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Peleponnese
The Peloponnese Peninsula is in Morea in the south of Greece and is divided from the mainland by the Corinth Canal. The peninsula plays host to virtually every tourist that comes to Greece, because most of the country's important and imposing ancient sites are found on its landmass, which is dominated by two mountain ranges, the Taygetos and Parnon. The peninsula is a playground, too, for the Greeks themselves. Summer sees thousands of Athenians heading south at weekends to enjoy the seaside resorts and beaches of the Peninsula. Besides ancient ruins, the fertile coastal strip of the Peloponnese also serves as Greece's market garden and centre for wine production. Many tourists enter Greece by sea from Italy and other Mediterranean ports through the Peloponnese port of Patras, the third largest town in Greece. The Olympic torch is ritually lit at Olympia by a high priestess, just as it was in ancient times, and carried across the continents of the world to the host country to mark the start of the Games.
Ancient Corinth
Situated around the base of the rock of Acrocorinthm, the ruins of Corinth form an acropolis for the city. Most of the surviving buildings are Roman rather than Greek, dating from the city's prosperous age after Caesar rebuilt much of the original Greek city, Roman armies having sacked it. The ruin that stands out particularly is the beautiful 6th century BC Temple of Apollo, built on a hill overlooking the remains of the Roman marketplace (agora). Recurring earthquakes have toppled much of the city over the centuries. In the southwest corner of the site is an archaeological museum containing some worthwhile collections of mosaic floors, pottery and works of art. The top of Acrocorinth can be reached via a road up the mountainside where the remains of the ancient fortifications can be seen.
Telephone: 27410 31207; Opening time: Arcocorinth open daily 8am to 7pm; the ruins of ancient Corinth open daily 8am to 8pm
(summer), 8am to 3pm (winter); Admission: Full admission €6, concessions €3. Free on Sundays between November and March
Mycenae
Mycenae is a historical site 30 miles south of Corinth and contains the remains of the ancient citadel and palace of Mycenae. Homer's fabulous story has it that the kingdom of Mycenae was dripping in gold and revelling in riches before King Agamemnon decided to lead an assault on Troy, back in about 1,250BC. The king started a war that lasted a decade, battling to win the impossibly beautiful Helen of Troy back from Prince Paris. German archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann discovered Mycenae, which he believed gave credence to Homer's tale, in 1874 after he had excavated the remains of Troy itself. There is no doubt that Mycenae was a city of power and prosperity and the ruins, from the Lion Gate (oldest example of monumental sculpture in Europe) to the palace complex, houses and beehive tomb of Agamemnon, are well worth exploring. Most of the more exceptional finds from the site are on exhibit in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens. These include frescoes, gold jewellery, and the gold mask said to have belonged to Agamemnon, among other priceless pieces.
Opening time: Daily 7.45am to 6.45pm; Admission: €3, concessions €1.50. Free on Sundays between November and March
Epidaurus
The ancient theatre of Epidaurus was built in the third century BC and due to is excellent preservation is still in use for dramatic performances in the summer, which are lent a mystical aura by the beautiful setting. The theatre has perfect acoustics, allowing even a whisper on stage to be heard in the back row of the limestone amphitheatre, which can seat 14,000. North of the theatre are the ruins of the healing Sanctuary of Asklepios, which has a museum explaining how the original temple complex would have looked and functioned. Where the ancient town of Epidaurus once stood there is now the modern day village of Palia Epidaurus. This is a popular seaside resort with scenic beaches, a small harbour and several tavernas.
Telephone: (275) 302 2009; Opening time: Daily 8am to 5pm (November to March). Summer hours are daily 7.45am to 6.45pm;
Admission: €6, concessions €3. Free on Sundays between November and March
Ancient Corinth
Situated around the base of the rock of Acrocorinthm, the ruins of Corinth form an acropolis for the city. Most of the surviving buildings are Roman rather than Greek, dating from the city's prosperous age after Caesar rebuilt much of the original Greek city, Roman armies having sacked it. The ruin that stands out particularly is the beautiful 6th century BC Temple of Apollo, built on a hill overlooking the remains of the Roman marketplace (agora). Recurring earthquakes have toppled much of the city over the centuries. In the southwest corner of the site is an archaeological museum containing some worthwhile collections of mosaic floors, pottery and works of art. The top of Acrocorinth can be reached via a road up the mountainside where the remains of the ancient fortifications can be seen.
Telephone: 27410 31207; Opening time: Arcocorinth open daily 8am to 7pm; the ruins of ancient Corinth open daily 8am to 8pm
(summer), 8am to 3pm (winter); Admission: Full admission €6, concessions €3. Free on Sundays between November and March
Mycenae
Mycenae is a historical site 30 miles south of Corinth and contains the remains of the ancient citadel and palace of Mycenae. Homer's fabulous story has it that the kingdom of Mycenae was dripping in gold and revelling in riches before King Agamemnon decided to lead an assault on Troy, back in about 1,250BC. The king started a war that lasted a decade, battling to win the impossibly beautiful Helen of Troy back from Prince Paris. German archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann discovered Mycenae, which he believed gave credence to Homer's tale, in 1874 after he had excavated the remains of Troy itself. There is no doubt that Mycenae was a city of power and prosperity and the ruins, from the Lion Gate (oldest example of monumental sculpture in Europe) to the palace complex, houses and beehive tomb of Agamemnon, are well worth exploring. Most of the more exceptional finds from the site are on exhibit in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens. These include frescoes, gold jewellery, and the gold mask said to have belonged to Agamemnon, among other priceless pieces.
Opening time: Daily 7.45am to 6.45pm; Admission: €3, concessions €1.50. Free on Sundays between November and March
Epidaurus
The ancient theatre of Epidaurus was built in the third century BC and due to is excellent preservation is still in use for dramatic performances in the summer, which are lent a mystical aura by the beautiful setting. The theatre has perfect acoustics, allowing even a whisper on stage to be heard in the back row of the limestone amphitheatre, which can seat 14,000. North of the theatre are the ruins of the healing Sanctuary of Asklepios, which has a museum explaining how the original temple complex would have looked and functioned. Where the ancient town of Epidaurus once stood there is now the modern day village of Palia Epidaurus. This is a popular seaside resort with scenic beaches, a small harbour and several tavernas.
Telephone: (275) 302 2009; Opening time: Daily 8am to 5pm (November to March). Summer hours are daily 7.45am to 6.45pm;
Admission: €6, concessions €3. Free on Sundays between November and March
