Overview: Nafplion is a favourite weekend getaway destination for hot and
bothered Athenians, and no wonder because it is not only a lovely
city, but exudes a cool and relaxed atmosphere soothing to busy
locals and foreign tourists alike. It was capital of the Greek
state from 1828 to 1834 after the war of independence, although its
history is modern compared to the rest of Greece, and particularly
the Peloponnese, it is a popular holiday spot for its charm alone.
Nafplion gets by without any classical ruins. The town does sport
picturesque streets overhung with wooden balconies cascading with
flowers. Some lively outdoor cafes and fascinating mosques add to
the atmosphere. Energetic visitors can climb the 857 steps to the
Venetian Fortress of Palamidi that overlooks the city, but most
prefer to just enjoy the tavernas on the waterfront, the open-air
cinemas and the beaches, while using the town as a refreshing and
comfortable base from which to explore the archaeological sites of
the Peloponnese.
Attractions
AncientCorinth : The ruins of ancient Corinth, a short drive from the modern
city, are spread around the base of the rock of Acrocorinth, which
forms a natural acropolis for the city. Most of the surviving
buildings are Roman rather than Greek, dating from the city's
prosperous age after Caesar rebuilt much of the original Greek
city, Roman armies having sacked it. The ruin that stands
out particularly is the beautiful 6th century BC Temple of Apollo,
built on a hill overlooking the remains of the Roman marketplace
(agora). Much of the city has been toppled by recurring
earthquakes over the centuries. In the southwest corner of the site
is an archaeological museum containing some worthwhile collections
of mosaic floors, pottery and works of art. The top of Acrocorinth
can be reached via a road up the mountainside where the remains of
the ancient fortifications can be seen.
Telephone: 27410 31207;
Opening time: Arcocorinth open daily 8am to 7pm; the ruins of ancient Corinth open daily 8am to 8pm (summer), 8am to 3pm (winter);
Admission: Full admission €6, concessions €3. Free on Sundays between November and March
Epidaurus: A definite must on a tour of the Peloponnese is the famed
ancient theatre of Epidaurus, built in the 3rd century BC and so
well preserved that with little or no restoration it is still in
use today for regular summer dramatic performances, lent a mystical
aura by the beautiful setting. The theatre has perfect acoustics,
allowing even a whisper on stage to be heard in the back row of the
limestone amphitheatre, which can seat 14,000. North of the theatre
are the ruins of the healing Sanctuary of Asklepios, which has a
museum explaining how the original temple complex would have looked
and functioned. Where the ancient town of Epidaurus once stood
there is now the modern day village of Palia Epidaurus. This is a
popular seaside resort with scenic beaches, a small harbour and
several tavernas.
Telephone: (275) 302 2009;
Opening time: Daily 8am to 5pm (November to March). Summer hours are daily 7.45am to 6.45pm;
Admission: €6, concessions €3. Free on Sundays between November and March
Mycenae: This ancient site, 31 miles (50km) south of Corinth, bears the
remains of the ancient palace and citadel of Mycenae, a place of
archaeological controversy but fascinating for the lay visitor.
Homer's fabulous story has it that the kingdom of Mycenae was
dripping in gold and revelling in riches before King Agamemnon
decided to lead an assault on Troy, back in about 1,250BC. The king
started a war that lasted a decade, battling to win the impossibly
beautiful Helen of Troy back from Prince Paris. German
archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann discovered Mycenae, which he
believed gave credence to Homer's tale, in 1874 after he had
excavated the remains of Troy itself. There is no doubt that
Mycenae was a city of power and prosperity and the ruins, from the
Lion Gate (oldest example of monumental sculpture in Europe) to the
palace complex, houses and beehive tomb of Agamemnon, are well
worth exploring. Most of the more exceptional finds from the site
are on exhibit in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.
These include frescoes, gold jewellery, and the gold mask said to
have belonged to Agamemnon, among other priceless pieces.
Opening time: Daily 7.45am to 6.45pm;
Admission: €3, concessions €1.50. Free on Sundays between November and March
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