Famous for its olives and beautiful mountain scenery, Achladokampos is a semi-mountainous village belonging to the Municipality of Argos-Mycenae of the prefecture of Argolis. Built at an altitude of 479 meters, it is located in the northwestern part of the prefecture on the southern slopes of Mount Artemisio. It occupies a total area of 105.9 sq.km and, according to the data of the 2011 census, its population amounts to 497 inhabitants, most of whom are engaged in farming, including animal husbandry and, of course, olive cultivation.
The village has a long history. The first significant settlement dates back to 720 BCE and is known as the ancient city of Ysion. The plains around the Ysion settlement are ancient battlefields, which were pivotal in the war fought between Argos and Sparta. These battles had significant impact on the political and military development of the Greek world.
The first battle took place around 669 BCE, according to Pausanias. There the world witnessed for the first time the use of phalanx tactics that relied on the Argian "Hoplon" shields - hence the name "hoplites". This military strategy resulted in a decisive win for Argos. The defeated, as well as other Greeks, quickly copied the formation of the phalanx, revolutionizing warfare.
The second battle took place around 417 BCE, as part of the Peloponnesian war. Here the Spartans destroyed the city of Ysion. Though the area would become inhabited again, the settlement was never built again as it had been before this war.
During the Byzantine times, near 1296 ACE, the stronghold of Mouhli was created on one of the nearby hills bordering Arcadia. This site was one of utmost strategic important within the Peloponnese. In 1460, the stronghold of Mouhli was besieged by Mohammed II. After a few days, the siege was brought to an end with because of agreement made with the Ottomans with commander Dimitrios Asanis. After the surrender, Mohammed II set fire to the city and the castle, killing most all of the inhabitants.
The village, as it currently stands, was created largely in the 17th century. It sits very closely between the old sites of Mouhli and the city of Ysion, was made as an amalgamation of surrounding settlements. Largely because of the importance of its geographic location, just as it was in previous times, the area of Achladokampos continued to be a key strategic point that dominated the countryside of the area.
In the Greek revolution, Achladokampos played a very important role because it served as a strategic supply base for the Greek forces. During the first year of the Greek revolt, two hundred armed men led by Staikos Staikopoulos fortified the settlement to prevent Ottoman reinforcements from being sent from Tripolitsa to the Ottoman forces that were besieged in Nafplion.
In July of 1822, a meeting between high-ranking Greek military officers took place in the village. Among others, Theodoros Kolokotronis and Petrobeis Mavromichalis were in attendance. This meeting resulted in mobilization against the army of Dramali. Various other military councils were held in Achladokampos during the revolution.
Tragically, in 1825, after Ibrahim's victory in battle, the village was set on fire and this destroyed much of the region. Later, during the 1832 - 1833 period, a cavalry force commanded by Dimitrios Kallergis was based in the village. During the 1850-1940 period, several ctizens of Achladokampos turned to art and literature. As the village and Greece suffered many perils, in 1890 there was a wave of migration to America, especially to Chicago.
During the Axis occupation, German soldiers executed nine inhabitants of the settlement. On May 17, 1944, the terrifying battle of the inn of Achladokampos took place near the village, fought between the rebel forces of ELAS and the occupying troops. The conflict resulted in the death of around fifty German soldiers, while the impact of the battle was such that after three days Wing Commander Helmut Felmy declared the entire Peloponnese a war zone. A few days later, the residents of Achladokampos, in fear of German reprisals and because of their opposition to EAM/ELAS, requested and received armaments from the Tripoli Security Battalion with the subsequent creation of a local guard, a force of approximately 150 men. On September 18, 1944, Achladokampos was surrounded by ELAS forces under Emmanuel Vazaios, who demanded the surrender of the armed men. The refusal of the guard led to a fierce battle that ended with the rebels prevailing and the death of 53 men of the settlement.
During it's long history, the area around Achladokampos has seen many tragedies. It has been burned to ashes many times. Yet, throughout millenia, it has always been rebuilt. It is a place where people have died to defend, and also a place where people have lived and loved. They have married and raised families. Each season brings a new rebirth and a new chapter to the region. This is because it is a beauty that can only be witnessed.
For a village with so much history, it's only natural to have a plethora of places to see when visiting the village...
Still not fully unearthed are the remains of the ancient city of Ysies that dominated the area between the 7th to the 5th century BCE
A great place for picnic or other social events, it sits under enormous deciduous and coniferous trees, near a spring of water and a small chapel.
The main church of the village is located next to the elementary school, the cultural center, and the war memorial of the villages that fell during WW2 and the civil war.
Located next to "Panos" tavern are several old buildings. There are train tracks, tools, wagons and more reminders of another era. Enjoyers of trains will greatly apreciate this place.
A small chapel built high in the local mountains that you can access by following a scenic mountainous route. The view from up there is breathtaking, with good sight of the prefecture of Argolis. It is surrounded by wind generators that sit even higher than the chapel, but it is only for those daring enough to take an even better view of the surrounding area...
Following a scenic route that passes through the olive orchards and the fields of wild flora, you will reach the famous bridge of the area. This bridge bombed in WW2 and rebuilt after the war. While the bridge itself is a great site by itself, those who are patient and willing can follow the path down and visit at least 4 more bridges, along with various other, now abandoned, train buildings in a beautifull route.
