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13.11.2023 DISCOVER

Quiz: How well do you know the landmarks of the Peloponnese?

Venetian castles, paradise beaches and ancient sanctuaries – the great Peloponnesian peninsula is a melting pot of historical sites and natural wonders.

By Vasilis Minakakis

Did you know that besides iconic beaches, there are Venetian castles and significant examples of ancient Greek architecture located just a short drive away from Costa Navarino? Some, like the birthplace of the Olympic Games, are widely famous, while others, like the city of ancient Messene, are true hidden gems waiting to be explored. The same can be noted about medieval sites and natural wonders, too. From one of Greece’s most iconic beaches to thrilling castles and caves, there’s plenty to discover, and we bet some of the sights will surprise you.

How much do you already know about the landmarks of the Peloponnese? Before you head out to see them for yourself – let’s check your knowledge.

Voidokilia Βeach: Which Homeric hero found himself on this famous beach, regarded as one of the most beautiful in the whole of Greece?

A. Telemachus, while searching for his father Odysseus.

B. King Diomedes of Argos, while looking for the fearsome man-eating horses captured by Hercules.

C. Paris, the Trojan prince, on the day he selected the most beautiful from amongst Hera, Athena and Aphrodite.

D. The sorrowful Achilles, after King Agamemnon of Mycenae took Briseis (Hippodameia) away from him.

The Gialova Lagoon, is also known as “Divari.” What does this word mean?

A. It is a species of small fish that lives in the lake and serves as a choice meze.

B. It means “sand dune” in the local Messinian dialect.

C. It means “fish farm.”

D. It is a reference to the islet of “Divar,” located in Goa, India, on account of the similarity of its landscape.

Ancient Messene impresses visitors with its grid layout, its Asclepieion, its reconstructed theater, its stadium and its gymnasium. But what is that elegant monument visible on the southern side of the stadium?

A. The altar where animal sacrifices were performed to honor the nymphs Ithome and Neda.

B. The official stand from where the king would view the sporting events.

C. The tomb of Aristomenes, the Messenian king and hero of the Second Messenian War.

D. The mausoleum of a notable family of the city

The bay of Navarino, on the shores of which stands the picturesque town of Pylos, was the setting for the Battle of Navarino, which took place in 1827. Which protagonist of this naval battle was nearly struck by musket fire, by a shot that put a hole in his sleeve near his wrist?

A. Andreas Miaoulis, the leader of the Greek fleet.

B. British Vice-Admiral Codrington, the leader of the allied fleet.

C. Dimitris Papanikolis, who set fire to the Egyptian flagship.

D. Ibrahim, the leader of the Turkish-Egyptian fleet.

The castle of Methoni (erected by the Venetians in the early 13th century) was a point of reference during the Middle Ages because:

A. It served as a holiday spot for the Doges of Venice.

B. It was an intermediate stop on long journeys.

C. It was the site of a large slave market.

D. Owing to its solid fortifications, it was where the Venetian Treasury was located.

Ancient Olympia was where the Olympic Games were held, starting in 776 BC. What was the first sporting event to take place there?

A. The Dolichus, a semi-endurance race (approximately 4,800 meters long).

B. The Pankration, a type of mixed martial arts contest without rules.

C. The Tethrippon (quadriga), a race with two-wheeled wooden chariots pulled by four horses.

D. The Stadion, a footrace over a distance of 190 meters, with the athletes competing in the nude.

Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae, one of the most significant examples of ancient Greek architecture, the temple has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because:

A. It is the oldest surviving monument combining Doric, Ionic and Corinthian elements.

B. It is where the oldest known Corinthian column capital has been found to date.

C. Its isolated location makes it a unique case of a sanctuary situated in a rural environment.

D. All of the above.

Which well-known public figure acquired a traditional stone house in Kardamyli?

A. The philosopher Umberto Eco, because the settlement reminded him of his native region of Piedmont.

B. The award-winning director Richard Linklater, who came to love the area during the filming of Before Midnight.

C. Patrick Leigh Fermor, one of the foremost authors / travel writers of the 20th century.

D. Georgios (George) Zorbas, the real-life inspiration behind Nikos Kazantzakis’ renowned novel Zorba the Greek.

The magnificent fortified town of Mystras owes its name to:

A. William II of Villehardouin (“Mystriotis”), the Frankish prince who constructed it.

B. Maria Mystra, the daughter of a member of the ruling class, who committed suicide by jumping off the city walls.

C. The shape of the hill on which it stands, which resembles myzithra cheese.

D. The construction tool known as a mystri (trowel).

The impressive Diros Caves were used as a place of residence by:

A. People who lived in prehistoric times.

B. The Diriades nymphs, who were daughters of Poseidon.

C. Pirates, who took refuge there and hid their stolen treasures within the caverns.

D. French marines during World War ΙΙ.

Time's up

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Quiz: How well do you know the landmarks of the Peloponnese?

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