In addition to the natural beauty, the surroundings of Dimitsana are famous for their cave monasteries, whose history goes back almost a thousand years. The history of Greece and Orthodoxy consider them as the nost significant spiritual centers.
It’s worth mentioning separately about taverns. We are big fans of Greek cuisine, and with each new visit we become more and more in love with this cultural phenomenon. This time we tried classic Greek taverns, where no one understands English, and the menu is a completely unnecessary thing, because the owner will now tell you what the juiciest biftek and huge kontosouvli are. My husband always left such establishments with sadness, saying each time that he could not stand even a minute’s separation from Greek cuisine. Need I say that the portions in such establishments are huge, and the price tag is one and a half to two times less?
In Dimitsana, we can recommend the "Kallithea" Tavern, which is located right at the entrance to the town. Almost opposite it in the morning, you can find local farmers selling fruits and vegetables. The watermelon bought at the Dimitsana market turned out to be the most delicious of the entire trip.
No matter how beautiful it is in Dimitsana itself, the views around are even more amazing. The serpentine road winds along the surrounding slopes, offering us beautiful panoramic views of the Dimitsana, monasteries on the mountains and Lousios Gorge.
While we were walking through the streets of Dimitsana and carrying a watermelon to the car, the sun rose in all its power.
Although the town is small, it seems to have a particularly spiritual feel to it. Seven patriarchs emerged from it. That is, Dimitsana is a fairly serious religious center. Patriarch Gregory, who was the head of the Greek Church in the imperial capital of Istanbul, was born in Dimitsana. He was executed by the Turkish authorities for supporting the Greek uprising. Arcadia was generally very active in the struggle for independence. Well, now everything is peaceful and calm here.
The streets here are very romantic.
Below flows the Lousios stream, where, according to legend, little Zeus was bathed. And beauty all around.
Greece is not only the sea, but also incredibly beautiful; living mountains, wild trails, gorges, waterfalls and picturesque landscapes. Every time your heart skips a beat, you won’t believe that this beauty is Greece too! Although, where else can you find so many ancient and medieval traces while walking in these beautiful towns and villages?
Calmness of Wednesday in a Greek village. An idyllic view against the background of global chaos reminds us again and again - let's enjoy every day, even the moment, given to us.
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