Hiking in Mycenae

Agionori-Klenia

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Hiking in Mycenae
On the Agionori-Klenia trail

Till the end of 19th century, the major connection of Tenea with the plateau of Agionori followed the Klisoura ravine. This natural passage was part of the famous Kontoporia, the shortest passable line between Corinth and eastern Argolis. This axis is currently used by the country road, which coverd the traces of this great historical road.

If you want to hike today between Agionori and Tenea, the shortest way is the route we describe here. It is a combination of old paths, dirt roads and a long livestock path. The route passes by the church of Zoodochou Pigi Mouskofitsa, which honors the old spring that fed Klenia.

From the upper part of Agionori, follow the old, well-trodden path to the head of the Klisoura ravine. After reaching the asphalt, take an alley that soon becomes a path and leads to the large dirt road that serves the windfarm of Nyfitsa Mountains.

After a sharp turn of the dirt road, spot lower an active livestock installation and head down there by a short alley. In front of the pen, start an uphill path that soon reaches the ridge. From here begins the long downhill trail to Klenia.

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Hiking in Mycenae
Chiliomodi, as seen from the highest point of the Agionori-Klenia trail
Akrokorinthos and its medieval castle are on the background

Text and photos: T. Adamakopoulos

Notifications

Walkability and warnings

This is a very interesting trail, ensuring a long connection.

However, the elevation difference is relatively high and the path, for its most part, is somewhat difficult. Thus, the trail is addressed to hikers familiar with the rugged Greek terrain.

Finally, the trail, is easier in the downhill version and of course quite demanding in the uphill direction. To return to the starting point, it would be a good idea to call a taxi in Klenia.

Waymarking

Signposts and marks

The route is well marked with red markings on the rocks. In the main changes of direction, there are rough but realy obvious direction arrows.

It is a two-way waymarking.

History

Nikitaras

Nikitas Stamatelopoulos or Nikitaras (1781-1849) was a leading figure of the Greek Revolution of 1821. He was from a family of chieftains and the nephew of Theodoros Kolokotronis. He entered the military at a very young age and excelled in many battles of 1821, the most famous being the series of clashes with the Dramalis army, which ended with the battle in Kleisoura of Agionori. Dramalis returned defeated to Corinth, where he died a few months later. After these battles, Nikitaras acquired the nickname of Tourkophagos (the "Turk-eater", or Turk-killer).

After the liberation he was persecuted, like all anti-monarchical chieftains. He was released from prison and given permission to beg. He was restored with the creation of the country's Constitution and lived a short political career.

Culture

Zoodochos Pigi Mouskofitsa

The church of Zoodochos Pigi Mouskofitsa was built near the large (formerly) Alexandra's spring, which watered Klenia. The source had been enhanced and the water was channeled through an open pipeline to the village for various uses. The spring is still gushing, but its water is not being used today.

The church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, as Zoodochos Pigi. The use of the suffix Zoodochos Pigi for Virgin Mary comes from the 5th century and refers to the discovery of a miraculous spring in Constantinople.

The existence of the Virgin Mary as Zoodochos Pigi is present in the hagiography with the addition of a monumental fountain, usually at the bottom of the iconographic work. Zoodochos Pigi is celebrated on Easter Friday.

topoguide Greece

A GUIDE FOR THE TRAVELING
ALONG THE MYCENAEAN LANDSCAPE

A thorough presentation of the landscape, the nature, the cultural features and the hiking trails of the Mycenaean world is given in the guide Mycenae topoguide of AnaDigit.

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