Hiking Along River Lousios

It’s worth visiting mountainous Arcadia, if just to hike in the gorge of river Lousios. It has been declared an archaeological site, as well as a location of “High Ecological Protection”.

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It’s worth visiting mountainous Arcadia, if just to hike in the gorge of river Lousios, which has been designated an archaeological site, as well as a location of “High Ecological Protection”.

Lousios is one of the most beautiful rivers of the Peloponnese. According to Pausanias, the Greek traveller, it has actually the coldest waters of all rivers that don’t freeze in the winter. It originates in the plateau of Karkalou, and its waters, after a course of 23 km, join those of Alpheios, near Karytaina. Thanks to their fast flowing waters, in the pre-industrial era, they were used by the residents as a source of energy for water mills, fulling mills, flour mills and powder mills. One of the powder mills is located in the neibouring Dimitsana, and it played and important role in the Greek Revolution of 1821 by supplying with ammunition the Greeks fighting against the Turks. In fact, apart from the powder mill, in the Open-Air Water Power Museum  in Dimitsana, you’ll see more pre-industrial structures and you will learn a lot about their operation.

The most charming part of the regions through which the river flows is the 15 km long gorge, with the enormous limestone rocks, blackened by the rain and humidity. They emerge from the lush vegetation, inspiring awe to the hikers. Just like they did some centuries ago to the hermits and anchorites who came to become monks in the caves of the steep cliffs. Those hermit caves later formed the monasteries of Philosophos, Prodromos and Kalamio.

Walking is the only way of discovering the magical landscapes of the gorge.

A short and popular trail along river Lousios is that connecting the monasteries of Prodromos and Philosophos (45 minutes - 1 hour). You can start at the monastery of Prodromos, descending into incredibly lush greenery. The sound of water will constantly accompany you, and once you reach the river and lay eyes on the surrounding scenery, you will feel blessed. Cross the bridge and continue on the opposite side of the gorge, in order to fistly see the impressive monument of the Old Monastery of Philosophos and then the New Monastery (Part 1 of menalontrail network).

Equally beautiful is the trail joining Stemnitsa with ancient Gortyna, passing by the Monastery of Prodromos. After the Monastery, the hiking continues on the western bank of the river.

Flora-fauna and bridges
The lush vegetation of Lousios gorge consists of laurels, maple trees, spiny burnets, willows, kermes, myrtles, plane trees, elms, poplars, fir trees, wild olive trees, etc. Equally impressive is the fauna, with various species of serpents, birds, fish and mammals, who find shelter here all year round.

Along river Lousios, there are mainly arched bridges, among which the bridge of Kontos stands out, and the bridge of Kokoris in ancient Gortyna. It was built in 1880, it is single-arched and has islamic-like characteristics.

Did you know:

In the antiquity, the cities of Teuthis, Maratha, Brenthe and ancient Gortyna with the Sanctuary of Asclepius were built on the river banks.

The trails are adequately marked. However, for security reasons, avoid descending the gorge after intense and long rainfall.

Lousios is the ideal river for rafting: The water route starts at the bridge near Atsicholo, ending at the stone bridge of Koukos.

Location

Find the destination on the interactive map below.