Ancient Assini - Kastraki
Assini is not famous only for its delicious mandarins. Once you visit it, you will be impressed by its history and archaeological monuments. Let’s explore some of them.
The big village called Tzeferaga
Assini is just a few kilometers away from Nafplio (10 km) near the touristic Tolo and close to Drepano village. During the ottoman period, the village was called "Tzeferaga" by Tzeffers Aga, who was the commander of the region. In 1902 it was renamed Assini, from the ancient name of Assini, ruins of which are preserved on the Kastraki beach (or Paliokastro, situated just before Tolo). You can also see the Acropolis of Assini.
From the zenith to nadir
In the Mycenaean era Assini was a great town, since it was the grand port of Mycenae. In 700 BC was plundered by the Argious, who the only thing they left behind was the temple of Apollo Pythaea. After that, the residents of Assini left their land and became settlers in Messinia.
Once upon a time, there was Assini
The excavations of the Swedes, by King Gustav in 1922, have highlighted the myth of Assini. Homer mentioned Assini it in the Iliad epic as people of Assini along with their king who had taken part in the Trojan war.
In Barbunas hill you can see the famous caves, where they say that the king of Assini was hidden, when the enemies chased him. It is said that as the soldiers were looking for him, an officer watching prevented one soldier to look for him in the caves assuming that if the king went to that way, the webs of the spiders would have gone. So the spiders saved the king!
Did you know that?
Our famous poet Giorgos Seferis referred to Assini in his poem "The King of Assini".
Opening Hours
Every day: 08:30 - 16:00
Tickets
3€
2€ for students outside EU and EU citizens over 65 years old.
Admission is free for the students of EU and children under 18 years.
Tip
With a ticket's cost only 20€, you can visit within 3 days (duration of ticket) the following 6 archaeological sites and Museums:
-Archaeological site and Museum of Mycenae
-Byzantine Museum of Argolis
-Archaeological site of Tiryns
-Archaeological Museum of Nafplio
-Palamidi Fortress
-Archaeological site of Assini
Information
T. +30 27520 58101