Leave your car on the People’s Market square, which is used in the mornings –except for Wednesday and Saturday – as a parking lot. North of the square lies the neoclassic market, built in the beginning of the last century and designed by E. Ziller.South of the market, lie the Cavalry Barracks of Kapodistrias, while to the east one can see Kallergi’s residence, one of the main protagonists in the revolution of the 3rd of September, which claimed a “Constitution” from king Otto. The “Kallergeio” is today part of the Archaeological Museum of Argos. We follow a Western, or better a Northwestern route towards the Hill of Aspida (Shield). Continue keeping The Castle of Argos and the old monastery of Panaghia Katakekrymeni (the Concealed) or Portokalousa (a reference to the orange groves) in front of you.
Approaching the foot of the mountain, to the left the road leads to the monastery of Panaghia. In antiquity, at the edge of the rock, towered the temple of the goddess Hera Akraia (“Extreme”: a reference to the fact that the temple was built right at the edge), the patroness of Argos.
On the right side of the road begins the route towards the Hill of Aspida (shield) or, as the locals usually call it, the Prophet Elias. A winding asphalt pathway, suitable for all bicyclists -even beginners as the uphill parts are not challenging- leads us to the hill’s summit, granting the visitor an endless view of the whole Argolis plain.
At the beginning of the route to the right of the road, rose the temple of Apollo Deiradiotis; sacrifices use to be performed on its rectangular altar, which is carved in the rock. Somewhere behind that site used to be the oracle of Argos, older than the Delphi and Dodoni oracles, according to Argeian traditions.
Continue along this route, following the signposts, and you will reach the top of the Hill. Next to the beautiful little church of St. Elias, lies the tourist kiosk of the Municipality of Argos, with a view to the sea and Nafplio. If you prefer a free picnic, wooden tables under the dense pine trees offer you the opportunity for a meal surrounded by the beauties of nature, away from the noise and pollution of cities.
There are also places for those of you who love extreme sports with bicycles, where you can test your skills.
The Hill is an archaeological site, scattered with antiquities from every period of time, since here and at the foot of Larisa were the first dwelling places of the Argeians, before Inachos and Danaos diverted the torrents that flooded the spot where the modern city lies.
If you are back, then you have enjoyed the whole of the hill, you have filled your lungs with clean air and if you’re feeling vigorous and strong, one more route opens before you, towards the Fountain of Akova and the picturesque Kefalari.
Located in the heart of the city of Argos, this hotel is an exquisite example of unhurried luxury, complemented by a high dergree of personalized service.