Megalopoli
Greece · Europe
About Megalopoli
Megalopolis is a small town in Arcadia, in the central Peloponnese, best known for the extensive ruins of the ancient city that once stood here.
Megalopoli travel guide
Understand
Megalopolis was founded in 371 BC as a political and military centre to counter the power of Sparta. Ancient Megalopolis was conceived on a grand scale—its name literally means “Great City.” Although the modern town is modest and shaped by industry, the surrounding landscape of the Alfeios valley preserves traces of this ambitious past.
Getting there
Megalopolis lies about 30 km southwest of Tripoli and around 50 km from Kalamata. It is easily reached by car via the A7 motorway (Moreas Motorway), with exits nearby. Regional buses connect Megalopolis with Tripoli, Kalamata, and other towns in Arcadia and Messenia.
See
1 Ancient Megalopolis. The ruins of Ancient Megalopolis are spread across a wide area south of the modern town. Highlights include one of the largest theatres in ancient Greece, capable of holding tens of thousands of spectators, and the nearby Thersilion, a vast assembly hall where the Arcadian League met. Though less visually intact than some sites, the scale of the remains conveys the city’s original ambition. (updated Jul 2026) 2 Alfeios River Valley. The surrounding valley of the Alfeios River provides a scenic backdrop, with farmland, low hills, and quiet rural roads. It’s a pleasant area for short walks and drives. (updated Jul 2026) 3 Leontari. A small historic village southeast of Megalopolis, known for its medieval remains and Byzantine churches. Once an important settlement in the Frankish period, it preserves ruins of a castle and several notable churches, including Agios Athanasios Church, with traces of fresco decoration. Quiet and atmospheric, it makes an easy cultural detour. (updated Jul 2026)
Go next
Tripoli – Regional capital with museums and services. Kalamata – Coastal city with beaches and transport links. Ancient Messene – One of Greece’s best-preserved ancient cities. Andritsaina – Traditional village near the Temple of Apollo Epicurius.
Overview adapted from Wikipedia, travel guide fromWikivoyage (CC BY-SA)。Photography via Wikimedia Commons.