Archaeological & Historical Places to See
The following are just some suggestions of interesting places to visit in the nearby area of the Argolida and a little further afield in the Peloponnese. This is just an idea, there are too many historical monuments, areas of natural beauty and other archaeological sites to list here.
Ancient Asinion the headland at the end of Tolo's "Sandy Beach"
Ancient Asini is located on the headland by Kastraki beach and is an important archaeological site dating back to the Neolithic era. Seemingly not a lot to see the museum and digital presentation give an understanding of just how important Asini was. See the ruins of cisterns, Hellenistic bastions, fortifications and underwater storage later used by the Italians during WWII. The views from the acropolis of Tolo & Drepano are stunning.
Nafpliothe first capital of modern Greece
Nafplio or Nafplion is just 10 minutes away from Tolo by car or a short bus ride. It was the first capital of Independent Greece an shows its history in its architecture, monuments and castles. Visit the old town, the Palamidi fortress, the Bourtzi island castle, Acronafplia castle, the museums & beaches. It is a cosmopolitan town attracing visitors all year round and well worth a visit during your stay in Tolo.
Ancient TirynsUNESCO site just 5 minutes from Nafplion
Ancient Tiryns or Tiryntha, described by Homer in the Iliad as "walled Tiryns", has been inhabited since the Neolithic Era but reached the height of its importance in the 13th century BCE as a major centre of Mycenaean culture. Due to its excellent state of preservation, the acropolis is a fine example of Mycenaean palatial architecture and fortifications. See the "Cyclopean" walls, the catacombs and ruins of the citadel.
ArgosAssistant Director
The site has been inhabited from prehistoric times up to the present day. Ancient Argos was built on two hills: Aspis and Larissa, 80 m and 289 m in height respectively. Argos, along with Mycenae and Tiryns, was a significant Mycenaean centre, and the city remained important throughout the Greek, Hellenistic, and Roman periods. Visit the ancient theatre which seated 20,000 people, the largest in Greece, tombs and the santuary of Aphrodite.
Ancient EpidavrosUNESCO site 30 mins from Tolo
The most impressive of the sites at Epidaurus is the ancient theatre with its perfect acoustics, built in the 4th century BC to accommodate 15,000 people, it is extremely well preserved and performances are still held there every July & August. Epidaurus, a major city in Ancient Greece, it thrived as a sanctuary devoted Apollo, Asklepios and Hygeia. Inhabited since prehistoric times, the remains of hundreds of spas can still be seen today.
Ancient MycenaeUNESCO site 30 minutes from Tolo
Inhabited since Neolithic times, Mycenae flourished into a fortified city ruled by King Agamemnon (among others). One of the most important Ancient Greek cities of antiquity, Mycenae is responsible for a whole era and is strongly linked to Homer's Odyssey and Iliad. Today see the well-preserved sites, of the Lion’s Gate, the North Gate, Terraced Palace, the Tomb of Agamemnon (the Treasury of Atreus), grave circles, shrines and temples.
NemeaHistory & Wine 40 minutes from Tolo
Ancient Nemea, a religious sanctuary where the pan-Hellenic games were held every two years alongside the other three major pan-Hellenic athletic games held at Olympia, Isthmia and Delphi is an interesting site with much to see and which of course reminds of Hercules first labour. The stadium is actually better preserved than that of Olympia's. Nemea's many wineries are also a great place to visit for a tour and a wine tasting.
Ancient CorinthCorinthia - 55 minutes from Tolo
Located on the isthmus which connects mainland Greece with the Peloponnese, Corinth was an important city in Greek, Hellenistic, and Roman times. It is a fascinating city and its geographical location, role as a centre of trade, naval fleet, participation in various Greek wars, and status as a major Roman colony meant the city was, for over a millennium, rarely out of the limelight in the ancient world. Read more information here
Corinth Canal50 minutes from Tolo
The Corinth Canal connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. It cuts through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth and separates the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland, arguably making the peninsula an island. The builders dug the canal through the Isthmus at sea level; no locks are employed. It is 6.4 kilometres (4 mi) in length and only 21.4 metres (70 ft) wide at its base. Take a boat trip through the canal.
Sparta2 hours from Tolo
Sparta was one of the most famous city-states of the ancient world and left its very culture at the heart of modern language – the English word 'Spartan' reflecting their very way of life – simple, basic, severe. There were no grand buildings in Sparta but the museum is worth a visit and the ancient theatre with its spectacular views, Roman shops, the sanctuary of Artemis Orthia, and the site that is said to be the tomb of Spartan King Leonidas.
MystrasUNESCO site approx 2 hours from Tolo
Mystra is one of the most exciting and dramatic historic sites that the Peloponnese can offer – on a steep foothill of Taïgyetos. A remarkably ppreserved Byzantine town that once housed some 20,000 with winding alleys lead through monumental gates, past medieval houses and palaces and most of all into the Byzantine churches. The frescoes found here are studied worldwide and are fantastic examples of Byzantine art.
Monemvasiaapprox. 3.5 hours from Tolo
This medieval castle town features wonderful, traditional architecture and cobbled streets linked to the mainland by a narrow causeway and separated from the rest of the Peloponnese by an earthquake in 375AD Monemvasia is Europe’s only castle that has never ceased being inhabited. Monuments and churches are scattered throughout the old town and an important archaeological collection in the Square.
OlympiaUNESCO site Home of the Olympic Games located 2.5 hours from Tolo
Olympia was an ancient Greek sanctuary site dedicated to the worship of Zeus, in whose honour Pan-Hellenic Games were held every four years from 776 BCE to 393 CE and, of course, is the home of the modern Olympic Games. Today, extensive ruins including the Temple of Zeus, Temple of Hera, training areas, baths, housing can be seen. The Archaeological museum exhibits finds from the site including the famous Statue of Hermes. The stadium is located just a few minutes fromthe site.