Let’s explore Arnaia together

As children, we explored Arnaia playing hide and seek and tag in every corner of the village. The alleyways echoed with innocent voices, and the mothers would call us in from the balconies late in the evening. Carefree, beautiful childhood years… without fear, without cell phones, without video games. Just groups of children from every neighborhood, united in endless play.

When we grew older and entered our teenage years, we began taking our first walks through the village. We’d stroll from “Nina’s turn” to the square, then head out for a coffee or a “rosoantiko” — the most popular drink of that time in the local cafés.

Through these memories, I’ll take you on a tour of Arnaia. A central meeting point and landmark: the plane tree in the center of the village. Proud and majestic, it has stood there for decades. It has heard all our stories – first loves, big complaints, deals and farewells. That’s where friends reunited after years apart, and parents said goodbye to their children. It’s where our grandparents told us their tales and our parents shared their adventures.

Starting our walk from the local market, we head toward one of the most beautiful – and perhaps the most photographed – spots in Arnaia: the Giannoudena district, behind the National Bank building. There you’ll find the renowned Iatrou Mansion, which today hosts the Historical and Folklore Museum, as well as the Weaving Museum. A visit will transport you to another era and bring you closer to the history of our land.

A stroll through this neighborhood is truly enchanting. Your camera will become a must-have accessory — you won’t know which picturesque corner to capture first. Here lie some of the most remarkable examples of traditional architecture: houses built after the destruction of 1821, painted in vivid indigo or soft ochres.

Returning to the square, be sure to cross over and climb the steps that lead to quaint, peaceful neighborhoods. Every corner here is a photo opportunity and a journey through time.

The square of Arnaia, with its grand plane tree, is the heart of the village — a lively meeting point for locals and visitors alike. Known as the “market,” it’s the perfect starting point to discover every alley and the stories it hides: from mansions and churches to museums and rare buildings.

Arnaia is stunning in every season. Visitors can enjoy walks in nature or through the cobblestone streets, sip coffee at local cafés, and savor the region’s flavors at traditional taverns. It’s also a great base for excursions to the rest of our municipality’s sights.

Meanwhile, Arnaia keeps its traditions and customs alive. The village’s active cultural associations work all year round to preserve them. For example:
– The giant Christopsomo (Christmas bread), cut on Christmas Eve
– The weighing of Saint George
– The “Koutsmanos” and “Sousaritsa” customs on Easter Monday
– The grand celebration of Saint Paraskevi on July 26
– And many more events held during holidays and festivals

What you shouldn’t miss in Arnaia:

– The old school (built in 1871), next to the main church at “Chorostasi” square
– The Folklore and Historical Museum, housed in an 18th-century mansion
– The Weaving Museum, located across from the Folklore Museum in a mansion dating to 1870
– The historic church of Saint Stephen, dating back to 1812. After the 2005 fire, excavations uncovered important findings. A glass floor was installed so visitors can view them up close.

It’s also worth noting that Saint Cosmas of Aetolia preached here in 1775.