TRAVEL - GREECE - HOLIDAYS - ARGOLIDA - MYCENAE - EPIDAURUS - ARGOS

ARGOLIDAS - PELOPONNESE GREECE

Under the Mycenaeans, Argolida was the heart of Greece from 1600 to 1100BC. Situated to the South-East of the prefecture of Corinth, Argolida is a picturesque and magical region of the Peloponnese.

Historically, Argolida is one of the most important areas in the Peloponnese, and there are a wide selection of various ancient sites and ruins which one can visit. There are also many beautiful spots around the coast, which make this area the perfect destination for your summer holidays. The popular coastal town of Nafplion, the capital of Argolida, is widely accepted as being one of the most beautiful towns in all of Greece.

Nafplion is a wonderful collection of neoclassic houses, winding streets, beautiful flowers and plants. It will really leave a lasting impression on you, and set the scene for a wonderful holiday. The is also great historical importance to be found here, with several museums and other many places of interest. The Venetian fortress of Palamidi, which crowns the city, provides wonderful and inspiring views. Nafplion is a place that every visitor to the Peloponnese should try to experience.

There are also other popular towns around Argolida, such as Tolo, where you can find a great selection of tavernas and restaurants along the picturesque bay. The area of Assini, is perfect for romantic travelers and was also the inspiration for one of the most beautiful poems by the Nobel prize-winning poet George Seferis. Other villages and towns such as Drepano, Kandia and Kilada are also wonderful areas, with beauty and magic to be found in all of them.

Though there are many beautiful towns and villages all around Argolida, it is of course, the great historical significance that many travelers visit this region.

Argos, founded in 2000BC, is the oldest continuously inhabited town in all of Europe, and stands among groves of citrus and olives. The once historic city of Argos, is today, the agricultural and commercial centre of the prefecture. There is still much to see and admire in the town, such as the stunning neoclassical buildings, the old army barracks and the archaeological museum.

Mycenae (Mikines) is the most impressive of the ancient sites in Argolida. It was excavated in 1870 by the German Heinrich Scliemann. His findings included a circle of Royal tombs. Corpses found inside them were wearing golden masks, including the famous 'Mask of Agamemnon'. These wonderful findings now reside in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.

The famous lion gate in Mycenae stands proudly overhead as visitors pass underneath it. Touring around the site, one can see the various tombs, fortress and other such images. Just opposite the main site is the stunning 'Treasury of Atreus', which is a beehove tomb dating from the 13th century BC.

Epidaurus is set amongst a beautifully landscaped region of pines and olive groves. The theatre of Epidaurus, dating from the 3rd century BC, is the most famous and best preserved of all ancient theatres in Greece.

Seating over 13,000 in 55 tiers, it is the main trace of a sanctuary dedicated to Asklepios, the God of healing. Every summer, there are festivals and performances that take place in the theatre, bringing back to life the magnificent acoustics.

Among the ruins are the remains of the temples of Asklepios, Atremis and Themis, and also the old guest house. There is also the museum which is near to the entrance, where one can see the various artifacts and findings that have been uncovered here.

For a relaxing, as well as educational and historical holiday, Argolida in the Peloponnese is the ideal destination, bringing past and present together in a seamlessly simple way, offering you the chance to experience how this region was, all those many years ago.