Peloponnese is in itself a whole new world. Its name seems to be connected with Pelops, a mythological hero, son of Tantalus.
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Peloponnese is the largest peninsula in Greece and one of its nine geographical districts, located south of the mainland and connected to central Greece through the Corinth Canal. It is administratively divided into seven counties, Achaia, Ilia, Messinia, Arkadia, Lakonia, Argolis and Corinthia.
The mythology in the area of Peloponnese is linked to the Mycenaean civilization, which flourished in central and southern Greece during the Late Bronze Age (1600-1100 BC), and the history of some of the greatest city – states in Greece, such as Sparta, Corinth and Argos. The “Golden Mycenae”, the city that this culture was named after, was founded by the hero Perseus, son of Zeus and Danae, according to tradition.
The palace of Mycenae was the richest and most important of that period and also the kingdom of the mythical King Agamemnon, who had an integral role in the Trojan War as described in the Iliad. The myths associated with its history crossed the centuries through the Homeric epics and the great Tragedies of the Classical Era, they inspired and continue to inspire the intellectual creation and art worldwide.
The Iliad and the Odyssey emblazon the Trojan War and the hero’s adventures during the journey of returning to their homelands. The famous conflict erupted between the Greek Cities and the city of Troy when Helen, wife of Menelaus, King of Sparta, was snatched by Paris, the son of the king of Troy, Priam.
Then Menelaus with his brother, the mighty Agamemnon of Mycenae, brought together warriors from the 174 cities and 29 regions of the Mycenaean world and sailed to Troy with 1,166 warships. This numbers, huge for the given period in history, declare the splendor of the Mycenae of the great bloom.
Another city in western Peloponnese, Olympia is also worldwide famous as the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Besides, the founder of the Olympic Games, Hercules, successfully carried out three of his labors in the Peloponnese area. Additionally, Peloponnese is also connected to the hero Pelops, who is the other alleged founder of the Olympic Games.
Modern cities and fairytale castles.
In Peloponnese we can encounter large urban centers, such as Patra and Tripoli. Patra is the third largest city in Greece, 45 kilometers west of which, the airport of Araxos is located, connecting the city domestic and European destinations.
Also, and major port of Patra provides a direct connection with Italy. In absolute harmony with these cities we will find smaller graphic towns such as Nafplio, one of the most beautiful destinations in Greece, the first capital of Greek State and known as the most romantic city in the country.
Other areas of Peloponnese open a door to the realm of a fairy tale. In beautiful Mani you can see the characteristic Towers of Mani, the residues of castles, ancient walls, churches, monasteries and palaces, the beautiful fortress city of Mistras and the exceptional Castle of Monemvasia, where the remains of the great walls of this castle-city slide into the sea.
All these landscapes, this alloy of the Byzantine Empire, the Middle Ages and the Venetian Times, create a magical atmosphere.Attractions and Activities.
Peloponnese possesses the beauty of a whole country in miniature, combining stunning mountain landscapes with endless beaches, lakes and rivers. Its hinterland is dominated by the mountains of Taygetos and Chelmos, creating unique images of wild slopes, stunning forests, springs and picturesque small villages. Ski Resorts like the one of Helmos or Mount Mainalo, offer their services to winter sports enthusiasts, while 50 kilometers of coastline in Elis, the unique Voidokilia beach and the beaches of Elafonisos and Kythera will refresh during the summer.
Among the places that one can visit in Peloponnese is the world famous archaeological site of Mycenae. Walk through the Lions Gate, which bears the oldest monumental sculpture in Europe, admire the citadel, the palace complex and the royal tombs, where significant findings came to light, including the famous golden masks, as well as swords, gold jewelry and other artifacts of the era.
You also should not miss the archaeological site and museum of Ancient Olympia, which includes many interesting exhibits, the famous statue of Hermes by Praxiteles, the Nike of Paionios, the helmet of Miltiades and the pediments of the temple of Zeus, many items athletes of the ancient games used as well as examples of their offerings to the gods.
You should also attend a performance of an ancient drama at Epidaurus, the finest and best preserved of all the ancient theaters. Built in 340 B.C., the theater of Epidaurus has a capacity of 13,000 spectators and excellent acoustics. Other stops on this journey of exploring the treasures of Peloponnese are the tombs of Dioscuri, the famous cave of Dirou, the castle of Passavas etc.