Arcadia is a land imbued with historical legends, traditions, struggles and the artistic pursuits of its inhabitants. It has strong and constant presence from ancient to Byzantine and more recent historical times. On this area you can study the whole of Greek history as no link is missing in it. Monuments - witness of this presence are scattered across the Arcadian land. In Arcadia forked two mountain ranges, Mainalo and Parnonas. On their slopes are skirmished the fascinating villages of Arcadia - colorful touches in a green canvas - and "holy" Arcadian Monasteries, priceless treasures from centuries! At its core, and at the characteristic plateau of Mantinia, dominates the historic Tripolitsa. The rivers, Ladon, the Alpheus and Lucius, gently roll their waters, beneath stone bridges and along "fjord" colorful shores!

To the southeast coast of the prefecture the sea is surrounded by its dreamy sandy beaches, tourist sites for a quiet holiday... Undoubtedly, the three-quarters of Greek Mythology has its origin or place of action, in Arcadia! Browsing through Greek mythology and history will be read that Pelasgus is considered the founder of the Arcadians who was the first man, ancestor of humans. He lived prior to the moon, so Arcadians were called Proselinoi or Proselinioi (before moon). Son of Pelasgus was Lycaonas, who built the Likosoura the sacred mountain of the Arcadians, the Lykaio, considered the oldest known city in the world! At the top of Lykaio, Cretea, fled the heavily pregnant Rhea, wife of Cronus and gave birth to Zeus. Rhea handed the newborn Zeus to three nymphs, Agno, Theisoa and Neda and they washed him in Lousios River. In this sacred peak Lykaios Zeus was brought up, and there he was worshiped in honor of organizing events, called Lykaia committed today in commemoration of the ancient Lykaia. In mythology, Lycaonas had fifty sons and a daughter, the beautiful Callisto that Zeus fell in love with. The jealous Hera, turned heavily pregnant Callisto into a Bear when the child was born was named Arcas, son of bear. And the area that Arcas was born changed name, from Pelasgia or Apia (land of the pear) that was named to Arcadia. Furthermore, Arcadia had its own god, Pan the most known god of Arcadia that was the symbol of music and love. This god with the billy-goat figure, the strange appearance and the syringe (flute) who played on the green slopes of Mainalo was in constant and open dialogue, often erotic, with graceful nymphs of rivers and forests.

Arcadia is traditionally considered the earthly paradise of the shepherd and carefree life, the bucolic region of carelessness and absolute freedom. Thus, European countries after the Renaissance, there was a phrase «Et in Arcadia ego» (I lived in Arcadia too) found written in the table of Poussin "the shepherds of Arcadia" as the inscription on a tomb shepherd in Arcadia. Since then the name of Arcadia, was associated consistently with the happy life of the bucolic countryside, and contributed to the composition and dissemination of the famous "the Arcadian ideal", "the Arkadism", which means a contemplation and nostalgic reference to mythical Arcadian Shepherd Society, an unrealistic dream of escape from the turbulent world of violence and exploitation and a return to a timeless world of innocence and peace based on mutual love, pure cooperation and courtesy play of its members...

In later years, the Freedom of Greece began in Arcadia, Tripolitsa, Phalanthus, the Karytaina and Dimitsana. Names such as Kolokotronis, Nikitaras, Gregory V, Paleon Patron Germanos, Deligiannis, Kefalas, Fotakos... Valtetsi, Vervena, Doliana, Grana... are those from within the Revolution of '21 started! Later, "the father of the Republic" Alex. Papanastasiou and contemporary politics are from Arcadia! However, Arcadia, gave birth to major figures in literature and arts: Mitropoulos Varvoglis, Tsarouchis, Bouzianis, Karyotakis, Synodinos, Gatsos, Ouranis...

Arcadia, ultimately, is not just a part of Greece with a rich history and tradition, it's a way of life! The «et in arcadia ego» is in the soul of all people. Arcadia is not just a Prefecture is a destination. The Arcadian landscape was worshiped and strongly identified with the balance and harmony.

The Arcadian ideal - the Arkadism became global movement and has embraced the nature of human emphasizing the relationship of human existence with the natural environment. On the main features of the simplicity of the landscape, the authenticity of people and traditional hospitality, Arcadia and its people have been moving forward in time. This is our Arcadia: it's the quiet power that inspires over time with its beauty. It's challenging and invites you to meet its land. Only then you will understand the beauty that hides inside.