Greek & Roman Ruins

Argolis

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A complex of impressive Greek and Roman ruins straddles both sides of the Tripoli road. The star attraction is the impressively large theatre, which originally seated 20,000 people. Dating from around 300 BC, it was greatly modified by the Romans in the 2nd century AD. Next to it is the impressively preserved wall of a Roman bathhouse; beyond is the 1st-century AD odeion (smaller covered theatre), whose origins date back to the 5th century BC. Across the road is the sizeable ancient agora.

From central Argos, head south along Danaou for about 500m and then turn right onto Theatrou.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • The Lion Gate was the main entrance of the Bronze Age citadel of Mycenae, southern Greece. It was erected during the 13th century BC in the northwest side of the acropolis and is named after the relief sculpture of two lionesses in a heraldic pose that stands above the entrance. The Lion Gate is the sole surviving monumental piece of Mycenaean sculpture, as well as the largest sculpture in the prehistoric Aegean.

    Ancient Mycenae

    7.15 MILES

    On a hilltop backed by powerful mountains stand the sombre and mighty ruins of Ancient Mycenae, home of Agamemnon, the legendary king who commanded the…

  • The Temple of Zeus built around 330 BC is a Doric peripteral temple consisting of 32 limestone outer columns (6 by 12 columns) and the construction is unusual as it included all three Greek architectural forms, the Doric, the Corinthian, and the Ionic.

    Ancient Nemea

    12.2 MILES

    Ancient Nemea was once the venue for the biennial Nemean Games, held in honour of Zeus. Three original columns of the imposing 4th-century-BC Doric Temple…

  • Archaic Temple of Apollo, Dorian columns, Corinth, Greece.

    Ancient Corinth

    20.83 MILES

    Within a modern village loom the extensive yet compact ruins of this ancient (mostly Roman) city. Home to legendary Jason of the Argonauts, stealer of the…

  • Abaton of Epidaurus at the sanctuary in Greece. Epidaurus is a ancient city dedicated to the ancient Greek God of medicine Asclepius.; Shutterstock ID 1111555640; your: Barbara Di Castro; gl: 65050; netsuite: digital; full: poi 1111555640

    Epidavros

    19.63 MILES

    In its day Epidavros, 30km east of Nafplio, was famed and revered across the Mediterranean as a place of miraculous healing. Visitors came great distances…

  • The ancient theater of Epidaurus (or "Epidavros"), Argolida prefecture, Peloponnese, Greece. ; Shutterstock ID 1010575777; your: Barbara Di Castro; gl: 65050; netsuite: digital; full: poi 1010575777

    Theatre of Epidavros

    19.83 MILES

    Built of limestone, yet one of the best-preserved Ancient Greek structures in existence, this late-4th-century-BC theatre is the undisputed highlight of…

  • Archaeological Museum

    Archaeological Museum

    6.1 MILES

    Inside a splendid Venetian building, this museum traces the social development of Argolis, from the hunter-gatherers of the Franchthi Cave to the…

  • The boat crossing the Corinth channel in Greece, near Athens; Shutterstock ID 68480968; Your name (First / Last): Emma Sparks; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Best in Europe POI updates

    Corinth Canal

    25.34 MILES

    The Corinth Canal is an engineering marvel. A project that spanned many centuries, it was conceived by a ruler of Ancient Corinth, begun by Roman emperor…

  • Gate in Palamidi fortress, Nafplio, Greece

    Palamidi Fortress

    6.54 MILES

    This vast, spectacular citadel, reachable either by steep ascent on foot or a short drive, stands on a 216m-high outcrop of rock that gives all…

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Nearby Argolis attractions

1. Byzantine Museum of Argolis

0.36 MILES

It's worth visiting Argos for this fine museum alone. Opened in 2017, it provides an evocative insight into Byzantine history, within the context of the…

2. Archaeological Museum of Argos

0.42 MILES

Just off the central square, the archaeological museum includes some outstanding and complete Roman mosaics and sculptures in its collection, as well as…

3. Larissa Castle

0.58 MILES

Looming over Argos, Larissa Castle is a crumbling conglomeration of purple-flower-studded towers, bastions and wall sections – contributed by Roman,…

4. Tiryns

4.83 MILES

The unfairly underrated Mycenaean acropolis, 4km north of Nafplio, is the apogee of Mycenaean architectural achievement. Legend has it that its massive…

5. Lerna

5.51 MILES

This small site is worth a stop for its intriguing House of the Tiles, one of the most important Greek remains from the 3rd millennium BC. It's very well…

6. Ktima Skouras

5.6 MILES

George Skouras has been making wine since the 1980s and this impressive spot, ten kilometres from Argos, is well worth dropping by for a taste…

7. Bourtzi

5.71 MILES

Odyssey Cruises runs boat excursions to this island fortress. Built in 1473, it lies about 600m west of the town's port and has served variously as a…

8. Archaeological Museum

6.1 MILES

Inside a splendid Venetian building, this museum traces the social development of Argolis, from the hunter-gatherers of the Franchthi Cave to the…

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