GREECE PELOPONNESE ARGOLIS IRIA

North of Iria, very close to the road from Nafplio, is the church of Agios Nikolaos (attention: there is another one of the same name in this area!) and next to it a medieval tower and the remains of a town of the same period.

The single-naved Agios Nikolaos church has a roofing that forms a cross. This architectural style of churches was widespread in the Argolis since the 13th century. It is said to be one of the oldest churches in the Argolis - which I doubt (compare e.g. Agia Triada, Chonikas, Plataniti, Agios Ioannis church in Ligourio, or Avgou monastery). The exact date of the erection of the church is not documented, but the west side of the church, just above its entrance has the inscribed date of 1381 (which I did not notice). Quite noteworthy is the campanile also on this side.

Above and below: Near the church are the conspicuous remains of an old tower of remarkable height. Just one wall and part of another one are preserved, without any windows or doors. I could not find any specific information about this tower nor the adjoining medieval village. Perhaps it was built in the 14th century like the Agios Nikolaos church, but it could also be a later Ottoman structure.

Below: The remains of the deserted medieval village are difficult to reach due to the very dense undergrowth.