This is a spot for romantics and photographers, with superb views of the town, the Argolic Gulf and the surrounding countryside. The citadel of Akronafplía consists of several wards corresponding to four successive periods. The first two, through which one enters, are by the Venetians: Castel Toro, erected c 1450 (now a hotel) and the Grimani bastion, built in 1706. Further on lies the Frankish section and, at the tip of the promontory, the Byzantine section constructed over the remains of ancient fortifications.

Remnants of a stadium from the 4C BC were found here. The stadium, where the Nemean Games were held, could accommodate 40 000 spectators and measured 22m wide at each end, 27m wide in the middle, and 177m long. The starting line, marked with stones, is well preserved. It supported the wooden mechanism that gave the starting signal. There were thirteen running lanes, and the athletes entered the stadium through a 36m-long vaulted passage (from about 320 BC). The names of some of the competitors can still be seen on the walls.

Past the second monumental door to the palace are the ruins of the east casemates, chambers used by the garrison as stores or barrack rooms. Next is theGreat Propylaia, a forerunner of the one on the acropolis in Athens; the Smaller Propylaia; and the Inner Court at the far end of which stood the megaron (the chambers in the palace proper). The court was originally covered with white cement. In the 7C or 6C BC the megaron was replaced by a temple to Hera.

Past the second monumental door to the palace are the ruins of the east casemates, chambers used by the garrison as stores or barrack rooms. Next is theGreat Propylaia, a forerunner of the one on the acropolis in Athens; the Smaller Propylaia; and the Inner Court at the far end of which stood the megaron (the chambers in the palace proper). The court was originally covered with white cement. In the 7C or 6C BC the megaron was replaced by a temple to Hera.