«Kastanitsa History»

In 1293 we have its first written appearance where it is referred to as a Comi, acting as a connecting link due to its geographical location, serving the communication and transactions of Laconia with Argolida and vice versa. As a child of tsakonia, Kastanica has the privilege of speaking the oldest Greek dialect (the Tsakoniki) which has been saved from mouth to mouth for 2,500 years.

During the Ottoman domination when the spontaneity for the beginning of the liberation struggle was given, the Kastanitsa Villagers also gave their own struggle either by creating their own military units or by being distinguished as officers, non-commissioners or ordinary soldiers. The critical moments that passed through the entire Greek nation and the region Tsakonia, well-known chieftains and captains along with Theodoros Kolokotronis had camped in Kastanitsa and corresponded with the Administration on crucial national issues in the difficult days of 1825. It was the the days when Ibrahim's arabeans occupied the villages of Kynouria one after the other and proceeded to Kastanica. But the Kastanitsians organized their own defense against the enemy in the tower of Kapsambela and they were so well organized that the enemies were trampled away leaving behind dozens of dead people .

The only destruction made by Ibrahim was the burning of the monastery of Kontolina although the temple was saved thanks to a miracle that a subordinate helper forced the enemies to flee, the fire quenched without getting any size and the church was saved . Certain examples of fire have been left in many parts of the church and especially in the dome, so the temple was left under the shadow of a tall old fir-tree and the beautiful traditional fountain of the monastery with its crystal clear water.

The monastery was renamed in Saint Panteleimon due to certain conditions. The main reason is that there is a temple of Agios Nikolaos in the village, as the Kastanitsa Villagers would not allow renaming without another church with the grace of Saint Nikolaos. Because on 6 December, when his grace was celebrated, the snow exceeded two meters and was difficult to operate, on July 27, 1821, the day of Saint Panteleimon was established and is celebrated every year.

The deep Christian religion of the people also made the building of the Metamorphosis church, where he is also the patron saint of the village, even if he had to bribe the passage to give them permission to build the temple. The church has been built in a 'Basilica' style. It has a magnificent iconostasis of Russian construction, banners and great value candles, all of the gifts of the legendary Kastanitsa Villagers.