PELOPONNESE
INTRODUCTION
Escape to the Peloponnese, where Myth meets history. Monuments from every period of the eventful history, great archeological sites; ancient Olympia, Epidaurus, Mycenae and Tiryns, the Temple of Apollo Epicurius, Byzantine churches and Monasteries.
Enjoy sightseeing and sports; explore unique villages and alluring castles amidst stunning natural beauty, mountains and forests, rivers and caves. Not to mention that the Peloponnese is surrounded by the Greek sea, with lovely beaches, sandy and smooth coasts on the western part – rocky and lacy on its easternmost side. It is no coincidences that the tour of the Peloponnese is very popular among travellers.
HISTORY
Since antiquity, and continuing to the present day, the Peloponnese has been divided into seven major regions: Achaea (north), Corinthia (northeast), Argolis (east), Arcadia (center), Laconia (southeast), Messenia (southwest), and Elis (west). Each of these regions is headed by a city. The largest city is Patras (pop. 170,000) in Achaia, followed by Kalamata (pop. 55,000) in Messenia.
The peninsula has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Its modern name derives from ancient Greek mythology, specifically the legend of the hero Pelops, who was said to have conquered the entire region. The name Peloponnesos means "Island of Pelops".
The Mycenaean civilization, mainland Greece's (and Europe's) first major civilization, dominated the Peloponnese in the Bronze Age from its stronghold at Mycenae in the north-east of the peninsula. The Mycenaean civilization collapsed suddenly at the end of the 2nd millennium BC. Archeological research has found that many of its cities and palaces show signs of destruction. The subsequent period, known as the Greek Dark Ages, is marked by an absence of written records.
In 776 BC, the first Olympic Games were held at Olympia, in the western Peloponnese and this date is sometimes used to denote the beginning of the classical period of Greek antiquity. During classical antiquity, the Peloponnese was at the heart of the affairs of ancient Greece, possessed some of its most powerful city-states, and was the location of some of its bloodiest battles.
The major cities of Sparta, Corinth, Argos and Megalopolis were all located on the Peloponnese, and it was the homeland of the Peloponnesian League. Soldiers from the peninsula fought in the Persian Wars, and it was also the scene of the Peloponnesian War of 431–404 BC. The entire Peloponnese with the notable exception of Sparta joined Alexander's expedition against the Persian Empire.
CLIMATE
The weather in Peloponnese varies according to the high altitude and the region. It has the characteristics of a typical Mediterranean climate, it is mild and hot on the coast and cooler but very healthy at the center. Peloponnese is gifted with a wonderful climate and the highest temperatures are recorded in the areas of Patra, Kalamata, and Argolida.
The mountainous side of Peloponnese is characterized by low temperatures which form frost and snow will often occur, mostly during the cooler winter period. Rainfall usually occurs in the west side of Peloponnese and the summer brings some high temperatures. The weather on the east side is much weaker with no rain and poor vegetation. The average temperature in Peloponnese ranges from 18 to 19oC. During winter the mountain peaks of Peloponnese are covered with snow.
HIGHLIGHTS
Over the centuries, many people, including Alexander the Great and Nero (involving thousands of slaves), tried to finish the Corinth Canal, but it was only completed in 1893. The success of Suez Canal made the achievement of the Corinth Canal possible. Nowadays, around 11 000 ships cross this 6km-long canal (with 80 meters high cliffs) canal. Most of them are small tourist boats or cruise ships. As the canal is only 24,6 meter in width, it’s impossible for 2 ships to cross at the same time. The organization really has to be perfect. Another particularity of Corinth Canal is its 2 submersible bridges. Located at each end of the Canal, they must be lowered into the water every time a boat crosses. It’s quite unique to watch.
CORINTH CANAL
• The Cyclopean Walls: according to Greek legends, these huge stone walls were built by a Cyclope. • The Lion Gate, the main entrance to the fortress. • The Grave Circles and its 6 tombs. The Golden Mask (wrongly attributed to King Agamemnon) was found here. • The Royal Palace (or Agamemnon Palace), where you will have a splendid panoramic view of the plain. • The tomb of Clytemnestra, Agamemnon’s wife. • The tomb of Agamemnon
MYCANAE
It was the former capital of Greece, before Athens became a major city. You’ll love its picturesque alleys with elegant houses and lots of shops and cafés. •Palamidi Fortress: this site overlooking the city offers a splendid panorama of the gulf and coast. Inside this castle, you can visit the 8 bastions and go all around the fortress. You can get there by car or climbing the 800 steps stairs starting in Nafplio. •Bourtzi Castle, a fortress built at the entrance of the port to prevent invasions. •Acronafplia fortress, where you’ll admire a great view of the city, the Bourtzi and Palamidi fortress! •Arvanitia Beach, a nice pebble beach with a beach club. •The Archaeological Museum, if you want to learn more about Nafplio’s History. •The old town, where you should take a stroll.
NAFPLIO
Famous for its ancient theatre. Built in the 4th century B.C, the theatre hosted plays to entertain the sick people coming for miracles. • the Gymnasium, • the Stadium, • the Tholos and • the Temple of Asclepios.
EPIDAURUS
This village is located on an island on the East Coast of Laconia, in the South of Peloponnese. It’s only connected to the mainland by a dike. • In the lower town, you will enjoy a walk on the paved alleys and discover many houses, hotels and small shops. If you follow the main street, you will reach the central square, with its church and cathedral. • From there, you can follow one of the walking trails to reach the upper city and the castle (the Kastro). The splendid view of the roofs and the sea is really worth this little effort.
MONEMVASIA
This paradise island, located south of Peloponnese, is a real postcard landscape. You will be amazed by its numerous sand beaches with turquoise waters. Simos Beach, the most famous of the island, is one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece and in all the Mediterranean Sea. • Go sunbathing • Swimming all day long • Go scuba diving
ELAFONISOS ISLAND
This ancient fortified city was once the cultural capital of the Byzantine Empire. Today, during your visit of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will enjoy the remains of the Castle, many churches, monasteries and palaces. The first fortress was built in 1249. • Pantanassa Monastery • Peribleptos Monastery • Metropolitan Church of Hagios Demetrios • Brontochion Monastery • The Church of Agios Teodoros • Church of Agia Sofia • The Small Palace and • The Despots Palace.
MYSTRAS CASTLE
Like Mycenae, Epidaurus and Mystras, Olympia is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Between 776 B.C and 393 A.D, the Olympic Games were organized here every 4 years. The athletes were competing in track and field, wrestling, discus and javelin throw, and even chariot racing! Only men could participate. Women and slave couldn’t even watch the competition from the bleachers. The winners were considered as heroes and received an Olive wreath, symbolizing strength and wisdom. • Temple of Zeus • Temple of Hera • The Stadium • Gymnasium • The Leonidaion, a hotel for the special guests.
OLYMPIA
The train goes from Diakopto to Kalavrita. This 22-km long ride takes around 1 hour. The journey is really nice, and you will have plenty of time to admire the landscape. • The Municipal Museum of the Kalavritan Holocaust
THE VOURAIKOS GORGE
8 different walks, these 72 kilometers long trail explores the Lousios Gorge, the Mount Menalon, the Gortynian Mountains and the Mylaon River Valley.
