Daytrip to Ancient Tegea

Arcadia is a place where historical memory, natural landscape, and architectural heritage coexist in a way that allows visitors to experience the continuity of time. Our excursion to Tegea and Mantineia offered a comprehensive insight into the layered history of Arcadia, through monuments that reflect different eras and cultural influences. The day began at the Old Episcopi of Tegea, one of the most significant Byzantine monuments of the region. The church of the Panaghia, built over the hollow of the ancient theatre, stands as a characteristic example of the transition from antiquity to the Byzantine period and of the harmonious integration of a monument within its natural surroundings.
We then continued to the archaeological site and the Archaeological Museum of Tegea, which presents finds ranging from the prehistoric period to historical times. The museum highlights the prominent role of Tegea as one of the most important city-states of ancient Arcadia. Our excursion concluded in Mantineia, with a visit to the Church of Agia Foteini, an exceptional example of modern religious architecture. The church combines elements drawn from antiquity, Byzantine tradition, and folk art, resulting in a distinctive and highly recognisable ensemble that has attracted considerable interest from architects and scholars.

The tour was led by Mrs. Metaxia Routsi, archaeologist at the Museum of Cycladic Art.