On the left side of the road from Levidi to Kandila is the ancient Arcadian citadel of Orchomenos, on a hill overlooking the unique beauty of the plain of Levidi. The archaeological site is 30 km from Tripoli and 8 km from Levidi.
Homer referred to the city of Orchomenos as "polymelon", meaning "rich in sheep".
The prehistoric Orchomenos of Arcadia was founded at the foot of the acropolis during geometric times, while in historical times it was founded on the mountain where its most important monuments are located (Agora, Theater, etc.). Drainage and river arrangement facilities have been identified in the plain during prehistoric and later times (Soil of the Kafyatas).
For a long time Orchomenos was the center of Arcadia and until the 5th BC. century it was also considered the seat of its kings. Pausanias, when he visited, found the city in decline.
The acropolis is located at the top of the mountain, where there are ruins of the hundred-meter temple of Mesopolitan Artemis, the market, and the walls.
Also in the archaeological site, a Prehistoric Tomb - Mound, Archaic Bridge, Prehistoric settlement at the "Shelters" location and prehistoric drainage works have been identified. Also a Mycenaean settlement and ancient Sanctuary at the "Mytikas" site of Palaiopyrgos.
However, the most remarkable monument in terms of preservation is the ancient theater of Orchomenos from the early Hellenistic times (4th - 3rd century BC) which is preserved in good condition and which was brought to light by excavations of the French School of Archaeology. Stage construction foundations are preserved, part of the hollow with 13 rows of built figurines, part of the presidium, on the curbs of the orchestra a stone cylindrical podium, two stone thrones with reliefs and a light of the right passage. As inscriptions testify, the theater also hosted games in honor of Dionysus.
In ancient times, near the city there was a temple of Artemis placed in a large cedar tree. For this reason the goddess was called the goddess Kedreatis. The spring, from where the sanctuaries of Poseidon and Aphrodite were watered, is also a sight to see.
Source: UNIVERSITY OF PATRAS
arcadia.ceid.upatras.gr