Peloponnese - attractions

In childhood, having got acquainted with the legends about the Olympic gods and courageous Spartans, the impression was that these places were not in reality, but they are and are located on the Peloponnese peninsula, which is part of Greece and is washed by the waters of the two seas - Ionian and Aegean.

The Peloponnese is considered one of the most beautiful areas of Greece, but, besides the charming nature, there are countless sights that familiarize with the history, culture and architecture of ancient Greece. The popularity among tourists of this region is also in the fact that you can make one-day excursions to the Peloponnese in Athens , as there is something to see here.

Ancient sights of the Peloponnese

At the foot of Mount Krono, next to the junction of the rivers Alpheus and Kladeo, is the oldest sacred center of the religious cult of the Peloponnese - Olympia, built in honor of Zeus and known throughout the world as the venue for the first Olympic Games.

Here you can visit the temples of Zeus and Hera, the ruins of sports facilities built for the Olympic Games and the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, which collected priceless exhibits of the excavations of the ancient city.

Only 30 km to the west of Nafplion is Epidaurus, the sacred hospital of the ancient world. The most famous landmark here is the well-preserved theater and the temple to the god of healing Asclepius. The Epidaurus Theater, celebrated for its magnificent acoustics, annually hosts the summer festival of Greek drama.

On the site of the ancient city of Sparta, which played an important role in the history of Greece, because it did not have defensive walls, there are a few ancient buildings preserved: a theater on the hill of the Acropolis, a long arched gallery and the ruins of the sanctuary of Artemis. Here is the Archaeological Museum of Sparta.

Orthodox shrines of the Peloponnese

The territory of the Peloponnese peninsula is very rich in Orthodox monasteries and temples:

1. Mega Spileon (Big Cave) - the oldest monastery in Greece, located at an altitude of 1000 meters. This eight-storyed fortress, built into the rock, is known for its waxwork wonderworking icon of the Blessed Virgin, created almost 2,000 years ago.
2. The Monastery of Agia Lavra is the most important monastery in the history of Greece, built in 961 at an altitude of 961 meters. Here is the gift of Catherine the Great - the icon of St. Laura, as well as a valuable collection of Early Christian objects and a rich library.
3. Monastery of Panagia Anafonitriya - on the island of Zakynthos , where he began his service as hegumen Saint Dionysius. Here is stored his church vestments and the Miraculous Icon of the Virgin.
4. The Malev monastery is in the Parnon mountains, above the village of Agios Petros, dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin. After the tragic events it was closed, but in 1116 the monastery was reborn, but in a new place - on the island of Kefalonia, according to the legend this place was chosen as the icon of the Virgin.
5. On the island of Kefalonia, there is also the monastery of St. Andrew, in which his right foot is stored and there is a very interesting museum, and the monastery of St. Gerasim, next to it there is a cave in which Saint Gerasim lived.

Natural sights of Peloponnese

In addition to shrines, the Peloponnese attracts tourists with the unique Cave of Lakes located in Kastria. It is a very large beautiful cave with a length of almost 2 km with 15 mountain lakes and waterfalls. Photographing in the cave is prohibited, but there is a souvenir shop near where you can buy her photographs and postcards for memory.

Loutra Kayafa - thermal springs located in the south of the Peloponnese near Loutraki, on the shore of the Corinthian Gulf. Visitors to the springs are treated with hydrotherapy amidst the picturesque landscape, the scent of pines and eucalyptus. Thermal waters of Caiaphas sources help with skin diseases, neuralgia, asthma, rheumatism and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

On the way from Athens to Peloponnese, in the vicinity of Loutraki, there is the WaterFun water park with a lot of water attractions and swimming pools for adults, three interesting children's slides, a green area for outdoor activities and a restaurant.

Departing with an excursion to the sights of the Peloponnese peninsula, you will plunge into the world of spirituality and antiquity.