Megalopolis, one of the most imposing and historic central settlements of Arcadia, is a historic town and seat of the homonymous Municipality of Megalopolis built in the heart of an extensive plateau at an altitude of 430 meters, which rightfully bears its name as it was founded as the “Great City” of antiquity to rival Ancient Sparta. The area’s landmark is its important archaeological site, just 3 kilometers outside the modern city, dominated by the Ancient Theater of Megalopolis —the largest theater in ancient Greece with a capacity of over 20,000 spectators— built in the 4th century BC by the Theban strategist Epaminondas. Today, Megalopolis combines its long archaeological heritage with its modern industrial history, while offering visitors a lively central market and welcoming squares with shops, cafes and traditional taverns. With its trademark impressive remains of the Ancient Agora, the Stoa of Philippi and the Thersileion Bouleuterion, as well as its proximity to stunning monuments such as the unique chapel of Agia Theodora in Vasta with its 17 trees on its roof, it is a top base for lovers of archaeology, cultural tourism and alternative activities in the wider Alfeios River basin.
