Alonistaina

Alonistaina is a mountainous village in the prefecture of Arcadia. Built at an altitude of 1,220 meters on the slopes of Mount Mainalo, it is one of the highest-altitude settlements in the Peloponnese. Alonistaina belongs to the municipality of Falanthos, and according to the 2001 census, it had 117 residents. Today, it serves as a winter holiday retreat, due to its proximity to the Mainalo Ski Center and the Ostrakina peak. It has been designated a traditional settlement.

Kefalovryso, a renowned spring, is considered the holy water of Saint Nicholas, who is honored in Alonistaina. The village is well known for its abundant springs and fountains. In earlier times, the inns of Alonistaina were famous for their hospitality toward travelers. Near the Saint Nicholas spring, the ruins of one such historic inn can still be seen.

The village houses were built by Lagkadian craftsmen, renowned for their stone masonry. These buildings feature large arched openings and tower-like structures. The area also holds great archaeological significance, with important finds having come to light. Alonistaina was one of the ancient cities connected by the famous “Armakades”—the ancient roads that formed part of a commercial network in antiquity.

Alonistaina is also historically notable as the birthplace of Zampia Kotsaki, the mother of Theodoros Kolokotronis. The legendary “Old Man of the Morea” spent his childhood years in this very village.