Nemea, Corinth, Tiryns or Mycenae… So many mythical names!
And so many ancient sites to explore during a trip to the Peloponnese, this vast region south of Athens, separated from mainland Greece by the Saronic Gulf to the west and the Corinth Canal to the east.
The cultural richness sometimes makes you dizzy.
When finalizing your itinerary, one question remains: are these archaeological sites, explored by travelers from all over the world, worth the detour?
To discover
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With temperatures soaring during the summer and sometimes intense crowds, it's better not to make a mistake.
Historical interest, visiting conditions, accessibility or natural environment are also factors that can make the difference.
We help you choose.
Read alsoRoad trip in the Peloponnese: from Epidaurus to Messene, our 7-day itinerary and our advice
Map: the most beautiful ancient sites of the Peloponnese, Greece
Corinth, to take a first step
In ancient Greece, Corinth was one of the most powerful city-states.
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What makes Corinth famous today is its famous canal.
But be careful, it was only drilled in 1882!
In ancient Greece, Corinth was one of the most powerful city-states, taking full advantage of its privileged location on the isthmus that took its name.
Its trade was so flourishing that it went so far as to challenge Athens during the Peloponnesian Wars.
The ancient site of Corinth, located a few kilometers south of the new city - otherwise without any interest - is worth a visit for its astonishing Glauké fountain, its temple of Apollo with seven columns (one of the oldest in Greece ) as well as its archaeological museum.
The latter looks back on the incredible destiny of the city and presents pieces found on the site:
kouros
with perfect proportions, ex-votos in terracotta or Corinthian ceramics...
Visiting tip:
as the archaeological site is difficult to read, do not hesitate to start with the museum, which is very informative.
Nemea, to visit a little-known site
In Nemea, the Temple of Zeus looks great.
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Does the Nemean lion mean anything to you?
According to legend, it was here that Heracles came to fight this mythical feline to recover his skin, during the first of his twelve labors.
Nestled in a magnificent landscape dotted with vines, olive trees and cypresses, the remains of Nemea are slightly less spectacular than those of other sites in the Peloponnese.
However, the visit is not without interest.
With its ten elegant columns, the Temple of Zeus has style.
But the most interesting element to discover remains the ancient stadium, which could accommodate up to 40,000 spectators.
Great Panhellenic Games were organized there, like those in Olympia.
Please note that tests continue to take place there today: next edition in June 2024.
Visiting tip:
come a little before closing, to take advantage of the evening light and milder temperatures.
Mycenae, to follow in the footsteps of the Atrides
Gate of the Lionesses, Archaeological Site of Mycenae, Greece.
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Nestled between two hills above the plain of Argos, the ancient site of Mycenae is notable for its antiquity, dating back to the Bronze Age.
Founded in the 17th century BC.
BC, the city is older than the Parthenon by at least eight centuries!
Mycenae long dominated much of Greece and the Mediterranean.
By mythology, Mycenae is linked to the Atrides family and to King Agamemnon.
On the site, we also discover the Treasure of Atreus, a vast royal tomb with a dome from the 14th century BC.
BC as well as the tombs of Clytemnestra and Aegisthus.
Protected by the impressive Cyclopean wall, the Lioness Gate is topped with feline sculptures.
In addition to other tombs and the Palace of Atrides (in ruins), you must explore the fascinating archaeological museum which contains beautiful frescoes, jewelry and a copy of the golden mask of Agamemnon, discovered by the archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann .
Visiting tip:
arrive at opening, before the tourist buses invade the place…
Tiryns, to discover another Cyclopean city
Citadel of Tiryns.
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Located on a hill near Nafplio, 20 km south of Mycenae, this site has many similarities with the previous one, as evidenced by its impressive ramparts.
According to mythology, Tiryns was founded by the prince of Argos and built by… Cyclops!
We happily walk along its 750 m walls, 13 m high and 8 m thick, which superbly surround the citadel.
