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Argos

The historic Peloponnesian city of Argos is the agricultural and commercial center of the prefecture of Argolida. The city has retained some neoclassical buildings, the neoclassical market place and the army barracks dating from the time of Kapodistrias. The archaeological museum on Vas. Olga street has an interesting collection of local finds.

The ancient theatre - which was a polis of the Dorians in BC.8-7c, once had belonged to Mycenae. The capacity of the theater was about 20,000 people (10,000 people now). The theater has 90 steps (83 steps now) while Delphi's has 35 steps and Epidauros's has 55 steps. The sound control is excellent.

Large works produced in the city's famous sculpture studios decorated temples and sanctuaries. The visitor will find some of them, weathered by time, in the ancient agora (on the road to Tripolis).

Northwest of Argos, the citadel of Larissa stands on the crest of a low mountain, it is worth a visit -- an asphalted road goes all the way up -- to admire the Frankish and Venetian fortifications as well as the view, which is especially impressive at sunset, when the colours run riot. There is a monastery on the hillside, the Virgin Concealed or of the Rock.

South of Argos the road leads to Kefalari, a lush area with several springs. The spreading plane trees, running water and taverns will hold you in their grasp for hours by offering those simple Greek pleasures: shade, fresh air, good food and relaxation.

To the East another road goes to the village of Merbaka (Agia Triada), with its 12th century Byzantine church, and from there on to the hamlets of Manesi and Dendra. From Dendra a path takes you to the top of a hill and the Mycenaean acropolis of Midea. Here too you will find huge cyclopean walls. According to myth, the walls at Mycenae (Mikines), Tirins and Midea were built by a tribe of men who are supposed to have descended from the Cyclops.

Nine kilometers outside Argos the road leads to the slopes of Mt. Evvia where, built on an outcropping, stand the ruins of the Heraion (Ireon), dedicated to Hera, one of the most important sanctuaries of antiquity. In the uncluttered beauty of the scenery, emotions and memories connected with the worship of the goddess still linger.

Argos, is also the modern town, pulsating with life and movement, with its up-to-date shops, the Municipal Market, housed in a fine neoclassical building, and the public market held every Saturday, which attracts thousands of people from all over the province of Argos.