Project Description
Trail of Pan
There is a fully legended trailhead, way finding signs and one kiosk, linking Neda with the Sanctuary of Pan at Kastraki and also linking Neda with Ano Karyes and the Sanctuary of Zeus. There are two routes from a single starting point in Neda where there is a trailhead sign on the main road near the taverna. The kiosk is in the plataia near the cemetery in Neda that includes a narrative sign with information about the Trail of Pan and on the back side of the kiosk also includes a map of the Parrhasian Heritage Park of the Peloponnesos.
Neda – Ano Karyes
Details
| 5.6 km | 2h 10′ | 2/5 |
Starting Point: Neda
Ending Point: Ano Karyes
The trail from Neda to Ano Karyes leaves from the trailhead on the road in Neda, near the taverna and the fountain. After a few hundred meters, when the hiker comes to a fork in the road, with signs, take the right hand path. From here it is a relatively easy hike along an agricultural road uphill 3 km. to the political boundary separating Messenia from Arcadia. Beautiful views of the Neda valley to the west will appear as well as views of the western side of Mt. Lykaion to the northeast. Continuing along the trail the hiker will have excellent views of Mt. Tetrazio to the southwest and eventually Mt. Tayegetos to the south. Another 1.2 km. will bring the hiker to the paved roadway where a choice can be made between turning left to go to the Sanctuary of Zeus at Mt. Lykaion, along the Zeus Trail, or turning right and going into the village of Ano Karyes. The elevation change between Neda and Ano Karyes is 250 m. uphill.
Neda – Sanctuary of Pan
| 2 km | 40 ‘ | 1/5 |
Starting Point: Neda
Ending Point: Sanctuary of Pan
The trail from Neda to the Sanctuary of Pan leaves from the trailhead on the road in Neda, near the taverna and the fountain. After a few hundred meters when the hiker comes to a fork in the road, with signs, take the left hand path. From here it is approximately 2 km. following the wooded agricultural road, and observing wayfinding signs, to the location of the Sanctuary of Pan. The elevation change is 150 m. uphill. Remains of the Classical sanctuary are visible built into the remains of the church of Saint Stratigou. Kourouniotis who excavated here in the early 1900’s discovered foundations and numerous fragments of ancient architecture, of both limestone and marble. In the vicinity Kourouniotis also found inscribed dedications to Pan and many bronze and terracotta statuettes of Pan and Hermes.
