In the extreme south of Europe is Greece, and in the south of Greece, not far away from Athens, is the Peloponnese – a peninsula barely hanging from the mainland.
Peloponnesia was the heartland of Ancient Greece. Its wild and mountainous landscape has hosted the interminable rise and fall of cultures which makes for fascinating sightseeing today. The peninsula is dotted with striking ruins, from ancient Mycenaean domes to golden age temples.
Below you can read about Mycenae, Nafplion, Epidavros, Olympia, Kardamyli.
1. Mycenae is the oldest site dotted by so many ruins. The Mycenaeans were the first Bronze Age society to emerge on the European mainland. Here the ruins are stark and scant.
In the Athens archaeological museum you can see all the gold that was found in Mycenae. The most attractive building is the corbelled stone because of its design – it looks like a stone igloo.
2. The city of Nafplion is the perfect base for exploring the north-east corner of the Peloponnesian peninsula. Climb 999 steps above Nafplion and you can reach the Palamidi fortress and an amazing view. Nafplion is one of Greece’s prettiest towns. The streets are lined by elegant Venetian houses and graceful neoclassical mansions. The big square is called Syntagma. This is the home of Greece’s first parliament.
3. In Epidavros is the best theater in the ancient world which provided entertainment for those who made the pilgrimage here from all over Greece.
4. Olympia was a religious place dedicated to Zeus and the rest of the Gods and it was only open to people during the games. Here you can see the original Olympic stadium.
5. Next, the town of Kardamyli, gateway to the main peninsula, is one of the oldest names in the annals of Greek history. This unassuming little seaside getaway is a fine spot to relax and settle into the pace of Greek country life.
A multifaceted history, welcoming people and delicious food – those are the things that you will get if you visit Peloponnese. Have no doubts!
