It originates from Mount Mainalo, runs through the villages of mountainous Arcadia and meets the Alfeios River just before Karytaina. The Lousios River is about 23 kilometers long and is one of the most interesting rivers of the Peloponnese. According to mythology, it owes its name to the fact that the Nymphs bathed the newborn god Zeus here.
The area around the river hides a rich history, since next to the banks is the ancient Gortyna, an important city of Arcadia whose evidence shows that it was in its heyday in the 4th century BC. and is mentioned up to the 12th century. Along the river we also find many monasteries, which functioned in such difficult places during the period of the Turkish occupation. The most impressive part of the river is the one that starts shortly after Dimitsana and until it meets Alfeios. At this point, the Lousios river crosses an impressive gorge, which has a total length of about 15 kilometers. This is where most of the attractions, the ancient city and the monasteries are located and this is the reason why the gorge has been declared an area of single archaeological site and ecological interest and is protected by the Ministry of Culture.
Lousios is a river with rapid waters, a fact that the inhabitants have taken advantage of since ancient times, building water mills, tanneries and water mills. You can see all this rich history of how the locals used the waters of the river at the Open-Air Museum of Hydrokinesis (Kefalari Ai-Yiannis, Dimitsana, Tel. 27950 31630, daily except Tuesday 10:00-17:00, entrance 4 euro).
One of the most exciting paths in the area is the one that leads from the Prodromos Monastery to the old and New Filosofou Monastery. Driving from the village of Dimitsana to the village of Stemnitsa you are essentially going parallel to the river Lousios, which is on your right. You will see the signs for Prodromos Monastery and leave the car in the parking lot, where the road ends. After 15 minutes you will reach the impressive Monastery of Prodromos which is built into the vertical vertical rock. The monastery is located approximately 200 meters above the bed of the river Lousios and is believed to have been built in the 16th century. From here the path continues to the old and New Monastery of Filosofou which are located on the opposite bank of the river.
Through a magical route in the forest, under trees and hearing the roar of the waters more and more clearly, you will reach the river. You will cross it via a bridge and ascend towards the monasteries. First you will come across the Old Philosopher’s Monastery founded in 963 AD, and a little later the New Monastery built in the 17th century. From the parking lot to the New Philosopher’s Monastery and back, you will need about two hours of walking.
Lousios is also an ideal river for rafting. The descent starts from the bridge near the village of Atsicholos and ends at the historic stone Cuckoo Bridge, after Lousios has met Alfeios. The activity lasts approximately 4 hours and is suitable for all ages from 6 years and above, depending on the season and rainfall.
The route is more exciting at the beginning, as long as you are in the Lousios river, while then, as soon as you enter Alfeios, the waters will be calmer. There are many companies that organize rafting in Lusios and Alfeios and their people will give you a basic training at the beginning, while they will also give you the necessary equipment.
