Rating
4.2/5 (based on Google user reviews)
User Reviews
Erik (4 months ago)
Despite what has been written, Kazarma is easily reachable from the local road, turning left a few hundred meters after the small tholos tomb. The path is well maintained until approximately 100 meters before the walls, after which it becomes a little bit more complex to reach the top. The easiest route is to walk on the debris of masonry (sigh!) derived from a major collapse on the southeastern corner of the main wall. Once on top you get a clear idea of the reason that led the construction of this place. The towering palatial structure dominates the valley leading from the Argive plain to the Saronic gulf at Epidauros. The ruins are impressive and clearly tell the story of a pluristratified occupation of the hill starting from the Late Helladic down to the Byzantine period. As elsewhere in Greece, this site would need to be first excavated than strategically placed within the networks of sites to be visited. Unfortunately the funds seem to be limited, and this project looks out of reach in the near future, as other major sites remain scarcely preserved and accessible to the general public, like Midea. While it is fascinating to still see this kind of sites in such a “wild” condition, consolidation works would be the baseline for at least preventing further collapses.
Despite what has been written, Kazarma is easily reachable from the local road, turning left a few hundred meters after the small tholos tomb. The path is well maintained until approximately 100 meters before the walls, after which it becomes a little bit more complex to reach the top. The easiest route is to walk on the debris of masonry (sigh!) derived from a major collapse on the southeastern corner of the main wall. Once on top you get a clear idea of the reason that led the construction of this place. The towering palatial structure dominates the valley leading from the Argive plain to the Saronic gulf at Epidauros. The ruins are impressive and clearly tell the story of a pluristratified occupation of the hill starting from the Late Helladic down to the Byzantine period. As elsewhere in Greece, this site would need to be first excavated than strategically placed within the networks of sites to be visited. Unfortunately the funds seem to be limited, and this project looks out of reach in the near future, as other major sites remain scarcely preserved and accessible to the general public, like Midea. While it is fascinating to still see this kind of sites in such a “wild” condition, consolidation works would be the baseline for at least preventing further collapses.
Ellard Taylor (6 months ago)
The Acropolis Kazarma is an un-excavated Mycenaean ruin about which there is little information on the web. Bronze Age cyclopean polygonal walls dating to perhaps 3,500 or more years ago await the intrepid willing to challenge steep overgrown rocky terrain. This rugged setting probably accounts for survival of these intact polygonal walls never cannibalized or repurposed by subsequent cultures. Sometime prior to 1400 AD the Byzantines evidently garrisoned here, adding mortared stone towers at the corners of the fortress. A fascinating historical contrast is evident between Mycenaean and Byzantine stone works. Non-mortared cyclopean polygonal walls formed by precisely cutting and interlocking massive stones compare to more “modern” Byzantine walls built of collected rubble laid in mortar. Within this acropolis millennia of dirt and vegetation protect archaeological data yet to be revealed. Google Map affords limited information. Google Earth details the site, surrounding olive groves and farm roads leading up the mountainside. This hike deserves thoughtful preparation including proper footwear, long pants and drinking water. Drive past the Mycenaean Bridge bearing right on the hard surface road continuing about 900 meters to a left turn onto another hard surface road. Continue about 260 meters to a farm road on the left immediately past some homes. Park off the road and hike to the site following farm roads up the mountainside. The hike from the road is +/- 500 meters ascending about 250 feet in elevation becoming increasingly challenging near the top.
The Acropolis Kazarma is an un-excavated Mycenaean ruin about which there is little information on the web. Bronze Age cyclopean polygonal walls dating to perhaps 3,500 or more years ago await the intrepid willing to challenge steep overgrown rocky terrain. This rugged setting probably accounts for survival of these intact polygonal walls never cannibalized or repurposed by subsequent cultures. Sometime prior to 1400 AD the Byzantines evidently garrisoned here, adding mortared stone towers at the corners of the fortress. A fascinating historical contrast is evident between Mycenaean and Byzantine stone works. Non-mortared cyclopean polygonal walls formed by precisely cutting and interlocking massive stones compare to more “modern” Byzantine walls built of collected rubble laid in mortar. Within this acropolis millennia of dirt and vegetation protect archaeological data yet to be revealed. Google Map affords limited information. Google Earth details the site, surrounding olive groves and farm roads leading up the mountainside. This hike deserves thoughtful preparation including proper footwear, long pants and drinking water. Drive past the Mycenaean Bridge bearing right on the hard surface road continuing about 900 meters to a left turn onto another hard surface road. Continue about 260 meters to a farm road on the left immediately past some homes. Park off the road and hike to the site following farm roads up the mountainside. The hike from the road is +/- 500 meters ascending about 250 feet in elevation becoming increasingly challenging near the top.
Cecilia Pazo (15 months ago)
Very complicated access. I followed the instructions on the sign. When leaving the road there is a climb of about 500m. A little before arriving there are two signs indicating the Mycenaean path (impossible to pass through the vegetation) and the direction towards the acropolis. But the path ends between huge rocks and vegetation. Which makes it very difficult or impossible to pass. I managed to see it from a distance but it didn't seem worth such a big effort and risk. If you don't follow the official signs and follow the Google route, I thought I saw a valley that didn't look like it would be easier to pass than the official path.
Very complicated access. I followed the instructions on the sign. When leaving the road there is a climb of about 500m. A little before arriving there are two signs indicating the Mycenaean path (impossible to pass through the vegetation) and the direction towards the acropolis. But the path ends between huge rocks and vegetation. Which makes it very difficult or impossible to pass. I managed to see it from a distance but it didn't seem worth such a big effort and risk. If you don't follow the official signs and follow the Google route, I thought I saw a valley that didn't look like it would be easier to pass than the official path.
Παναγιώτης Ρουσης (17 months ago)
Great aura and feel but completely unexploited could have been excavated and helped the area commercially and touristically by opening as an attraction but also giving more details about its historical era and lots of other useful historical information
Great aura and feel but completely unexploited could have been excavated and helped the area commercially and touristically by opening as an attraction but also giving more details about its historical era and lots of other useful historical information
David and Desiree Field (20 months ago)
You definitely can't drive here. From the road you can walk up a poorly kept 4x4 road. Then it ends and you are left a little unsure. Basically follow the rocks upwards and hike your way to the remains of the gate and wall. It is impressive to see and youll be alone. That said, its unexcavated, so there isn't much to see. But the view is great.
You definitely can't drive here. From the road you can walk up a poorly kept 4x4 road. Then it ends and you are left a little unsure. Basically follow the rocks upwards and hike your way to the remains of the gate and wall. It is impressive to see and youll be alone. That said, its unexcavated, so there isn't much to see. But the view is great.
