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Argolida
Pole of attraction for tourists, because of its rid archaeological treasures, the annual Festival of Epidavros and cosmopolitan summer resorts, Argolis is an ideal option even on weekends, owing to its proximity to Attica whence you can visit the graphic islands of the Argosaronicos.
Mycenae, with its famous Gate of the Lions, Argos with its time-honored history, cute Nafplion, the theatre of Epidavros , the golden beaches and summer resorts from Tolon and Drepano on to Port Heli and Costa, the whole eastern side from the shores of New and Old Epidavros to Ermione and Argolis, a lovely mountain stretch. The county shares a border with Corinchia in the north and Arcadia to the west and south, and is washed by the Saronic Gulf southeastwards.


History

 
The region was inhabited since the 8th millenium B.C, with the
growth of Argolis starting as of 1,600 B.C. along with Mycenaean culture. In the 13rh century B.C., Achaian culture spread from Argolis over the entire region of (he Mediterranean. After the Peloponnesian War, Argolis joined the Commonwealth of Achaia. It was subsequently conquered by the Romans, ending up as a part of the Byzantine state. Later, other conquerors came; the Franks, the Venetians and the Turks (1460), keeping (he region under their yoke up to the Revolt of 1821, with the exception of Nafplion which fell in 1540.
Nafplion (148 km).
Beauty unlimited casts splendor in this modern town of 10,000
inhabitants, a painting out of a fairy tale. Palamidi stands over Naplion and Bourdzi, as though born out of the sea. Its charm unfolds all along, as you take a stroll around Modern Greece's first capital.
Neoclassical buildings, historic squares, old churches, Venitian balconies and Turkish mosques narrate the saga of the place through time. Crowds come and go at coffee shops and taverns lining the quay, to enjoy the cool breeze of the sea. Mount the steps to famous Palamidi with its
intense medieval aura. At (he top, the ruins of seven forts overlook
the region. Visit the cells used by the guards, and the historic little
church of Agios Andreas dating back to Venetian times.
The peninsula of Nafplion, Akronafplia, the Fort of the Greeks in the southern part, and the fort of the Franks to the west, are linked with Palamidi through a secret passage. Bourdzi was a strategic spot. Venetians built a small fort on it.
At downtown Nafplion you will come to a mosque which housed the first parliament of the Greeks,and the church of Agios (St.) Spyridon, where Greece's first ruler John Capodismas was assassinated.
At the church of Agios Georgios you will marvel at copies of leading Italian masters, among them a reproduction of Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper. You will admire the building where Otto stayed, on his arrival to rule as Greece's first king, and the houses of Bavarian officials who accompanied him. At the Three Admirals' Square stands he building used as Greece's first pharmacy run by Boniface Bonifarin, and used as a morgue to Embalm Capodisirias' bodv.
 

