Arnea was a thriving community in the nineteenth century, as indicated by its stately mansions, which are still its defining feature today. Designated as a traditional settlement and historical site since the 1980s, the village captivates discerning visitors with its unique architecture and urban planning.

“The organization of the urban fabric, centered around the main square from which a primary network of streets branches out, interwoven with a secondary network featuring small squares at intersections, is of significant interest,” notes the Ministry of Culture in its official designation. Indeed, the central square serves as the focal point from which the surrounding alleys radiate.

The houses are built close together to guard against the wind and preserve warmth in the winter. As you walk around the village, you’ll see impressive mansions – with their distinctive front porches – built between 1850 and 1940. One of these, the Iatrou Mansion, now houses the Historical and Folklore Museum of Arnea, which features exhibits depicting village life over the years.

The Weaving Museum, located across the street in the 1870 building known as the Yannoudenas House, showcases the village’s weaving tradition via colorful and exquisite textiles, spinning wheels, and looms. The surrounding landscape is also worth exploring. The Aghia Paraskevi Grove is only 2 kilometers away and features oak trees, gazebos, trails, and picnic spaces. The region has various walking trails, including one that leads from Arnea to the waterfalls near the village of Varvara.