The area constitutes the entrance to Laconia and has been inhabited since antiquity. The age-old forest of oak-trees called Scotitas in ancient times, is still preserved today. In the Byzantine era, the Monastery of Aghioi Anargiroi and the town Vresthena with its episcopate stand out. The villages of the area also took part in the great struggle against the Turks and Varvitsa is the birth-place of the chieftain Zacharias.

Today the economy of the Municipality is based on the cultivation of olives, stock-raising and honey production. The general era belongs to the "Ecological Park Parnonas - Wetlands of Moustos". For vistors of the area there are three hostels open all year round and fine tavernas in nearly all the villages. The two shelters on Mt. Parnonas also belong to the Municipality. The villages form a network suitable for hiking with wonderful routes.