Ancient theatre of Epidavros

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Argolis

The Argolis peninsula, which separates the Saronic and Argolic Gulfs, is steeped in legend and history. The town of Argos is thought to be the longest continually inhabited town in Greece. Argolis was the foremost seat of power of the Mycenaeans that dominated Greece from around 1500 to 1200 BC. Traces of this mighty civilisation lie scattered across the region in the shape of tholoi (beehive-shaped tombs), citadels and ancient theatres. The Venetian seafront town of Nafplio, the first capital of modern Greece, makes a handy base for exploring the surrounding countryside.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • The Lion Gate was the main entrance of the Bronze Age citadel of Mycenae, southern Greece. It was erected during the 13th century BC in the northwest side of the acropolis and is named after the relief sculpture of two lionesses in a heraldic pose that stands above the entrance. The Lion Gate is the sole surviving monumental piece of Mycenaean sculpture, as well as the largest sculpture in the prehistoric Aegean.

    Ancient Mycenae

    Argolis

    On a hilltop backed by powerful mountains stand the sombre and mighty ruins of Ancient Mycenae, home of Agamemnon, the legendary king who commanded the…

  • Abaton of Epidaurus at the sanctuary in Greece. Epidaurus is a ancient city dedicated to the ancient Greek God of medicine Asclepius.; Shutterstock ID 1111555640; your: Barbara Di Castro; gl: 65050; netsuite: digital; full: poi 1111555640

    Epidavros

    Argolis

    In its day Epidavros, 30km east of Nafplio, was famed and revered across the Mediterranean as a place of miraculous healing. Visitors came great distances…

  • The ancient theater of Epidaurus (or "Epidavros"), Argolida prefecture, Peloponnese, Greece. ; Shutterstock ID 1010575777; your: Barbara Di Castro; gl: 65050; netsuite: digital; full: poi 1010575777

    Theatre of Epidavros

    Argolis

    Built of limestone, yet one of the best-preserved Ancient Greek structures in existence, this late-4th-century-BC theatre is the undisputed highlight of…

  • Archaeological Museum

    Archaeological Museum

    Nafplio

    Inside a splendid Venetian building, this museum traces the social development of Argolis, from the hunter-gatherers of the Franchthi Cave to the…

  • Gate in Palamidi fortress, Nafplio, Greece

    Palamidi Fortress

    Nafplio

    This vast, spectacular citadel, reachable either by steep ascent on foot or a short drive, stands on a 216m-high outcrop of rock that gives all…

  • Sanctuary of Asclepius

    Sanctuary of Asclepius

    Argolis

    The Sanctuary of Asclepius was dedicated to the god of healing. The ruins include the huge katagogeion, a hostelry for pilgrims and patients; the large…

  • Archaeological museum in Mycenae, Greece.

    Ancient Mycenae Museum

    Argolis

    Part of the Ancient Mycenae complex, this museum is well worth visiting before seeing the rest of the site. It initiates you into the mysteries of Mycenae…

  • The Treasury of Atreus, or Tomb of Agamemnon, is an impressive "tholos" tomb at Mycenae, Greece, constructed during the Bronze Age around 1250 BC. The lintel stone above the doorway weighs 120 tons, the largest in the world.

    Treasury of Atreus

    Argolis

    Dating back to around 1300 BC, this is the finest existing example of a domed tholos (Mycenaean tomb shaped like a beehive). It's wonderfully misnamed,…

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Argolis and beyond

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