Tripotama: Ancient Traces and River Landscape

Tripotama combines the history of the ancient city of Psophis with a setting at the confluence of three rivers. On the conical Paliókastro and at the Koímisi Monastery, you will encounter different historical layers; a 1 km trail along the Erymanthos offers a different focus. Archaeological details and a clearly defined riverside route provide concrete points of interest for your trip.

Psophis and its city wall

The ruins of the ancient city of Psophis and the remains of its city wall are mostly visible in the village, beside houses and on private property. This setting is important for orientation: traces of antiquity appear throughout the village surroundings. Anyone exploring the city’s history will also encounter the layout of the present-day village, rather than just an abstract name on a map.

The wall remains were built in pseudo-isodomic masonry, with polygonal sections incorporated into it. The difference can be seen in the construction: pseudo-isodomic sections are laid in orderly courses of stone, while polygonal sections are distinguished by stones with multiple sides. When examining the wall remains, you can therefore consider the construction method as well as the course of the walls.

Paliókastro and the Koímisi Monastery

The conical hill of Paliókastro was fortified and served as the acropolis of the ancient city of Psophis. Here, the term acropolis refers to the city’s fortified focal point and helps explain the hill’s role. The circuit of fortifications and two towers can be seen on the acropolis. The larger of the two western towers survives to a height of up to 2 metres; the foundations of a church have been excavated south of the towers. Fortifications, towers and traces of a church thus offer distinct archaeological subjects alongside one another.

At the foot of Paliókastro stands the Koímisi Monastery, enclosed by a wall designed to resemble a fortification. The monastery was founded in 1825 and destroyed by Ibrahim in 1826. In the following decades, it was used again as a church and school before being abandoned in the 19th century. Only a year passed between its foundation and destruction; its renewed use began only in the following decades.

Confluence and trail along the Erymanthos

Tripotama lies at the confluence of the Erymanthos, Aroanios and Seiraios rivers, which then join to form the Erymanthos. The three river names clarify the geographical setting and provide a point of interest in their own right, alongside the archaeological sites around Paliókastro.

A 1 km hiking trail begins beside the arched Erymanthos Bridge in Tripotama, follows the riverbank, passes the recreation area and Katriva Spring, and ends at Vasiliki Spring. Its length makes this a short hiking option with a clearly specified starting point and destination. Check local conditions before setting out.

Which focus suits your trip?

Two different questions may guide your holiday planning: Would you mainly like to explore the ancient remains and the monastery’s history, or are you drawn to the riverside trail described here and its springs? This distinction can help you assess Tripotama as a base for your holiday apartment according to your preferred focus.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Ano Zachlorou, Klitoria, Lefkasi, Tsivlos, Livartzi, Petrochori, Niforeika, Patras.

For the broader travel overview: Achaia.