Top Things to do in Argolis Region
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The 10 Best Historic Sites in Argolis Region, Peloponnese
Discover the best top things to do in Argolis Region, Greece including The Great Theatre of Epidaurus, Archaeological Site of Asklipiiou Epidavrou, Lion Gate, Citadel and Treasury of Atreus, Ancient Asine (Kastraki), Church of Agios Spyridonas, Didyma Caves, Catholic Church of Metamorphosis Tou Sotiros, To Roloi, Bourtzi.
Restaurants in Argolis Region
1. The Great Theatre of Epidaurus
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,473 reviews
An ancient Greek theater built in the third century.
Reviewed By Jellybellydancer - Burscough, United Kingdom
The Peloponnese is not short of magnificent ancient sites and the Theatre of Epidavros is up there with the best of them. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the best preserved ancient structures in existence and is a 'must-do' if you are in this part of the world. The scale of the amphitheatre, which seat up to 14,000 people, is awe-inspiring and it's perfectly true that you can hear a coin drop on the stage from the highest seat. We were treated to an impromptu performance by another visitor, obviously keen to test out this claim about the acoustics, and the applause from the back of the theatre resonated as clearly as that from the front. It is definitely worth climbing up to the top if you can, the steps are a little uneven in places but perfectly manageable. The views from the top are amazing.
2. Archaeological Site of Asklipiiou Epidavrou
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
3. Lion Gate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 556 reviews
Reviewed By Jellybellydancer - Burscough, United Kingdom
The dramatic Lion Gate sets the scene for the rest of Mycenae beyond; impressive, dramatic and a remarkable feat of engineering considering it was constructed without all the technology available today. It is actually two (headless) lionesses that are rearing up guarding the citadel, carved from a single piece of stone and balanced on the enormous lintel. Amazing! We arrived soon after the site opened at 08:00, before the tour buses showed up and virtually had the place to ourselves.
4. Citadel and Treasury of Atreus
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 541 reviews
Reviewed By permia
It’s a stunning feat of ancient building work, creating a final resting place for Royal remains. Scholars believe that it likely has no association with either legendary Agamemnon or Atreus, being constructed much earlier the Homeric exploits of the former. It was marvellous approaching the entrance with its astonishing lintel stone of about 120 tons. The feat of getting this into place in antiquity is unsurprisingly still not fully comprehended. Awe-inspiring was the experience of entering the cavern and gazing around. With a dome to marvel at, this remained the largest such in the world for more than a millennium. It was an unforgettable visit.
5. Ancient Asine (Kastraki)
6. Church of Agios Spyridonas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
Reviewed By permia
From the uplifting facades to stunning interior, it’s an exceptional place of worship at the heart of the town. Dedicated in 1702 during the later Venetian rule it has fame for a darker deed carried out in its precincts. This was the assassination in 1831 of Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first ruler of the newly independent Greek State, by his political enemies. A gorgeous nave is truly inspiring. Festooned with ornateness, it leads to the exceptional iconostasis that is embellished with holy imagery. A glorious Pantocrator is at the dome apex. A deep azure ceiling is bejewelled with stars, a marvellous celestial vista.
7. Didyma Caves
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By BiljanaJ_12 - Belgrade, Serbia
The Caves and chapels of Didyma are places of outstanding beauty and such a rare sight that I recommend them to anyone if anywhere in Argolida. They are not actually caves but sinkholes or dolines formed by collapse of the ground (definitely not a result of meteorite impact as some suggested). A steep staircase leads downwards into the small cave. Although steep, it is well lit and safe as it has handrails. Tall people would have to bend a little but nothing dramatic. Inside the small cave are two Byzantine chapels – bigger one, to the right of entrance, dedicated to St George and the smaller one, to the left of the entrance, Metamorphosis tou Sotiros, completely built into the wall of the doline. There isn't much information on the history of these chapels but some sources claim that the murals in the Chapel of St George are dating back to 13th century. In any case, both chapels are extraordinary places where you can sit quietly for a few moments, rest and enjoy the timelessness of the place. Quite different from the frenzy of the touristy places. There's a safe walk path around the inside of the small cave so you can see it from all sides. How to get there: They can be easily reached from the road from Epidaurus to Porto Cheli – take the turn to the village of Didyma and keep it to the west of the village, don't go into the village (unless you want to). After 3 to 5 km (depending on the direction you are coming from), there's a sign (brown one, colour of sings for archaeological/cultural sites) to Big Cave and Small Cave and Chapel of St George. Some 500 m of country road will take you to the fork in the road in the middle if which are somewhat hidden under the trees gates and stairway which leads downwards, to the small “cave” described above. The big doline (which can be seen from the road) is another 500 further up the road to northwest of the small one but it is far less interesting although very impressive from a distance. Probably already understood but entrance is free. There are more dolines on the other side of the hill but they are not easily accessible. Finally, Didyma means “twins” in Greek but it does not refer to these two dolines but to the two mountains to the either side of the village. This place is definitely worth a visit.
8. Catholic Church of Metamorphosis Tou Sotiros
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By karenpS3081GH
Catholic mass said at 19:00 on Sat and Sun evenings and at 11 am on Sunday mornings ( correct as of August 2019). Very welcoming priest who prints out the readings in different languages for people and offers drinks of water afterwards. There is air conditioning in the church but it can still be a little hot depending on the humidity so a fan can be useful.
9. To Roloi
10. Bourtzi
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 317 reviews
Reviewed By permia
We had two magnificent vistas of it, from the harbour and an aerial view from Palamidi. An imposing robust bastion in light-hued stone it looked particularly grand in the fine morning sunshine. Built in the 1470s by the first Venetian rulers of the area it provided defence from sea attack and invasion. To this end there was apparently further protective measures in the form of a chain between it and Akronafplia. After the Ottoman occupations it served as a prison for a while and then welcomed guests as a luxury hotel during the last century.
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