Inhabited for at least 5,000 years, Argos, the homeland of the Pelasgians, Heracles, and Perseus, today has all the qualities that make it a modern city but above all it is “fertile field of its people’s collective soul”.
Archaeologist Konstantinos Tsiambasis, gazing at the past, describes Argos’ chronological journey from the prehistoric fortress of Larissa, one of the oldest historical fortresses in Greece.
The oldest city in Europe, with archaeological monuments dating back to the Late Bronze Age, it was one of the most important centers of Mycenaean Civilisation, Argos opens its wings of guidance and hospitality through the imposing statue presence of the mythical Heracles and his labours, up to this day.
There are young Argives, like the Greek champion in the 400m Elpida Karkalatou, who despite the difficulties the area faces to remain in Argos in order to prepare the ground for the next generations.
A champion is someone who rises when they cannot
Uprooted from the Asia Minor catastrophe the inhabitants of Kios in Asia Minor, arrived in an area that was once a large swamp, managing with great difficulty and effort to build their homes by transferring all their knowledge in fishing and agriculture.
Much of the culture of Kios lives in a place that today listens to the sounds of the past through its modern picturesque and unique version, Nea Kios of Argolis.
The past transcends time to become a permanent resident of today, the 36 fishermen of Nea Kios come to mind who have been practicing the art of fishing for years in the traditional ways.
The Music School of Argolis and the Traditional Music Ensemble led by teachers Dimitris Zachariou, Vasilis Kalangia, Thanos Karanasios, and Mario Karachalios initiates us into tradition through the colourful background of music.
The best part of the journey is the opportunity to participate
Dimitris Kabosos, one of the longest-serving mayors ever in the municipality of Argos-Mykines, elected since 2011, guides us through the modern center of Argos.
Every time we visit a place for an episode of Apostoli (Mission), our research and production is shaped by the residents.
Matina Alexakou, a woman who passionately loves her homeland, led us to” the point of reference for every Greek,” the deep faith in Orthodoxy and the lives of the Saints.
For the Argives, the life and works of Saint Peter, Bishop of Argos live in the monument of the cathedral church of Saint Peter, where they are depicted, and his miracles continue to sow blessing and light upon the modern faithful.
The Bishop of Argos, Saint Peter, whose memory is honoured on May 3, blesses the place in the heart of this modern city amidst statues, monuments, fountains, and parks.
One of the miracles nature has endowed us with is the contact with animals. If you simply surrender to them and become one with their soul and body, you will feel love in all its magnificence.
Taking a trip back in time, the high perception and superiority of the horses transport us to a different role they played in the era when they were stabled to stand in battle next to the leaders of the revolution.
Ioannis Kapodistrias first operated the Cavalry in 1828, giving value to a space that went through many difficult circumstances.
Today, the so-called “Kapodistrian Cavalry” is one of the most important buildings hosting a plethora of events in our days as reported by the president of KEDAM Argos, Panagiotis Skoufis.
Another hallmark, is the Konstantopoulos Mansion, the beautiful neoclassical mansion that adorns the municipality of Argos-Mykines, was built in 1911 by the Argive Merchant Elias Konstantopoulos under the supervision of the famous architect Ernst Ziller.
The building that has housed the IEK Peloponnese tourism school for the past 10 years is not only a significant initiative of its director, Kostas Kachrimanis, but also holds a rich history. It was once frequented by Katina Paxinou, the top tragedienne and the only Greek actress to be awarded an Oscar for her performance, who spent her summers there as the daughter of Vasilis Konstantopoulos.
Argos’s fame is not just due to its history, culture, natural beauty, and gastronomy; art also plays an integral role. The workshop of Argive craftsman Aristeidis Tzonevrakis, with its unique design philosophy in traditional Greek embroidery, even inspired the house of high fashion Cristian Dior during the presentation of the Cruise 2022 collection in Greece, as showcased in the documentary titled The Greek bar jacket
Along the road to Argos-Myloi, ‘Spilia’ and its hospitable owner Christos Nikolopoulos, a descendant of the renowned family behind one of the most famous taverns in the Peloponnese, welcome us with their popular dish – the Boganá!
The quality of the ingredients, the unique architecture of the cave, and its deep history, bid us farewell with just one commitment; that our journey to Argos is only the beginning, and with the hope that every time either memory or experience invokes it we will have praise one the most beautiful destinations that we hold deep in our souls.
Extending thanks to:
-The Municipality of Argos-Mykines and Mayor Dimitris Kabosos
-The KEDAM of Argos and President Panagiotis Skoufis
-SKYEXPRESS
-The GRECOTEL Group and Eleni Chouridou
-EL-TRANSLATIONS and Eleni Zisi
-The PORTEKALLIDI company
-The Dairy Industry MENOIKIO
-The Christodoulou Family
-The transportation company NEW WAY
-The taverna SPILIA and Christos Nikolopoulos
-The taverna KOMBOLOGAKI and Marios Tsolakis
-The OPAL SUITES hotel in Nafplio
-Mr Sarigiannis from the Folklore Museum of Nea Kios
-Archaeologist Konstantinos Tsiampasis
-Matina Alexakou
-Sofia Eleftheriadis Pitsaki
Clothing sponsors for Clelia Charissis:
-SHOP&TRADE
-ROSSO DI SERA by GIOVANA MATODASHAJ
-SAUCONY GREECE
-FILLA GREECE
-ARENA
-JACK WOLFSKIN
For more visit Clelia Charissis, or follow @apostoli_mission on Instagram
