Lerna

Argolis

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This small site is worth a stop for its intriguing House of the Tiles, one of the most important Greek remains from the 3rd millennium BC. It's very well preserved, conserving the base of staircases as well as plaster on the brick structure. Clay seals found here attest to a system of control over goods. Other remains include walls and a tower from earlier in the Helladic period, as well as later Mycenaean tombs. It's 7km west of Nafplio along the coast.

Lerna is also famous in mythology as the lair of the Hydra, which was slain by Hercules as one of his labours.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • The Lion Gate was the main entrance of the Bronze Age citadel of Mycenae, southern Greece. It was erected during the 13th century BC in the northwest side of the acropolis and is named after the relief sculpture of two lionesses in a heraldic pose that stands above the entrance. The Lion Gate is the sole surviving monumental piece of Mycenaean sculpture, as well as the largest sculpture in the prehistoric Aegean.

    Ancient Mycenae

    12.55 MILES

    On a hilltop backed by powerful mountains stand the sombre and mighty ruins of Ancient Mycenae, home of Agamemnon, the legendary king who commanded the…

  • The ancient theater of Epidaurus (or "Epidavros"), Argolida prefecture, Peloponnese, Greece. ; Shutterstock ID 1010575777; your: Barbara Di Castro; gl: 65050; netsuite: digital; full: poi 1010575777

    Theatre of Epidavros

    20.07 MILES

    Built of limestone, yet one of the best-preserved Ancient Greek structures in existence, this late-4th-century-BC theatre is the undisputed highlight of…

  • The Temple of Zeus built around 330 BC is a Doric peripteral temple consisting of 32 limestone outer columns (6 by 12 columns) and the construction is unusual as it included all three Greek architectural forms, the Doric, the Corinthian, and the Ionic.

    Ancient Nemea

    17.7 MILES

    Ancient Nemea was once the venue for the biennial Nemean Games, held in honour of Zeus. Three original columns of the imposing 4th-century-BC Doric Temple…

  • Archaic Temple of Apollo, Dorian columns, Corinth, Greece.

    Ancient Corinth

    25.99 MILES

    Within a modern village loom the extensive yet compact ruins of this ancient (mostly Roman) city. Home to legendary Jason of the Argonauts, stealer of the…

  • Abaton of Epidaurus at the sanctuary in Greece. Epidaurus is a ancient city dedicated to the ancient Greek God of medicine Asclepius.; Shutterstock ID 1111555640; your: Barbara Di Castro; gl: 65050; netsuite: digital; full: poi 1111555640

    Epidavros

    19.88 MILES

    In its day Epidavros, 30km east of Nafplio, was famed and revered across the Mediterranean as a place of miraculous healing. Visitors came great distances…

  • Archaeological Museum

    Archaeological Museum

    4.41 MILES

    Inside a splendid Venetian building, this museum traces the social development of Argolis, from the hunter-gatherers of the Franchthi Cave to the…

  • Gate in Palamidi fortress, Nafplio, Greece

    Palamidi Fortress

    4.7 MILES

    This vast, spectacular citadel, reachable either by steep ascent on foot or a short drive, stands on a 216m-high outcrop of rock that gives all…

  • Sanctuary of Asclepius

    Sanctuary of Asclepius

    19.85 MILES

    The Sanctuary of Asclepius was dedicated to the god of healing. The ruins include the huge katagogeion, a hostelry for pilgrims and patients; the large…

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Nearby Argolis attractions

1. Bourtzi

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Odyssey Cruises runs boat excursions to this island fortress. Built in 1473, it lies about 600m west of the town's port and has served variously as a…

2. Archaeological Museum

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Inside a splendid Venetian building, this museum traces the social development of Argolis, from the hunter-gatherers of the Franchthi Cave to the…

3. Akronafplia Fortress

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Rising above the old part of town, the Akronafplia fortress is the oldest of Nafplio’s three castles. The lower sections of the walls date back to the…

4. Church of Agios Spyridon

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This small 18th-century church was the site of an assassination of great political significance. On 9 October 1831 Ioannis Kapodistrias, elected the first…

5. Komboloi Museum

4.5 MILES

Whether or not you wish to buy Greece's most popular souvenir item – komboloï (worry beads) – at the gift shop, it's worth popping into the incense…

6. Arvanitia Beach

4.52 MILES

This small pebble beach is just five minutes’ walk south of town, tucked beside the Akronafplia fortress, past the Land Gate. It's a nice place for a…

7. War Museum

4.55 MILES

In a handsome stone building, this collection of paintings, uniforms, sketches, assorted weaponry and photographs traces Greece’s role in various battles,…