Amikles is one of the most important villages of Laconia, and Peloponnisos in general, due to its vast archaeological and historical wealth. The village is located about 6km away from Sparta, and has about 700 residents. Because of Amikles' location, set between the mountains of Taygetus and Parnon, the village has fertile ground, many water streams, and verdant surroundings.
Amikles appears to have already been inhabited since 8,000 BC, and it has been an important source of culture, as well as a prehistoric religious centre. After the Dorians came to the village, Amikles evolved into a grand centre of culture.
Amikles is famous for its many archaeological sites and monuments, which are well worth a visit. Firstly, there is the Altar of Yakinthos (“Iero Tou Yakinthoy”), a pre-Dorian God, as well as the altar of Apollo of Amikles (“Amikleos Apollon”), which is located on the hill of Agia Kyriaki. Furthermore, on the hill of Vafeio, diggings have led to the discovery of a domed tomb of the Mycenaean age, containing many important findings, such as two golden cups engraved with representations of hunting and a meeting of bulls. These are located in the Archaeological Museum of Athens.
Source: G.C. Roumelioti (2013), “Ta Mpardounochoria tis Laconias”, published by: “ADOULOTI MANI”