Sparta is an ancient city located in the region of Laconia, Greece. This city and its surrounding municipalities were merged in 2011 and now have a total population of approximately 17,400. The city is home to an ancient theatre, the Sanctuary of Athena Halkioitou, the later Byzantine churches, Long Lake Park, and more.
Ancient theatre
The ancient theatre in Sparta is an important archaeological site. In the 16th century AD, it was visited by Pausanias who noted its splendor and grand reconstruction plans. It is located north of the modern city, on the southern slope of the Acropolis of Ancient Sparta. It still retains elements from various building stages. It is also linked to the architect Eurikles Herklanos, a friend of Octavian Augustus.
The theatre in Sparta was a huge structure for the time, the largest in the Peloponnese region. It was 141m in diameter and could seat around 17,000 spectators. Although the theatre was abandoned in the fourth century A.D., the stones from it were used for the construction of other buildings in the Middle Ages.
The ancient Spartan theater is located on the southern side of the Acropolis and is a remnant of the early Imperial Period. It has an orchestra and a marble retaining wall with inscriptions. The theater was dug into the southwest end of the Acropolis. Its marble walls were carved with inscriptions in the 2nd century AD. The ancient Spartan theater did not have a permanent stage, but a wooden stage that was easily moved into the theater was still in place.
Sanctuary of Athena Halkioitou
The Sanctuary of Athena Chalkioikos in Sparta is a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. It was constructed during the Geometric era and was abandoned around the fourth century BC. The sanctuary contains votive dedications including bells and lead figurines.
The sanctuary was built around 380 BC and may have housed an important statue. Its structure included twenty Doric columns around the podium and ten Corinthian half-columns in the interior. Three columns have been re-erected and the structure is topped with two large friezes and forty metopes, which depict battles between centaurs and amazons. This motif is common in Greek sculpture.
The Sanctuary of Athena HalkioitOU in Sparta is located on the site of the ancient city of Sparta. The city is situated in the Eurotas river valley between the Parnon and Taygetos mountain ranges. In ancient times, Sparta was part of Lacedaemonia, a political region that controlled the surrounding region of Messenia. This city’s position made it highly defensible against invaders.
In the Archaic era, Sparta had over thirty religious sanctuaries. Some of them were known and others were unknown. Later excavations are likely to reveal more sanctuaries. Ultimately, more archaeological evidence is needed to determine the exact location of the sanctuaries and their significance.
Long Lake Park
Long Lake Park in Sparta offers a number of recreational activities. It features a non-motorized boat launch, a beach, shaded picnic areas, swimming, and an enclosed shelterhouse. The park also has restrooms and a swimming pool. It is also a great place for a group gathering.
Long Lake Park offers group reservation facilities for up to 150 guests. The shelter is located across from the park’s beach, and provides a kitchen, restrooms, and a beautiful view of the lake. A playground is also located next to the shelter. While you’re at Long Lake Park, be sure to check out the various events that are happening there.
Eco-tourism
Eco-tourism in Sparta is a project that aims to develop ecotourism infrastructure in the region. This includes the establishment of an ecotourism information center in Laconia and the development of an ecological park in the Evrotas river ecosystem. This ecosystem has been severely damaged due to authropogenic activities, and it is therefore important to restore the ecosystem in a sustainable way. This involves in situ work on mapping, property registration, the repossession of illegally occupied land, and the design studies needed for a sustainable future of this area.
Located in the foothills of Mount Taygetos, Sparta is a great base for outdoor activities. The city is near a number of hiking trails, the Archaeological Museum of Sparta, and the organic Theodorakakos winery. Nearby, you can also visit the seaside town of Gythio, where you can enjoy the scenery and relax.
If you are planning to visit Sparta, you’ll need to book in advance. You can find accommodations near the ancient city’s archaeological sites. The Menelaion Sanctuary is located on the banks of the River Eurotas, and it contains the Tholos Tomb of Vafeio. Other sites of interest are the Sanctuary of Apollo Amyclaeus on the hill of Agia Kyriaki and the Sanctuary of Orthia Artemis in the district of Limnes. The ruins of an ancient amphitheater are also located in Limnes.
While there is a new highway that gets visitors to Sparta from Athens in record time, the old road between Tripolis and Sparta is far more interesting and has no tolls. While you’re on the road, stop in Kerasitsa, the cherry capital of Peloponnesos, where you can pick fresh cherries for three euros a kilo. Alternatively, you can dine in one of the many traditional Greek restaurants in the area. Ardamis and Psalidi are popular traditional eating spots.