20 km from Megalopolis we meet the historical Karytaina. It is an imposing and impressive village that flourished during the years of Frankish rule. Its ideal location and altitude, set it as a focal point of contact between Arcadia and Messinia.
At the south end of the village of Karytaina, lies the homonymous Castle, built on a hill, at an altitude of 582 meters, which is one of the most impressive in the Peloponnese. It dates from the middle of the 13th century and is one of the most representative examples of French architecture. It was called "Toledo of Greece" because of its unparalleled beauty. At the bottom of the Castle is the chapel of Our Lady.
In 1320 Andranik Paleologos Asan succeeded to the castle, thus passing to the Greeks. In 1458 Karytaina was besieged by the Venetians and then occupied by the Turks. In 1685 the inhabitants rebelled against the Turks, sought the help of Morosini and succeeded in conquering the castle. In the revolution of 1821 there was a residence and a base for Kolokotronis against Ibrahim. After 1830, however, and Dimitsana emerged as the administrative center of the area, the castle was deserted.
It is currently in ruins, but its exterior walls are still in relatively good condition.
Near Karytaina flows the river Alfios. On the Alphios and near the settlement, two traditional bridges are worth saving. The bridge of Koukos and the bridge of Karytaina, which connected the castle of Karytaina with Messenia during the Middle Ages.
