Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
mour from the 8th century BC and some fine Neolithic, Mycenaean and Geometric pot-
tery, including some Argive grey and brown vases dating to before 1600 BC.
Roman Ruins
RUIN
( 8am-3pm)
Impressive Roman ruins straddle both sides of a road (Tripolis).
The star attraction is the
theatre
, which could seat up to 20,000 people (more than at
Epidavros). It dates from Classical times but was greatly modified by the Romans.
Nearby are the remains of a 1st-century-AD
odeion
(a smaller theatre) and
Roman
baths
. Opposite is the
Ancient Agora
. Signage provides clear diagrams and contextual-
ises the setting. To get there from the central square, head south along Danaou for about
500m and then turn right onto Theatrou.
Fortress of Larissa
FORT
The impressive Fortress of Larissa that looms over Argos is a conglomeration of
Byzantine, Frankish, Venetian and Turkish architecture, standing on the foundations of
the city's principal ancient citadel. A road leads you to the top of the fortress; it's sign-
posted from the centre and northern end of town and winds around the back of the fort-
ress for 5km. Ongoing excavations are taking place; take care while visiting.
Getting There & Away
podistriou 8)
has bus services to Nafplio (€1.60, 30 minutes, hourly), Mycenae (€1.60, 30
minutes, three daily) and Nemea (€3, one hour, two on Thursdays only).
There are also bus services to Athens between 5.30am and 8.30pm (€12, two hours,
hourly) via Corinth Isthmus (€5, 50 minutes), and to Tripoli (€7, one hour, four daily ex-
cept Sunday).
TOP OF CHAPTER
Ancient MycenaeΑρχαία Μυκήνες
In the barren foothills of Mt Agios Ilias (750m) and Mt Zara (600m) stand the sombre
and mighty ruins of
Ancient Mycenae
( 27510 76585; admission €8; 8am-6pm Mon-Fri,
to 3pm Sat & Sun winter)
. For 400 years (1600-1200 BC) this vestige of a kingdom was the
most powerful in Greece, holding sway over the Argolid (the modern-day prefecture of
Argolis) and influencing the other Mycenaean kingdoms.
