The Aqueduct of Loukous

In the Greek municipality of North Kynouria in Peloponnese, near the villa of Herodes Atticus, a wealthy Greek aristocrat and a Roman senator, stands an old aqueduct bridge crossing a small ravine. The aqueduct carries water from a spring located about one and half kilometer to the northwest. The water is rich in dissolved minerals, and over two thousand years of water dripping from the sides of the aqueduct have built up thick deposits that hang like stalactites in a limestone cave.

The aqueduct was built during the second century when Greece was under Roman rule. Its purpose was to supply water to the nearby villa of Herodes Atticus, who was one of the richest and most important Greeks at the time. The villa, which is now fenced off for excavation is enormous, with the central complex encompassing 20,000 square meters.

Near Herodes Atticus’s villa and aqueduct is another site of historical and religious importance—the monastery of Loukous, which is one of the most beautiful monasteries in North Kynouria. The monastery was built in the 12th century on the ruins of an old temple. This is now occupied by nuns who maintain the monastery and also engage in embroidery, carpet weaving and agriculture.