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The southernmost
geographic section of mainland Greece.
Originally it was an island, but intense
geological upheavals in the region
united and separated it from the mainland
twice. Later, a new retreat by the
sea formed the Isthmus of Corinth.
This land bridge was cut in the late
19th century to make the Corinth canal,
making the Peloponnese an island yet
again.
The Peloponnese (Peloponnesos) is
a rugged land and in its interior
is highlands. The climate is purely
Mediterranean along the coasts, unlike
the center which has a relatively
continental climate.
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A
mythical land whose every corner
brings to mind some Greek myth,
the Peloponnese is composed of
images and music, the scents of
the sea, of the mountains, of
grapes, olives, and citrus. The
cities, towns, and spas of the
region were important centers
in antiquity, and remain so today.
Villages seem to grow out of the
grey rock, the wild stones next
to the hostile furze. Other villages
lie by the vast open sea, but
everywhere the people are vital,
hospitable, haughty, and proud. |
Three
main road networks lead to places
with abundant physical beauty, important
archaeological sites, land and stones
testifying of other eras.
Just
before we arrive at the Isthmus we
have our first view of the Peloponnese,
coming to Loutraki with its famous
spas and many hotels.
After
we have crossed the Isthmus, we encounter
Korinth, a commercial center and transport
hub. In the archaeological site of
Ancient Corinth we find the ruins
of the brilliant ancient city. Roads
extend among the vast olive groves,
grain fields, and vegetable plots,
leading to modern villages and towns,
ideal resorts. From Kiato to ancient
Sikyona and from there to Stimfalia.
Then, on to Xilokastro an interesting
vacation spot. Diakofto is the starting
point for unforgettable excursions
to historic Kalavrita, Megalo Spilaio
(big cave), and the monastery of Agia
Lavra. Magical journeys through the
Vouraikos gorge, between tall, verdant
mountains with the railroad.
Truly
ancient Egio has a special attraction,
the monastery of Panagia Tripiti,
which is built into the living rock.
Pretty pebbled beaches can be found
nearby.
Patras,
on the west coast, is Greece's window
to the Ionian islands and Italy. Its
attractive squares, neoclassical buildings,
and the ruins of a castle on top of
a hill, add charm to this working
harbour-city, which is the fourth
largest in Greece. Enchanting shores
drowning in eucalyptus and acorn bushes,
indigo waters and a vast sandy beach
at Kilini, known since antiquity for
its spas.
Further
south, we encounter Pirgos, an attractive
town with two jewels; the neoclassical
buildings designed by Chiller.
Peaceful,
serene, verdant, is Ancient Olympia
with the grandiose temple foundations,
the colonnades, the altars, the numerous
interesting archaeological finds crowned
by that masterpiece of sculpture,
the Hermes of Praxiteles.
Kaitafas is the next spa, also known
since antiquity, set amidst a thick
pine forest. The soil here is fertile,
ideal for vineyards, olive groves
and citrus orchards. The roads that
lead to Byzantine monasteries, Frankish
towers, ancient temples, such as the
temple of Apollo Epikourios at Vasses,
and famous palaces such as Nestor's
palace in Pylos, begin here.
Roads
lead to Kalamata, the capital of Messinia,
with the castle of Geoffrey Villehardouin,
the waterfront lined with taverns
and pastry shops, and Mt. Taygetos
proudly rearing up, while between
its foothills pretty beaches can be
found.
From
Kalamata, the road sweeps up to Tripoli
in the heart of the Peloponnese, a
perfect base for enchanting excursions
to Vitina, Dimitsana, and Stemnitsa,
picturesque villages clinging to the
Arcadian mountains, and to Mantineia
and Lykossoura with significant ancient
ruins.
Entering
into Lakonia, we reach its capital,
Sparti. To the west is the Byzantine
castle-state of Mystra with its incredible
churches, monasteries, palaces, and
mansions.
Crossing
the plain of Lakonia, we come to Gytheion
and from there to Areopoli, the Diros
caves, the traditional settlement
of Vathia, and passing through virgin
landscapes, steep mountaintops and
deep gorges which end up in the clear
blue sea, at pristine golden beaches
or pebbled shores, we arrive at unique
Monemvassia. From up high on its castle
one can see the moon rising among
the waves.
The
northeastern Peloponnese welcomes
us at Argos, the ancient strong-point,
today a point of departure for Nafplion
-the first capital of free Greece
- with the Bourtzi, an islet topped
by a miniature fort, and the Palamidi
rock. Ancient Tiryns and Mycenae,
the ruins of the two power centers
of the ancient Mycenean world, can
also be reached from Argos.
We
get to Epidaurus (Epidavros) passing
through pine forests. Here in the
summer, during the Epidaurus Festival
one can appreciate the incredible
acoustics of the ancient theatre,
which is next to the sanctuary of
Asclepius.
Apart
from Epidaurus, the Eastern Peloponnese
has much physical beauty on offer,
at Ermionida, at Porto Heli, at Kosta
and Galatas, from where one easily
crosses to Poros or Methana with its
famous spas.
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