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Archaeological site · Náuplia, Peloponeso
Sítio arqueológico de Nemea (Archaia Nemea)
Sanctuary of Zeus where the Nemean Games were held, with the Temple of Zeus with re-erected columns, the stadium with a vaulted tunnel for the athletes' entrance, and a museum, in the middle of the Nemea wine region.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Sítio arqueológico de Nemea (Archaia Nemea)
Nemea was one of the four sanctuaries of the major pan-Hellenic games, alongside Olímpia, Delfos and Ístmia. The Nemean Games, held in honor of Zeus, took place every two years from at least 573 BC, and the winner received a crown of wild celery. According to mythology, this was where Hércules killed the Nemean lion, the first of the twelve labors. The site lies in a valley of vineyards, about 40 km from Náuplia.
The Templo de Zeus, dating to around 330 BC, had 32 columns; three remained standing since Antiquity and others were re-erected by excavations from the Universidade da Califórnia, using the original drums found on the ground, so today nine columns mark the temple against the mountains. Around it are the foundations of the altar, the athletes' baths with the basins preserved, and the lodging. The site's museum explains the games with coins, athletic equipment and a model.
The stadium is 500 metres away, in a natural hollow between two hills, and is the most thrilling part: athletes entered through a 36-metre vaulted tunnel, the oldest known arch in Greek architecture, with athletes' graffiti on the walls. The stone starting line, with foot slots, is in place. The surrounding region produces a red wine from the Agiorgitiko grape, and several wineries welcome visitors.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 1½ to 2 hours for the sanctuary, the museum and the stadium.
Best time
In the morning or late afternoon; there is no shade in the stadium. The museum and the stadium often close on different days than the site; check before you go. In autumn, the grape harvest livens up the region's wineries.
How to get there
It is about 40 km from Náuplia and 30 km from Corinto, near the village of Archaia Nemea, with its own exit on the A7 motorway. The stadium has a separate entrance, 500 metres from the sanctuary, with parking. There is no convenient bus; car or taxi.
Tip
Enter the stadium through the tunnel, like the athletes, and look at the names carved on the walls. By car, follow the wineries along the Nemea road; many open for tastings by appointment. Combine it with Corinto Antiga, 30 minutes away.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Sítio arqueológico de Nemea (Archaia Nemea)
What were the Nemean Games?
One of the four great games of ancient Greece, together with Olympia, Delphi and Isthmia, held every two years in honour of Zeus from the 6th century BC. The prize was a crown of wild celery.
Is the stadium next to the temple?
No. The stadium is 500 meters from the sanctuary, with its own entrance and parking. The athletes entered through a 36-meter vaulted tunnel that can still be crossed.
Is Nemea also a wine region?
Yes. The valley produces red wine from the Agiorgitiko grape, one of the most widely planted in Greece, and wineries along the Nemea road welcome visitors for tastings, usually by appointment.