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...a significant presence in mythology and history...
Tegea lays on the eastern part of the fertile plateau of Mantineia, on the spot of ancient Tegea, the most important city in Arcadia during antiquity. It has a significant presence in mythology and history. Ancient Tegea, an important religious center of Ancient Greece, boasted an important market, a marble theater (175 BC) and stadium where the local Aleaia games were held. It was sacked in the 4th century BC by the Goths and the Byzantine city of Nikli was built on its ruins.
Tegea is very proud of its cultural legacy and history. For a long period of time it was along with the town of Mantineia the most important city-center in Arcadia. The remarkable culture that flourished there left its indelible and bright traces behind.
The site of the remains of the ancient temple of Athena Alea at the village of Alea and the Byzantine church of Palaia Episkopi (10th century AD) built on the conge of the theater, are the most significant archaeological resources of Tegea today.
The site of the remains of the ancient temple of Athena Alea at the village of Alea and the Byzantine church of Palaia Episkopi (10th century AD) built on the conge of the theater, are the most significant archaeological resources of Tegea today.
In the grove near the church a beautiful mosaic that dates back to the 4th century is preserved. At the area of Palaia Episkopi, under a centuries-old plane tree and next to the medieval walls, in 1934 the International Olympic Committee passed the “Tegea Resolution” for establishing the first Olympic Torch Relay.
Tegea today includes 16 villages stretching on the namesake fertile camp. It is an agricultural area full of gardens, orange groves and cultivated fields. (Apple and potatoes of Tripoli, broad beans of Episkopi, garlic of Tegea, etc.)
Tegea has 65 churches, many of them surrounded by verdant parks. The large trading fair of Tegea taking place since 1885 in Episkopi on the 15th of August each year is the largest in Peloponnese and lasts for eight days. Also important is the commercial-cultural expo organized each year within the framework of the Tegea fair. Among the plethora of feasts and events organized in the area, the most important are the Garlic Fair in Lithovounia (first Sunday in July each year) and the festivities of Zoodohos Pigi in Episkopi.