Argolis

The little known city of Troezen

lthough the ancient city of Troezen has often played an important role in Greek history it is much less well known than many other sites in Argolida. Situated some 8 km west of the coastal village of Galatas, little remains of its former splendour but it is well worth a visit for those who like to travel off the beaten track.

It is not widely known that there are several pyramid-like buildings in southern Greece, the only such structures in Europe. The best preserved of these is at Elliniko, just 6km South West of Argos. It is also sometimes referred to as the Pyramid of Kenkreai, Kechraie or Kechri.

The Stone Age cave dwellers at Franchthi

Franchthi bay is situated on Khoilada bay in the south of the Argolid peninsular. It was first inhabited in the early stone age (Paleolithic era) and was in use until around 3000 BC, the longest recorded sequence of occupation of any site in Greece. It is one of the most studied stone age sites in South East Europe and one of very few sites in Greece relating to the Mesolithic era.

Midea was one of the three most important Mycenean centres in the Argolis along with Tiryns and Mycenae itself. It is one of the largest and best preserved such citadels and its importance is evidenced by its impressive Cyclopoean walls, its extensive fortifications and the lavish tombs at the nearby Mycenean cemetery of Dendra.

Dating from the 8th century BC, the Heraion is a temple dedicated to the goddess Hera and is located 8km Northeast of Argos and just 3 km Southeast of Mycenae. It was the largest such sanctuary in the Argolida and may well have been the first in mainland Greece to worship this deity. Situated among several ancient communities including Tiryns, Midea, Mycenae the sanctuary was most closely associated with Argos and in time became its main religious centre.

Lerna is the site of successive prehistoric settlements dating from the 7th millennium BC up until the Bronze Age. The location was a natural choice for human habitation with its abundant natural resources including fresh water, fertile land and proximity to the sea. It was also of strategic importance being situated on the narrow strip of land separating the Argolida and the Southern Peloponnese. In Greek mythology Lerna was known as an entrance to the underworld and for being where Heracles killed the Hydra.

Asini has a long history which ranges from Neolithic times right up to World War II.  Since the 1920s the site has undergone extensive excavations and was recently upgraded to offer improved facilities for visitors including a multi-media centre.

Just north of Nafplion are the well preserved remains of the important hill fortress of Tiryns, an excellent example of the Mycenaean palatial system. Along with its nearby and better known neighbour Mycenae it is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Nafplion, the first capital of modern Greece

The area around Nafplion is known to have been inhabited since Neolithic times and from its earliest days the seaport was an active trading centre. Its position at the head of the gulf has meant that it has often been of great strategic importance and at various times its fortifications have been strengthened, the oldest of which are those of Acronauplia on the rocky peninsula next to the harbour where the remains of three separate castles can be seen today.