Nemea5

NEMEA | HERCULES THE GAMES THE WINE

Nemea was a religious sanctuary in the northern Peloponnese of Greece where pan-Hellenic athletic games were held every two years from 573 BC until 271 BC.

The mythical origin of the Games is sometimes ascribed to Hercules who, after his first labour in which he had to kill the Nemean lion, established athletic games in honour of his father Zeus. Athletes and competitions were supervised by specially trained ‘Hellanodikai’ who acted as both referees and as judges dressed in black. Athletes competed naked and victors were awarded a crown of wild celery.

Nemea is simultaneously Greece’s most important red-wine PDO appellation. The mountains and valleys surrounding the small village of Nemea have been producing wine for centuries, dating back to at least the 5th Century BC, mostly from the native Agiorgitiko grape. A wide range of styles are made from this red grape variety, from rich, age-worthy dry wines to lighter, sweeter examples.

Source: Ancient History Encyclopedia

On a mild, pleasant evening, when the summer heat has receded, it’s always a splendid occasion to visit the nearby archaeological site of Nemea, an area known for the pan-hellenic Games that used to take place during the classical era. Famed otherwise for the producing of excellent quality wine, who would fail to take advantage of an educating stroll amidst ancient monuments and greenest hills filled up with vineyards? In mere 50 minutes from Xiropigado you will find yourself standing next to the Temple of Zeus or the well preserved ‘Stadion’ learning about the engaging History that this sacred site bares.

Duration: approximately 2 hours

Cost: Prices upon request

What’s included: Private Local Licensed Historian, Entrance to Archaeological Site and Museum.

LOCATION

Koutsomidi, Nemea 205 00, Peloponnese

(Approximately fifty minutes drive from Xiropigado)

DETAILED INFORMATION

BLUE MOSAIC VILLAS IN THE AREA