Vervena

Vervena (Greek: Βέρβενα), also known as Vervaina (Βέρβαινα), and sometimes incorrectly referred to as Ano Vervena (Άνω Βέρβενα), is a mountainous village in the region of Kynouria, within the Arcadia prefecture of Greece. It is part of the Municipality of North Kynouria.

The village is situated on the northern slopes of Mount Parnon at an elevation of 1,160 meters, making it the highest settlement in the area. It is located 11 kilometers from Tegea, 22 kilometers from Tripoli, and 45 kilometers from the coastal town of Astros. Due to its high altitude, the residents of Verbena often maintain secondary homes in other nearby plain locations, including Astros, Kato Vervena, Xiropigado, and Kiveri in Argolis. Fewer inhabitants also reside in surrounding villages such as Zavitsa, Moustos, and various settlements in Argolis (e.g., Galaneika, Tyrovoleika, Papaleika, Diamantogiannika).

Vervena is characterized by its traditional stone-built houses and features three significant churches: the marble Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos, the village's main church; the Church of Saint John the Forerunner, an Athonite-style cross-shaped church; and the small Church of Saint Athanasios, built by the local chieftain Yiannakis Kritikos. Another notable site is the Chapel of Prophet Elias, located at the summit of Mount Parnon.

The village celebrates religious festivals on July 20 (Feast of Prophet Elias), July 25 (Dormition of Saint Anna), and August 15 (Dormition of the Theotokos). Additionally, Vervena has two historical school buildings, dating from 1837 and 1908.