Tripolis, the capital of the district, built at approximately 650m in altitude and surrounded by the Arcadian mountains, has grown into a modern city of about 30.000 inhabitants.
During its long-suffering history, Tripoli flourished during the Ottoman Empire and its population increased in 20.000 inhabitants, yet it was completely devastated by the end of the Greek Revolution. The siege and the battle that took place on 23 September 1821, when it was released by the Turks, were determinant for the evolution of the revolution. Not even one place of the old city remained intact, just a few sporadic spots where parts of the walls or ruins can be seen. Every year, on this day, the liberation of the city is celebrated with a parade and traditional dances in Areos Square.
The modern city develops around 6 seriate squares, which are connected by its arterial roads. St Basil’s Square is the first one, surrounded by arches and its outstanding temple with a range of shops in its parvis. By staying on the arterial roads, the traveler can go downtown, where pedestrian zones, full of shops, cafeterias and bars, are located. The last square on one's way is the second largest square of Greece, Areos Square. Around the square, there is a park and several cafes, where you can enjoy the sun and observe the statue of Theodoros Kolokotronis commanding the outbreak of the battle, while, on the other side, stand the statues of the two judges that never sentenced him: Tertsetis and Polyzoidis. The court house of the city is located behind those statues, one of the many neo-classical buildings that adorn the city, some of which are designed by Ziller. The railway station of the city is a boon. It is, now, out of order, but the coffee house, which is in the premises of the station, has its side tables on the platforms, drifting us back a century ago.
Tripolis’s location is such that you can view the surrounding mountains from almost every spot in town. These mountains, named by some as "Tripoli's balconets", summon you to expeditious and magical excursions in chapels, charming villages and rambles that always end up in good food with a breathtaking food!