Vervena Arkadias
Vervena is a unique village nestled amidst three mountains. It is located on the western side of the Parnomas Mountain and enjoys a clear view of the Mantenian Mountain Range, Tripoli and the mountains opposite it. It is 1,160 meters (3805 feet) above sea level.
Vervena is a isolated village. In fact, one can see it only if he or she is already standing on the outskirts of the village. This isolation, and the freedom that accompanies it, is what primarily attracted the first inhabitants.
The village is old and it's roots are firmly imbedded in the rich history of the past centuries. Through the support of surrounding territories, it endured tumultuous times as a result of the War for Independence in 1821. Censuses show that, in 1844 there were 1,340 inhabitants, whereas in 1851 there 1,746 inhabitants.
The people of Vervena were hard workers determined to make their migration to this new land successful. Through vigorous labor they transformed surrounding ditches of the land there into miles of a protective wall, which subsequently acted as a barrier for the fertile soil they meant to cultivate. It was this soil that produced the crops essential for their survival. In addition to farming, they raised the livestock so as to meet their remaining needs.
However, it was apparent that their life was growing exceedingly more difficult and their efforts were not fairly rewarded. Still, because of the bitter winter and their survival was constantly being challenged and they were propelled to seek out a new residency.
Today, Vervena has been transformed into a newer version of "old self". It consists of about three hundred houses and is marked by clean roads, fresh air, a beautiful center square, churches, schools, a soccer court, a hotel, a medical center, irrigation canals for the villagers' gardens and a home economics class. the village has a dry but healthy pleasant climate.
Vervena is amongst the 40 villages noted for their natural beauty. There, a person is surrounded by mountains and deep valleys. Should one stand atop one of the surrounding mountains which hover over the village, he or she will be astounded at the picturesque view. Likewise, if one stands on the bottom and looks overhead, he or she gazes upon vast and timeless cliffs. However, the village is not endowed where greenery is concerned. Only a few small trees mark this land, pleasantly allowing one to admire the clear blue sky, which towers overhead, as well as the magnificent sunset which decorates the horizon. Today, this village serves as a pleasant and welcome "getaway" for many fellow Verveniotes from abroad.
After their independence from Turkish oppression, the native people of Vervena dispersed themselves amongst various areas within the Argolic Gulf and abroad, in search of a better life. Thus the village is primarily inhabited during the summer months, leaving it alone and silent during the winter.
Nevertheless, all the Verveniotes foster a deep rooted love for their land and thus make it a habit to visit it at least once a year, primarily during the summer months. it is their way of paying homage to that region which they revere and respect.
Live camera from Vervena: click here