Prefecture of Argolida Favorite Tips by Lilasel Top 5 Page for this destination

The Museum of Epidaurus

Favorite thing: The ruins sanctuary of Asclepius (a healer god) is an extended arcaeological site with many interesting buildings (gymnasium, public baths, large hostel - catagogio, hospice, luxurious circular structure, the temple of Themis, the foundations of the temple of Artemis) and a newly excavated stadium.

The most interesting building is by far the Tholos that unfortunately must be experienced by some distance since arcaeologists are working on restoring it.

The Archaeological Museum, at the entrance to the archaeological site, exhibits pieces from the Tholos and the temple of Asclepius, gypsum casts from pediments (sculptures by Timotheos), Roman portrait statues, inscriptions, medical and surgical instruments and ex-votos.

My adorable Nafplio

Favorite thing: Nafplio is a charming little town with a picturesque promenade, old stone houses, town squares and streets full of life. It is capital of the prefecture of Argolida, 148 km south west of Athens.

The Venetians have built the impressive, mighty fortress of Palamidi on the hill top right above the town.

More information and pictures you can find on my Nafplio page!

Argos

Favorite thing: Argos is the first formed town in Greece, as well as in Europe, and the most ancient city in Peloponnese. 12 km from Nafplio it is a rich farming and trade centre.
Visit the castle Larisa and the ancient theatre.

The open-air theatre of estimated capacity 16.400 seats compared to 9000 of the equivalent in Epidauros, masterpiece of the architect Polykleitos.

The Treasury of Atreus

Favorite thing: The "Treasury of Atreus" is located outside the Acropolis of Mycenae and it is a large "Tholos" Tomb, also known as the "Tomb of Agamemnon" which, like Mycenae, was built around 1250 BC, and it is an impressive monument worth visiting.

The Acropolis of Mycenae

Favorite thing: The ruins of the Mycenaean Acropolis themselves are a delight. The inspiring "Lion Gates" (the earliest known piece of monumental sculpture in the European continent) take you to the interior of the acropolis, and a steep path leads your climb through several ancient buildings and pathways, towards the palace where Agamemnon was murdered by his wife and her lover after he returned victorious from the Trojan war.

All of the artifacts that were unearthed during excavations at Mycenae have been taken off site and they are exhibited at the National Archaeological Museum of Athens.

Mycenae

Favorite thing: Mycenae was the center of power in the Archaic period, and the excavated ruins sculpt the top of a rocky hill protected by the famous Cyclopean walls.
Mycenae was founded by Perseus, and the Mycenaean culture dominated Bronze Age Greece with its legents, art, and ideas from 1600 BC until 1100 BC.
Mycenaean culture is the source of ancient epics and legends such as the dynasty of Atreids, the labours of Hercules, the Trojan war, the Thyestian Feast, and Agamemnon's tragic life and death.

Nea (New) Epidavros

Favorite thing: Nea Epidavros is a beautiful picturesque village with the medieval castle, situated 7 km north of Ancient Epidavros. The variety of colours surrounds you here, pine-trees and the unceasing singing of the cicadas...

Nea Epidavros is the place where the First National Conference of the newly-established Greek nation took place, perhaps the most important event in modern Greek history, because it was then that the nation's independence was declared, that the first Constitution was established and that the flag was raised again.

Epidaurus

Favorite thing: Our next stop was in Epidaurus (Epidavros) - one of the most important archaeological sites of Greece with its famous theatre built in a forest.

This is the best-preserved open-air theatre in Greece and is regarded as one of the loveliest in the world. Building commenced in the 3rd century BC. The seats in the auditorium are divided into two sectors by an ambulatory (diazoma): in the lower there are 34 rows, divided into 12 tiers by 13 radial stepped aisles and in the upper sector there are 21 rows, also divided into 22 tiers by 23 radial stepped aisles.
The circular orchestra, 20 m. in diameter, is delimited by a stone bench. The outstanding feature of this theatre, which could accommodate an audience of 12300, is its perfect acoustics which enable the spectator in the topmost row to hear everything said in the orchestra with the utmost clarity.

Fondest memory: Every summer it comes alive. Attending a performance of ancient drama in this theater is almost a mystical experience. Never to be forgotten.

Corinth Canal

Favorite thing: If you're travelling from Attica to Peloponessos you have to go over the Corinth Canal. Make a stop and walk across the old bridge. The canal is amazing.

Started by the Emperor Nero in 67 AD and completed by a French company in 1893, the canal is 6 km long and cut through solid rock. If you will be lucky there you'll see a ship passing through while you're on the bridge.