Tripolis stands in the centre of a verdant highland at a height of 650m, and is the prefecture capital. it lies in the heart of Peloponnese. The Army and Air force Training Centres situated only a few km from the town contribute to the town's night life and add up to the young population. Arcadia is often covered by snow in the winter.
During the Turkish occupation, it was a major military and command centre. In 1770, it became the seat of the pasha of Moreas. On September 23, 1821 it was taken over by the Greeks led by Theodoros Kolokotronis. The insistence of Kolokotronis on the battle of Tripoli is well-known in history, and it is symbolised by the famous statue of Nafplion with one hand pointing persistently to Tripolis.