The size of the stone blocks is almost unbelievable.
Gate, ramp and palace – or what remains of it, with its remains of courtyards and rooms – can be explored quite quickly.
Tiryns was also “discovered” by Heinrich Schliemann.
In reality, the city was for Mycenae a sort of advanced post on the sea. This is why UNESCO decided to bring them together when classifying them on its prestigious World Heritage list.
Visiting advice:
to do at the end of the day, after an afternoon at the sea near Nafplio.
Epidaurus, to marvel at its ancient theater
Epidaurus Theater in the Sanctuary of Asclepius in Greece.
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Located in Argolis, in the southeast of the Peloponnese, Epidaurus is considered the birthplace of modern medicine.
Built in the 6th century BC.
BC and dedicated to Asclepius – the god of Healing – its sanctuary saw the sick and pilgrims parade throughout antiquity.
Alongside the various temples (still visible), a huge theater was built in the 4th century BC.
AD: it is also intended to honor the god of Medicine.
Opening onto grandiose landscapes, it is today the most famous ancient theater in Greece, but also the most frequented.
Its clever shell-shaped structure ensures good vision for all spectators as well as perfect acoustics.
During the summer, theatrical performances – highlighting the ancient repertoire – are organized there.
Visiting tip:
avoid the hottest hours as the theater has no shade.
Olympia, to return to the sources of Olympism
The Olympic stadium.
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In the northwest of the Peloponnese, Olympia is the birthplace of the most important sporting event of the ancient world: the Olympic Games.
Dedicated to Zeus (as evidenced by the temple dedicated to the king of the gods), they took place every 4 years from 776 to 393 BC.
J.-C. Sporting exploit was not the only challenge of the events;
the unity of the Greek world was also exalted.
At the time, there was no medal for the winner but an olive wreath.
Around the huge ancient stadium, where you can still have fun running, the remains of other sports structures are still visible: hippodrome, thermal baths, palaestra, gymnasiums... The archaeological museum contains numerous decorative elements from the site such as the famous
Hermes
by the sculptor Praxiteles or The
Victory
by the artist Paionios.
Visiting tip:
a virtual reality headset allows you to get an overview of the site in ancient times.
Bassae, to gain height
Temple of Apollo Epikourios at Bassae Ko Hon Chiu Vincent
Lost on the borders of Arcadia, this ancient site consisting of a magnificent temple is located at altitude, at some 1130 m.
Discovered in 1765 by Joachim Bocher, a French architect, the Temple of Apollo Epikourios of Bassae is considered a masterpiece of classical art.
8 km from the ancient city of Phigalia, it was erected between 420 and 400 BC.
BC by the famous architect Ictinos, who then created the Parthenon in Athens.
It is the first temple in antiquity to combine the Doric, Ionic and Corinthian orders.
For several years, the whole thing has been protected by an unattractive canvas.
If its exterior colonnade (peristyle) is not lacking in allure, its famous Ionic frieze is unfortunately not visible: it has been in the British Museum in London since 1815.
Visiting tip:
with the altitude and northern exposure of the site, it is often cooler than elsewhere in the Peloponnese.
Messène, to rescue a masterpiece from oblivion
The vast agora still has an impressive colonnade, almost 200 m long.
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In the region of Messinia, north of Kalamata and among olive trees, this little-known ancient site is nevertheless one of the most interesting in the Peloponnese.
Ancient Messene has in fact preserved remarkable vestiges, starting with its Arcadia Gate, which allowed you to enter the interior of the city walls, which are still visible.
Today decorated with Roman mosaics, the theater is bordered by the Arsinoé fountain.
Not far away, the vast agora still has an impressive colonnade, almost 200 m long.
But it is above all the large stadium which impresses with its stands and its still well-designed track.
Finally, a quick trip to the archaeological museum is essential.
There we admire some sculptures made by Damophon, a famous ancient sculptor from Messene.
Visiting tip:
take the time to explore this green site set in a delightful landscape.