Ancient Nemea

Nemea is a valley of hills and vineyards in the northeast of the Peloponnese. Today, it is a place of peace and quiet, but in ancient times, Nemea was a destination for pilgrims and athletes from all over Greece. Nemea is associated with one of the most famous myths of Ancient Greece, the feat of Heracles. According to legend, Hercules fought the Nemean lion here, whose skin was impervious to weapons. He strangled the lion with his bare hands, removed its skin, and wore it as a symbol of strength and courage, which we see in images. The Nemean Games were held here in honor of Zeus, bringing together athletes from all over the ancient world and considered one of the four great games along with the Olympics. Athletes competed in running, javelin throwing, and wrestling, and the winners were crowned with celery, a plant considered sacred in these parts. Today, in Nemea, you can see the impressive ruins of the Temple of Zeus with its preserved columns, an ancient stadium, and a stone tunnel through which the participants of the Nemean Games once passed. Modern Nemea attracts visitors not only with its ancient ruins and legends, but also with its wines. The fertile valleys of this region are home to the famous Agiorgitiko, a rich red wine that has been prized since ancient times for its unique taste and aroma.