Piana

Piana is built around a naturally defenced hill, at the top of which stands the parish church of Agios Georgios.

It is a settlement born during the late Ottomam period, which flourished and developed after the 1821 Revolution. Thanks to its short distance from Tripoli and its abundant agricultural resources, Piana retained some of its former strength until the late 20th century.

Several springs arise near the site of the settlement, some of which have been ornamented with beautiful fountains, such as the the main square fountain, the Kappas fountain, and the Afentis fountain in the Kato Machalas neighborhood.

The Elisson river, which flows through the southermost valley of the village, had an important role in the life and the well-being of Piana. Elisson, after collecting the runoffs of the valley of Alonistena and those of Pilalistra, as the meadows of Piana as called, runs around the small mountain of Pianovouni and heads towards the east. On this route, it gave life to 12 water mills and 6 fulling tubs.
Today, part of the waters of Elisson are diverted to the supply system of Tripoli.

Near the main square of Piana, a small Folklore museum is hosted in a renovated old house. The museum exhibits items from the rural life of the village, as well as some ecclesiastical objects.
In the summer, a guest house and restaurants are available in the village.

Hiking routes around Piana

The Orange Trail, a long crossing of Mt Menalon marked by the Club of Arcadian Mountaineers and Ecologists (SAOO), passes through Piana. The Orange Trail intersects with the Blue Trail.

Text and photos by T. Adamakopoulos