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Alonistena is one of the most picturesque villages in
mountainous Arcadia. At an altitude of 1,200 m. above
sea level, it lies on a green valley with walnut and fir
trees, accompanied by the Elisson river, which flows
through the region since antiquity. The village is
surrounded by the imposing peaks of the Menalon
mountain range, lush with fir trees. Alonistena is a
government-declared national heritage village. In fact,
Alonistena is an ideal destination for those seeking to
spend time close to nature.
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In the mid-19th century, the village used to have over 2,000 inhabitants (it was the region’s social hub). From the
50's onwards, the population shrank due to emigration. Nowadays, a few dozens of inhabitants who live in the village
permanently, work in farming, beekeeping and agriculture (growing walnuts and vegetables, in particular). The famous
staple product of the region, fir-tree honey, is certainly worth mentioning. It is also known as ‘Menalon vanilla’. The
honey’s excellent quality has actually been ‘secured’ since 1994, thanks to the protected designation of origin (PDO).
The 1742 basilica of Agia Paraskevi is situated in the small square of the village. It is single-nave and has an ornate
altarpiece made of wood. By the entrance of the church, you will see Zambia Kotsakis’ tomb, Theodoros Kolokotronis’
(commander-in-chief during the Greek War of Independence) mother. West in the square lies Zambia’s memorial, made
of marble, portraying Zambia with her son in his youth. Theodoros Kolokotronis came from Limbovisi, a nearby village,
but spent his childhood years in Alonistena, following his father’s death. His house can be found on the eastern side of
the village. Many early 19th-century residences, built by stone-work experts from Langadia, can still be traced. An old
water mill is situated only a few metres away from the square, awaiting its restoration. There is also the Agios Nikolaos
stream, only a little further from the square. It is one of the Elisson’s sources, which joins the Alfios river. Right next to
the stream, you can still see a well-maintained old inn (‘hani’), one of the most well known in the region.
In antiquity, the place where Alonistena is built was known as Elisson. The current village name originates either from a
gradual alteration of the ancient name through long-term usage, or from the word ‘alonisma’, which means ‘ploughing’ in
modern Greek. Many ploughed fields can still be found in several locations of the village.
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