MEETINGREECE
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PELOPONNESE
Named after Pelops, Peloponnese is one of the
most historical regions of Greece. It is inhabited
since the prehistoric times, and is rich not only in
history and monuments but also in mountainous
and coastal landscapes of unique beauty.
T
he peninsula of Peloponnese is connected with
the mainland through the Isthmus of Corinth,
occupying the southern part of continental
Greece and its southernmost point, Tenaron
cape, is the southern edge of continental
Europe.
Peloponnese covers an area of 21.439.192 km2 and is divided
administratively in seven prefectures: Achaia, Arcadia, Argolis,
Corinthia, Ilia, Laconia and Messinia. It is a mountainous area
with a deeply indented coastline and a shape that reminds a
platanus or maple tree leaf.
MONUMEN T S
Every corner of this land brings to mind a myth or historical event
and archaeological excavations have brought to light many
monuments, which together with the natural and other sites form
a dense network of “must” see places.
In Peloponnese are the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of: the
Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidavros, the Archaeological Site of
Olympia, the Archaeological Site of Mystras, the Temple of Apollo
Epicurius at Bassae, and the Archaeological Sites of Mycenae
and Tiryns.
Also someone can visit: the ancient theatre of Epidavros (with the
exceptional acoustics); Acrocorinth and Ancient Nemea in
Corinthia; the museum of Olive Oil in Sparta; the unspoiled Mani,
with its fortresses and its unique breathtaking landscape and the
famous underwater cave of Diros, with the prehistorical findings;
the byzantine/medieval town of Monemvasia (Malvasia of the
Venetians), famous also for the Malvasia wine; the picturesque
and romantic city of Nafplion with the medieval fortress and the
museum; the martyric town of Kalavrita, very well-known for its
modern ski center and for the unique scenic train ride to Diakofto
on the coast;
Pylos, Methoni and Koroni in Messinia; the beautiful town of
Vytina in Arcadia; and so many others
MOV E AROUND P E LOPONNE S E
A dense road network interconnects all cities, towns, villages,
beaches, mountains within Peloponnese. There is a major
motorway that connects Athens with Corinth, and through that
with the major cities of Tripoli, Argos, Nafplion, Sparta, Kalamata,
Tradition and history meet modern
infrastructure!
