Karytaina

Karitena (Greek Καρίταινα ( f sg ) ) is a village in the municipality Gortynia in the highlands of Arcadia, the Peloponnese in Greece with 379 inhabitants. By 2010 it was the capital of the municipality Gortyna but which has been incorporated to Gortynia.

Geography

Karitena is located on 482 m above sea level in the mountains of Arcadia, above the Alfios Gorge. The village is situated on a saddle, once you pass the of the high plain of Megalopolis to the west coast of the Peloponnese.

History

The existence of an ancient precursor of the settlement is not secured. At the time of the Franks, the place was secured by a fort, which was captured in the course of history by the Byzantines and Ottomans. From the Venetians, the castle was never taken, despite several attempts. In the Greek War of Independence of 1821 the city played a major role, it is the home of the freedom fighter Theodoros Kolokotronis.

Attractions

In Karitena there is a fortress of the Frankish period which was on the western hill built in 1254 over the city. Today only remnants of the system are obtained ( exterior walls ). The complex is within walking distance, the entrance is free. At the cemetery of the town is a Byzantine church dedicated to St. Nicholas from the 17th century. South of the town is a Frankish bridge over the river Alfios.