A small church with great significance for the locals. The building has been there for more than two centuries and is a notable historical monument of the area. This because it was built during the last years of Turkish rule, after a long fight from the locals, with the aim of serving the religious needs of the growing families of the village.
Deep within the wilderness of the village plain lies Pinikovi, which is named after the Greek God Panas' water spring. It is an idyllic place disconnected from humanity. On a trail filled with small water springs and heavy vegetation, one can follow the marked route to reach the Pinikovi cave. Due to the difficult terrain and route, one must inform the locals before trying to reach this place or have a guide to show them around as the hiking can be moderate to very difficult.
A beautifull chapel that sits next to a water spring deep inside the wilderness of the region. It is a great place for picnics and other social events.
An isolated monastery deep in the region. The treasure of the Holy Monastery is the Icon of the Virgin "Rodon the Amaranton" or "Virgin of Akathistos" (19th century).
At the borders of the village, and on top of mount Mouchli, there sits the now destroyed castle that dominated the area during the 13th and 15th century ACE of the Byzantine times. The castle was so important that scholars put it at the same category as that of Mystras.
A beautiful chapel high in the mountain, built around a cave that once served as the place of worship for the Christians of the time. The view up there is beautifull and it's the perfect place for a picnics or social events.
On the mountain range of Ktenia, at an altitude of 1597 meters, there is a cluster of centuries-old trees known as the itama. According to Pausanias, these are the remains of an old forest, dedicated to the goddess Artemis. According to the local myths, Artemis was also worshiped in a temple located deep inside the forest. The tree itamos were dedicated to the Erinyes, the chthonic deities of vengeance whom punished human disrespect with the poison of this tree. Itamos is considered perhaps the longest-lived tree in Europe, as its age can exceed 2000 years. The difficulty of the terrain and of the path to reach this place suggests that one should use a guide to reach it.
While the region is filled with many sights to visit, one has not seen everything unless he has walked inside the village. Achladokampos is a big village that stretches both vertically and horizontally on a large mountainside. Adorned with old, new and renovated buildings, it is filled with multiple neighborhoods, each with their own feel that makes the simple experience of walking inside the village very unique.
There are many taverns and cafe & bars, each unique, that serve fresh and authentic, mostly locally grown and raised food. Each place has a unique view and experience, with great hospitality and an authentic and varied village cuisine.
Your first stop when coming from the direction of Argos will be "Lontos" tavern.
"Panos" tavern is in the valley and near the old train station.
"Georgalas" is located in the center of town.
"Floutsis" is located in the upper part of the village.
"Ntrizis" is located by the main road of the village, very close to the main church of St Demetrius.
For your stay needs there is a guest house available, "Xenon Achladokampos". It is a neoclassical mansion of the 19th century, which offers a warm environment, free Wi-Fi in the rooms and the common areas. It has free parking, a common room with a kitchen, a fireplace, a TV lounge and 5 elegant double rooms. With classic traditional new furniture and wooden ceiling and floor, the rooms include, an LCD TV, free Wi-Fi, fridge and kettle. All have a private bathroom with a shower, toiletries and a hairdryer. The guest house is built with respect to the simple architecture of the village while at the same time offering the unique possibility of accommodation in the traditional center of the village and in direct access to all the attractions and interests of the area. It is located next to the village square with the traditional taverns that serve homemade pasta and traditional dishes. Next to the guesthouse is located the municipal swimming pool where you can cool yourself off in the hot summer days and relax with the unique view of the mountains and plains of the area. The guest house offers hospitality & accommodation in a traditional place with modern comfort & communication facilities and beautiful outdoor spaces overlooking the village and the plain.
Τhe KTEL (ΚΤΕΛ) bus networks are perhaps the easiest way to get around most of Greece. It is important to note that KTEL busses are not owned by one company. KTEL busses are owned regionally and are similar to a city bus in places like the United States (but much nicer). Each region has its own bus system that operates locally and connects to other bus systems. For many, KTEL busses are the prefferred method of transportation.
There are two KTEL bus companies that service Axladokampos:
-KTEL Arcadia (service from Tripoli)
-KTEL
Argolida (service from Argos)
Usually the busses come only once per day from each region, sometimes more during the summer. You will want to check the KTEL sites for bus times.
NOTE: KTEL Arcadia and KTEL Argolida both have service that goes to/from Athens.
NOTE: Bus schedules do change, so it is always best to call ahead.
NOTE: This is important, the village is a stop along the "Old National road of Tripoli-Argos".
When you call KTEL Arcadia or KTEL Argolida, or verify on the websites, Achladokampos may not be listed. You will need to know if the bus goes on the "Old National road of Tripoli-Argos" and then ask the driver to
let you off at the village. It's best to also verify with the bus driver before boarding the bus.
NOTE: Accesibility can be a concern. Some bus routes drop off in the village and some just outside the village. So the bus may only be the best option for persons able to hike along the road for a mile or so
and carry their items with them. The bus may not be the best choice for those with limited mobility, unless there are plans to be picked up at the bus stop.
Prepare for a 1 to 2 mile hike along a paved road.
An excellent gift for the diaspora, here is a link to Achladokampos olive oil that is distributed to America.
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