Leontari is situated οn a strategic and central point of the Peloponnese, since it is very close to the Megalopoli junction (400m) of the new motorway Korinth – Tripoli – Kalamata, Sparta & Olympia, thus allowing its visitors to travel to important destinations, in a short period of time. The journey from Megalopoli to Kalamata and Sparta will be completed in 2011. Both destinations will eventually be a mere 15’-20’ drive from Leontari. The archaeological sites of Messini, Mystras and Olympia will be a day break from Leontari. Furthermore through the city of Megalopolis and to the north, one can visit (via a short driving distance), the settlements of the Karytaina region. Sports enthusiasts will follow the very short route to Loussios river and enjoy a variety of sports such as rafting, kayak, trekking canyoning, etc.
Leaving Leontari you take the county road to the southeast. Before reaching the junction to the Falesia village, you turn into the small road towards the Monastery of Panagia Boura which was founded in the 11th or 12th century and is used today as a women’s monastery. Celebrations take place, on its anniversary, on the 23rd of August. Apart from being a significant religious centre of Arcadia and of the whole of the Peloponnese, this monastery played a significant part in the War of Independence against the Ottoman empire: it was a school for the enslaved Greek children, an induction centre for the Filiki Eteria (the "Society of Friends", was a secret 19th century organization, whose purpose was to overthrow Ottoman rule over Greece and to establish an independent Greek state) and a safe haven for those under pursuit. It is still very much an active monastery and in 1984 new women monks were introduced, as well as newly constructed buildings where completed.
High up in the Mount Taigetos rocks, on the southeastern corner of Arcadia, you will discover the architecturally modern Monastery of Panagia Abelakiou, which took its name from the several vineyards in the area (vineyard = abeli). Many believers visit it daily from Leontari (on the Arcadian side) or from Loganiko (on the Laconic side) to pay tribute to the miraculous icon of “Panagia the Makellaritissa”. Celebrations take place on its anniversary on the 8th of September.
10’ drive south of Leontari are the Evrotas fountains in a beautiful scenery where it is said that Helen of Troy was there as a child. In a short distance one can visit the beautiful village of Skortsinos. Its history begins in the ancient times since archeological findings indicate that in this area was the centre of Velemina and the amazing castle of Helmos.
Gavria is a mere 2km north of Leontari. In this small area with the very few remaining inhabitants, we suggest you walk along the “PAN” path with the organic cultivations and the chapel of the “Gavridokotsirideiki Panagia”
11km to the north we reach the town of Megalopoli. In the main town square you can relax and enjoy your coffee or local sweets. Megalopoli is very famous for its archaeological site situated northwest, which includes an ancient theatre that used to hold up to 20,000 people and was 30 m (100 feet) tall. Other landmarks include the Thersileon with 67 pillars and a temple (11.5 m × 5 m, 37 feet x 11 feet). Herodotus reported the ancient belief that the Megalopolis area was a battleground of the Titanomachy.
To the northwest you can visit Lykosoura and Mount Lykaio where the most ancient games, named Lykaia, took place. You can visit also the Temple of Epicurian Apollo which is a monument protected by UNESCO. In a short distance and through the traditional village of Isaris, you reach the famous Aghia Theodora chapel with the 17 very big trees rooted on its roof!
Old period 1869-2005