Go to the Archaeological Museum, housed at the warehouses of the Venetian navy ,a superb Venetian building with arcades. It includes finds from Mycenae and Tiryntha, the Popular Art Museum and the War Museum. You will eat at restaurants and taverns at the quays and the city's narrow streets, namely Pharos, Noufara, Savoura and Palia Taverna. Do not miss going to the Aktaion for a drink. In the evening, a host of bars ensure a good time. The neighboring shores or Arvanida, Karathona and Vivan are great fun.
Shoreline
Argolis has many beautiful beaches in the Saronic Gulf, but the main part lies in the Gulf of Argolis: Arvanitia, Karathonas, Nea Ros, Myloi, Paralia Asinis, Tolo, Drepano, Vivari and Iria. On the road to Karinidios and Ermioni: Salandi, Koilada, Porto Heli, Kosta, Petrothalassa, and the bays near Ermioni, Plepi opposite Hydra and the Saronic Gulf: New and Old Epidavros and Galatas.
Surroundings
Argos. (12 km from Nafplion). Argos, the most ancient city ii Peloponnese, stands on the centre or the fertile valley of Argolis . It is a rich farming and trade centre. The Ancient Theatre or south-eastern slope of Mr. Larisa ranks among its noteworthy sites. It is one of the largest theatres of Ancient Greece, with a seating capacity of 20,000, and belongs to the 4th Century B.C. The visitor may also visit the Ancient Agora with its impressive spa, the Odeum, the Shrine of Aphrodite (Venus), the Criterion, and the Nymphaion.
At the cop or Me. Larisa stands an impressive fort dating back to ancient and medieval rimes with a double line of defense in the yard. Archaeological Museum exhibits belong to all historical eras of the city, while the Capodistrias Barracks and neoclassical constructions reflect the city's long-standing history and continuing historical tradition.
Nea Kios. This small coastal town with its lovely beach boasts significant tourist activity.
Assini The Acropolis of Ancient Assini, inhabited from the Copper Age through the Hellenisric Period. The church of Metamorphosis to Sodra (Transfiguration of Christ) and that of Agios Elias are near the village.
Drepano ( 8 km. from Nafplion). A well-known, picturesque village with ruins of a Venetian fort near Viovari site
Tolo . A tourist centre of Argolis with many hotels and beautiful
sandy beaches. The old church of Zoodochou Pigis (Life-giving Source) housed a secret school during the National Revolt of 1821.
It is worth sailing by kaiki (skiff) across to the islet of Romvi, to tour the ruins of a medieval tort. Lygourio. A small, modern town, 25 kilometers from Nafplion, is worth visiting its Byzantine churches of Agios loannis (St. John, 11th Century), Panagia (Holy Mother. l4th Century). It also boasts many taverns and bars.
Epidavros. It is one of the most important archaeological sites of Greece, with its famous theatre built in a forest. It fascinates all visitors - both Greek and foreign - owing to its architecture and acoustics.
The summer Festival of Epidavros was inaugurated in 1954, with Epidavros coming into its own as the leading venue for holding performances of ancient drama throughout the world.
According to Pafsanias, the theatre was built by architect and sculptor Polykleitos in the 4th Century B.C. Its acoustics reach the top tier thanks to the positioning of the theatre, engendering a sense of awe among the audience. Epidavros was a site to worship Asklepios, a venue for holding athletic events, festivities and theatrical performances. Ruins of the most noted shrine of Asklepios, god of health, were discovered over the ancient harbor of Epidavros.
At the archaeological site, the main buildings include the temple of Apollo Maleatis (4th Century B.C.), a gymnasium, a stadium, public baths, a large hostel (catagogio), a hospice, a luxurious circular structure, the temple of Themis, the foundations of the temple of Artemis and others. The Archaeological Museum, at the entrance to the archaeological site, houses many of the finds of the Asklepeion.
Palaia (Old). Epidavros Built on a picturesque inlet with a sandy beach. Apart from the ancient ruins of the city, you can also visit the Byzantine Monastery Tis Koimisis tis Theotokou (Dominion of the Holy Mother), seven kilometers away.
Nea (New) Epidavros. Site of the first national assembly of the Hellenes, Nea Epidavros is a village built on a thickly grown site. There, you the venue of the assembly, the ruins of a medieval castle, and the Monasteries of Panagia of Agnoundos (4 km) and of the Taxiarchon (five km).
Mycenae One of the most important archaeological sites of Greece, and centre of Mycenean culture.
Finds bear witness to Mycenae's existence as far back as 3000 B.C. whence sprang the culture of (hat name. The Dorian raid significantly limited the power of Mycenae and, during the 5th Century, although the city had been destroyed by neighboring Argians, it continued to be inhabited through the early centuries after Christ.
The region was excavated by German archaeologist Henrich Schliemann and many of the finds are on display at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens. The acropolis of Mycenae was built in the 13th century B.C. on a solid Cyclopean wall, and its entrance, the Gate of the Lions, is the most ancient sample of monumental sculpture in Europe.
Finds at unspoliated royal tombs discovered within the acropolis included gold masks, weapons, jewellery and other objects, foundations of dwellings and of a shrine.
Domelike tombs were found outside the acropolis in good condition. They are said to belong to Lions, Aegistos and Klytaimnistra, as also another row of 14 graves, and parts of private dwellings.
The richest discovery is the treasure of Atrcas or Tomb of Agamemnon, 50 metres away from the acropolis, with a large, richly decorated dome. Near Mycenae, lies Eraio, a panhellenic religious centre of worship of goddess Era. Tiryntha. Finds suggest it was first inhabited in the Neolithic Age and, as of 2500 B.C., it flourished up to the Mycenaean era. It was also destroyed by the Argians, just as Mycenae had been, in 460 B.C. You will come to the ruins of the acropolis of Mycenae with the Cyclopian walls, and a block of stone weighing over 10 tons.
The acropolis was towered by the palace with its famous tunnels used during sieges. There are impressive frescoes bearing witness to the high degree of the city's culture and prosperity.
Galaias. Standing opposite Poros island , 105 kilometers from the Isthmus (Korinih Canal), the region shows great activity in summer months. Ferry boats and kaikia (skiffs) bring visitors to this beautiful island of the Argosaronikos in the shortest possible time. Close by is Lemonothassos (a well known lemon grove), nine kilometers from Troizina.
Kranidi. It lies 76 kilometers from Nafplion. Traditional houses and many monasteries are the main features of this small town. They include the monasteries of Anargyron, Panagia Pandanassa (which includes a small hospice) and Agia Anna. Porto Heli. From a once small, picturesque fishing village it grew into a cosmopolitan vacation centre without, however, losing any of its graphic charm. Greener)' stretches down to the deep blue, crystal clear sea and the fabulous little inlets lying all around.
The ancient city lies deep below sea level and should you go there
by boat, you would see both the stadium and the walls.
There are lots of taverns in Port Heli serving fresh fish and other tasty "mezethes" (appetizers), bars with nice music, and all within a stone's throw from the sea. Kosta. Its long sandy shore and bright, shallow waters attract many tourists. Lying just opposite Spetsai, Kosta is linked with the island by small, fast boats (10 minutes).
Sport
Wind surfing at Karathona, Nafplion, and at Tolon's school. At
Pono Heli Hotel surfboards are available.
Sailing and swimming at the Nafplion Nautical Club (Tel: 27520-27239), and the Argos Nautical Club (N. Kios, Tel: 27510-66520)Basket, Volley Ball: Nafplion National Stadium (Tel: 27520-27285), and Argos National Stadium (Tel: 27510 —66250).
Mountain Climbing: Artemision (Alt. 1772 m) from Karyas village, and Farmakas (Alt. 1616 m.) reached from Gymnos village.
Events
The Festival of Epidavros, held annually in the summer, is the main event. Nafplion dons a Musical August cap consisting of concerts, plavs and projections. Cultural events including music, dancing and concerts are also held at Neo Kio.
Other festivities include the Argos "panegyri" (festival )on,Agios Petros (St. Peter's) Day, May 3; in Asini on Agias Paraskevis Day (July 26), on August 15 (Holv Mother's Dormkion), and 6 on "Meiamorphosi to Sotira (Christ's Transfiguration) Day.
The panegyri at Ermione is on Epiphany Day, and at Mycenae on Agios Pandeleimon Day, July 27.