The city of Argos

Commercial centre of the area, Argos is a lively and friendly city with pedestrian areas, built after numerous redevelopments. It has many attractions, museums and archaeological sites, such as the theatre, the ancient agora and the castle of Larisa.

Media items

Being commercial centre of the area, Argos is a lively and friendly city with pedestrian areas, built after numerous redevelopments. At its heart lies Saint Peter Bishop Square, a nice and cool spot, where you can grab a cup of coffee and begin your tour in the alleys behind the Municipal Market, where you’ll get a taste of the old one. On the surrounding streets there are a lot of shops, coffee places, bars, etc.    

Argos is considered one of the most ancient continuously inhabited Greek cities.

Its past is highlighted by monuments such as: The ancient theatre, designed to seat 20,000 spectators, dating back to the Hellenistic period (300-250 BC). The ancient agora, which was the centre of activity in the ancient city. Its planning started in the 6th century BC and its construction was completed in the late 4th century BC. The castle of Larisa, one of the oldest and historical castles in the country, built at a strategic location above Argos. From up there you can enjoy the great view of the entire area. 

Some of the most interesting buildings in Argos - both in terms of architecture and history- are listed below: 

The Town Hall housed in a neoclassical stone-built building of the 19th century. 

The historical Danaos Library This hall built in 1896 with donations of Argeians, for the housing of the library and the Club of Argeians. The gryphon forged on the banisters welcomes you, and afterwards, you’ll embark on journey to the world of rare books and manuscripts, hosted by the library. 

The stone-built two-storey residence of General Dimitrios Tsokris. It’s one of the most beautiful and oldest neoclassical buildings in the city, built in 1827. 

Trikoupis Hall. The residence of Prime Minister Spyridon Trikoupis, granted to him by Ioannis Kapodistrias. It has various neoclassical elements. 

The “Barracks of Kapodistrias” is without doubt one of the most remarkable architectural monuments you’ve ever seen. It houses the Byzantine Museum of Argolis and it’s totally worth a visit. 

Konstantopoulos Hall. It was designed by Ernst Ziller and built in 1912. It is considered as one of the most beautiful neoclassical buildings in Argos.  

The Municipal Market. Located opposite the Byzantine Museum, it was also designed by Ernst Ziller in a neoclassical style, and built in 1889. It has impressive arches, and shops are housed in its interior. There’s a farmer’s market every Wednesday and Saturday in the area. 

The stone-built railway station, built in 1900, is also interesting, in terms of architecture.  

The church of patron Saint Peter (celebrated on May 3rd), along with Saint John and Saint Constantine churches (13thcentury), and Our Lady of the Rock (on the hill of Larisa), represent the Greek Orthodox history of Argos. 

A remainder of its Ottoman past is the Muslim mosque. 

The Archaeological Museum of Argos
It is housed in a building complex at Saint Peter Square. It consists of the listed neoclassical residence of General D. Kallergis and a contemporary building, which was later added. Between 1956-1957, Kallergis’ residence (1830) was converted into a museum. The new building opened in 1961. The exhibit showcase the contribution of the broader region of Argos to Greek art and culture. 

The permanent exhibition occupies 3 rooms, one in the new wing, and two in Kallergis’ building. Numerous treasures are exhibited, dating back to prehistoric up to Roman times. They were brought to light through excavations in the ancient agora and the theatre of Argos, the Mycenaean cemetery of Deiras, in Lerna, in the lowlands of Argolis, etc.

Amid the Roman copies of classical and Hellenistic works of art, the statue of Hercules stands out. In the museum’s courtyard, a Roman mansion discovered in Argos is partly represented. 

(2 Vassilisis Olgas Str., Tel.: 27510 68819). 

Did you know that

Argos is 12 km away from Nauplio, and about 128 km away from Athens.  

A tradition in Argolis forms the long-range “Argos-Mycenae Festival”. In summer, from the beginning of July to mid-September, as part of the festival, theatrical performances, concerts, traditional feasts and other side events take place there.

Location

Find the destination on the interactive map below.