I am leaving Rio behind (the Greek one not the Brazilian) and decide to Carpe Diem a much needed beautiful day which allows me to ride without my full winter gear on for the first time since ... I don't know when. I find a stream (almost a river) on my way close to Skioessa where I make a stop for some pictures:
No, I' not gonna fool you I took this road up as I don't have the proper tires to do so but I was intrigued to try it - maybe next time:
In a minute I arrive at the local ancient site that used to be a Mycenaean settlement and cemetery (1500 B.C.) and as you can see an early bird like me has a whole parking lot at an exclusive disposal:
As I hop off my bike I see that it's a bit of a long way to make it to the entrance of the site but a pleasant walk nevertheless in this rich vegetation:
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Persistant trees hanging off the rock:
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At the entrance I am asked to pay 2 (two) euros and I say to myself "damn...might not be that good to be so cheap" but the beautiful environment and the extra helpful employee who offered to keep my helmet cause "it's a long way" made me look forward to what this site really is. And from the first sight I know I made no mistake - that's only a tiny fraction of the whole thing that I will be walking around for quite a while:
The pits you see on the ground are the graves. That's how they used to do them in the Mycenaean civilisation. They buried their people inside hills. The site hosts 78 of them positioned radially. I am all by myself to explore this area of 30 acres! More than happy I start walking up the first hill:
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At the top of the hill I meet the first view point and I already feel this place worth the visit even if there's nothing more to see:
And I'm only on the start!
The Spring's carpet is so adorable -lucky to be here during this season:
Unfortunately most graves are closed due to COVID restrictions as I was told at the entrance. Like this one:
Here's an informative sign with a picture of its inside:
Next ones:
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Some are open and lit like the following one:
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Is it just me or you also see a scary face on these last two images?
I have more pictures from other similarly lit graves but let's not make this post too long. Especially since the stunning view deserves some space as well:
More and more graves:
With all due respect but some look like doghouses:
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Obviously the size/shape of each grave has to do with the wealth/importance of the person buried there.
The site in general feels well maintained and I really like the modern buildings inside it:
Of course Nature knows better how to decorate:
Even better when this comes with sea view:
Contrary feelings. I enter the hill to walk in graves like this one:
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And then I go out in the light to enjoy a view like this:
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Time to take another kinda long way to the top of another hill to visit the settlement:
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The first vie of the settlement is impressing me more because of the white carpet of chamomile rather than the findings as only a few stones are left from what once used to be a privileged settlement:
It's so nice around this time of the year:
South view from the top of this hill:
But there's more to see walking North:
Look at the view this bench offers:
Yes, that's the Rio bridge I already told you about in previous posts of mine. And there's more!
Look where this path leads to:
And now look at the view:
Here's a pano:
Walking back South to make my way back I picture the snowy peaks of Panahaiko mountain:
All this heaven only for me myself and I for just 2 euros! Best money spent in history ever. Or better say best money spent ever anyway.
You might wanna have a look at this video too: