Ancient Olympia

One of the most significant land of Civilization, the cradle of Civilization.

Olympia (Greek: Ολυμπία Olympía), was a sanctuary of ancient Greece in Elis, and is known for having been the site of the Olympic Games in classical times, the most famous games in history. The Olympic Games were held every four years throughout Classical Antiquity, from the 8th century BC to the 4th century AD, in honor of Zeus.

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Katakolon

The small scenic harbor of Katakolo is the main heaven of Pyrgos and a beautiful tourist attraction.

In ancient years Katakolo was located in the ancient city of Fia, near St. Andreas' beach. Killini and Katakolo were the only two ports of the preference of Ilia. During the Homeric years, Katakolo was a famous fortress near the river of Iardano and in the second half of the 5th century B.C (during the Peloponnese war) Katakolo became Athenians' anchor point to conquer Ilia. The port was destroyed completely by a powerful earthquake (6th century A.C.), but until now from St. Andreas' bay we can see the two remaining small islands Korakas and Tigani. Many shells and remains from Neolithic period up until Romans' years have been found and witness Katakolo' s existence during the centuries. During the Byzantine period and the Middle- Ages, Katakolo had a strong strategic role and magical Pontikokastro, built by the Vilardouins at the remains of the acropolis of Fia, is the proof of it. After Greece's liberation from the Turks the centre of Katakolo was dislocated and obtained its current geographical place. It was one of the most important ports of Greece in raisin exportation, however today is only a famous touristic resort.

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Ancient Ilida

Ancient Ilida, was one of the most important cultural centres of Peloponnesus in ancient times, and was the host city of the Games and the capital of Ilia.

he ancient city- state of Ilida developed in North West Peloponnesus, far away from the big city centres of the rest of Greece and it didn’t play an important role to the military and cultural actions that took place. It was in the forefront however, for a long time since it had the custody of the Greek temple of Olympia and the flawless organization of the Olympic Games.

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Kastro Chlemoutsi

The Castle of Kyllini

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Temple of Epicurean Apollo

The temple of Apollo Epikourios, one of the most important and most imposing temples of antiquity, stands in the bare and rocky landscape of Bassae.

It is unique in the history of ancient Greek architecture because it combines a variety of novel ideas both in its external appearance and in its internal arrangements. Indeed, Pausanias considered it to be among the finest temples of the Peloponnese in terms of sheer beauty and harmony, second only to that of Tegea (8, 41, 8). The building is dated to 420-400 BC and is believed to be the work of Iktinos, who succeeded in combining masterfully several Archaic features imposed by the conservative tradition of the Arcadians with the characteristics of the new Classical style. The surviving temple is not the first one to have been constructed on the site. The earliest temple of Apollo erected in the late seventh century BC, possibly at the same location, was rebuilt at least twice in approximately 600 and 500 BC. Many architectural features from these two phases survive, including a large terracotta acroterion with ornate painted decoration, roof-tiles and antefixes.

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Mystras

Archaeological Site of Mystras

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