Leondari: Castle, Churches and History

Leondari lies at an altitude of about 540 metres on the northern foothills of Mount Taygetus and is part of Falaisia. This historic traditional settlement combines political history with a distinctive townscape: the remains of a medieval castle tower over the village, while stone houses, churches and public buildings shape the settlement, whose streets follow the slope below the castle. If you want to consider cultural history and landscape together, Leondari offers several specific points of interest.

A settlement with a political history

From 1300 to 1391, Leondari was the seat of the Despots of Morea. Its location along old routes towards Messenia and Laconia gave the settlement strategic and administrative importance. This political and geographical context broadens the perspective beyond individual buildings and gives the town’s history a clearly defined period.

Churches with different points of interest

The Church of the Holy Apostles, dating from the 14th century, stands in the central square. It combines features of a basilica with a more developed Byzantine style. Its fittings include Byzantine-style frescoes, a Byzantine-style marble iconostasis and a multicoloured mosaic floor. This brings together a range of architectural and artistic features in a single building.

A notice dated 4 June 2018 states that visits to the church must be arranged in advance with the Ephorate of Antiquities. If you plan to visit the church, confirm the arrangements beforehand.

Castle, hillside and settlement layout

The ruins of a medieval Frankish castle stand on the hill beside Leondari, overlooking the village. The streets follow the slope below the castle, while stone houses, churches and public buildings shape the settlement. The castle, elevated setting and street layout thus form a distinctive spatial connection that helps define the character of the place.

The Chapel of the Taxiarchs, also dating from the 14th century, stands on the castle path in Leondari. The Church of the Holy Apostles in the central square and the chapel on the castle path offer two specific points of reference for the town’s history. Comparing their locations makes the connection between religious buildings and the settlement layout clear.

From the town to routes in the surrounding area

Leondari is a starting point for routes towards Falaisia, the northern Taygetus and ancient Megalopolis. This gives you additional directions to consider when planning, alongside the buildings and history in the town itself. Falaisia and the northern Taygetus are listed alongside Megalopolis, which is explicitly identified as an ancient site. You can decide whether to focus on Leondari itself, with its castle, churches and settlement layout, or also include routes in the directions mentioned.

If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Leondari, this question can help you define the kind of stay you want: would you mainly like to include the historic town in your plans, or should the routes mentioned also play a part?

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Nestani, Karkalou, Aghios Petros, Megalopoli, Arcadia, Isaris, Karítaina, Dimitsana

For the broader travel overview: Arcadia.