Pyramid of Hellenikon Argolida Greece, map, accommodation, hotels, guesthouses

Pyramid of Hellenikon in Argolida

The Pyramid of Hellinikon is located near the city of Argos, on an ancient road which once led from Argos to Tegea. The pyramid is preserved in good condition and it consists of a unique phenomenon and an archaeological mystery.

At the South-eastern edge of the plain of Argolid, near the springs of the Erasinos river (nowadays 'Kephalari') and on the main arterial road which in antiquity lead from Argos to Tegea and the rest of Arcadia and Kynouria, there is a small fort at present known as the 'pyramid' of Hellenikon.

According to evidence from the excavations and the typical features of the structure which dates to the end of the 4th century B.C. and not to the prehistoric period, as some scientists have been recently willing to demonstrate. During the later years of Antiquity, the ''Pyramid'' was considered as a burial monument , a ''polyandreion'', while nowadays there is no doubt that it was a fort of the type of small strong-holds which controlled the arterial roads and which are known from other regions of the Argolid.

It has the shape of a tour with its external sides sloping and surrounding a rectangular building of total dimensions 7,03 by 9,07 m. These external walls, which rise with a gradient of 60o up to 3,50 m high become vertical to in order to support the floors of the building. The main entrance of the monument is situated at its eastern side, that is the side which is turned towards the bay of the Argolid. From inside this gate a narrow corridor which leads to a smaller entrance, opened on the southern wall of the main space, a square room with sides about 7 m long.

This impressive monument is built entirely from the gray limestone of the district with large blocks in a trapezoidal and partially polygonal system.

Excavations of the monument whose stone structure had remained stable for 2400 years, were undertaken by Th. Wiegand in 1901, but mostly by L.Lord in 1938. Both published the results of their excavations in specific monographies.

GNTO

The Pyramid of Hellenikon is situated nine kilometres away from Argos, near the springs of the Erasinos river and on the main arterial road which in antiquity led from Argos to Tegea. The pyramid is a live proof of mythology which suggests that there was a relation between the land of Argos and the Egyptian civilization

There is a controversy about the date of this structure. Based on the excavations carried out, it dates back to the late 4th century, but according to archaeologists, using new methods, it might overlap the construction of the pyramids in Egypt. The first theory seems to prevail.

There are many theories on its use. The Greek traveler, Pausanias wrote in the 2nd century A.D. that the Hellinikon pyramid was a common tomb for soldiers. Others refer to the pyramid as a fryctoria, a tower used to send smoke signals. At the present it is believed that the pyramid served as a small observatory to control the surrounding area.

It consists of a unique architectural phenomenon and it is preserved in good condition. It reminds its visitors of the history of Argos.

Source: Mythical Peloponnese

Accommodation
For your stay in Argolida and several areas close to The Theater of Epidaurus, you can book a room in one of the hotels and Bed & Breakfast inns.
In Nafplio, Argos, as well as in many other areas close to the Pyramid of Hellenikon, there are hotels and accommodations of various categories and types (rooms to let, residences, Bed & Breakfast inns, studios, hostels, guesthouses and furnished apartments) that can satisfy every visitor's demands and needs for a pleasant and enjoyable stay.
You will find wonderful hotels, rooms and apartments to let of all categories and price ranges.

Access
By car:
Access to Argolida is easy by car through the existing road network. The time that you need to get there from Athens is 90 - 120 min by car.
The best way to explore, wander around Argolida and discover its nature and archaeological sights is to have your own vehicle.
It is worth visiting places where local tranportation and organized tours do not reach.

Indicative routes and distances from the Archaeological site of Mycenae:
Athens: 121 km
Patra: 165 km
Ioannina: 374 km
Sparta: 112 km

By bus:
There are frequent daily routes to and from Athens and several areas of Argolida.
Nafplio: (+30) 27520.27.323
Athens: (+30) 210.51.34.588
Argos: (+30) 27510.69.323
Kranidi: (+30) 27540.21.218
Isthmus: (+30) 27410.83.000
Galatas: (+30) 22980.42.480

By train:
For destinations to Argos, Nafplio and Mili. Information (OSE), Athens, tel: (+30) 210.51.24.910

For your convenience, you can use the route map on the field “Routes” with information about the mileage, the time you need and the route you will follow, selecting the points of interest.