Before and after Epidaurus: Nafplion, Argos and Mycenae
If you are a devoted follower of the Athens Epidaurus Festival and can’t imagine your summer without a theatrical performance beneath the stars, there is no better excuse for a few days’ exploration of the Municipality of Argos-Mycenae, a brief pilgrimage to the area’s storied past.
Within easy reach on the way to Epidaurus lies Mycenae, the greatest and wealthiest palatial centre of Greece’s Late Bronze Age, the ancient city of Argos, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the country, and, of course, Nafplion, crowned by the incomparable Palamidi Fortress, the finest preserved Venetian specimen in Greece.
The journey from Mycenae to Argos takes less than twenty minutes, as does the drive from Argos to Nafplion, while Ancient Epidaurus lies under an hour away. Beginning at Mycenae, with its Cyclopean walls, the monumental Lion Gate, and the Treasury of Atreus, visitors can then move on to Argos, where impressive archaeological remains are complemented by the city’s beautifully revitalised historic centre. Among others, the Kapodistrian Barracks now house the first Byzantine Museum in the Peloponnese, while directly opposite, the elegant arcades of the Municipal Market provide the perfect setting for a leisurely coffee date.
Nafplion, with its picturesque Bourtzi – a minuscule Venetian sea fortress on a tiny islet in the harbor – cobbled streets and imposing Archaeological Museum, has preserved the charm of a different time. Meanwhile, the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus need not mark the end of your journey. Upon your return, you can visit the Ancient Theatre of Argos, the largest in the Argolis, along with the Ancient Agora and the Heraion, allowing the region’s rich history to accompany you all the way home.
1
Mycenae: Inside the Cyclopean Walls
Much celebrated in the Homeric epics and featuring in the tragedies of the Classical era, Mycenae “rich in gold” was founded by Perseus, son of Zeus, and Danae, and is the most prominent palatial centre of the Late Bronze Age in Greece.
2
Ancient Theatre, Ancient Agora and Heraion of Argos: Iconic monuments of a historic city
It may sound incredible, but the ancient theatre of Epidaurus was not the largest in Argolis.
3
Byzantine Museum of Argolis: A tour of the Byzantine heritage of Argos
The unique iconographic approach of the recently renovated Byzantine Museum of Argolis promises a fascinating tour of Argos’ rich archaeological heritage.
4
Palamidi Castle: One of the most impressive castles in Greece
The best preserved castle from the Venetian rule is associated with three stories of betrayal.
5
Archaeological Museum of Nafplion: Mycenaean secrets in a Venetian monument
The Archaeological Museum of Nafplion offers a new perspective on the understanding of the Palaeolithic period and the evolution of human societies during the Neolithic era.
6
Sanctuary of Asclepius at Epidaurus: A sacred place of healing for body and soul
Although Epidaurus is closely associated in collective memory with the world-famous theatre, the latter is just one part of the Sanctuary of Asclepius at Epidaurus.
