Ano Doliana

Ano Doliana – A Village with Two Lives and a Glorious Past

Perched at 1,050 meters on the slopes of Mount Parnon, Ano Doliana is a beautiful mountain village in Arcadia with a rich history and a unique way of life. First mentioned in a Venetian census in 1700, the village grew significantly in the 18th and 19th centuries as people sought refuge here after times of unrest.

Due to its cold winters, locals traditionally spent the summer in Ano Doliana and the winter in Kato Doliana, located in the milder lowlands—a seasonal migration that shaped a dual-settlement lifestyle.

Ano Doliana played a key role in the Greek War of Independence. Two important battles took place here—one in 1821, led by the heroic Nikitaras, and another in 1825, under Ypsilantis, who stood strong against Ibrahim Pasha's forces. Unfortunately, in 1826, the village was burned down, including the original Church of Saint George, which was later rebuilt in 1833.

Today, visitors to Ano Doliana can enjoy cool mountain air, breathtaking natural beauty, and traces of heroic history, all in one place.