The area of the Medieval Castle of Nea Epidaurus is now accessible for visitors, after the completion of the main part of the restoration works of the monument, which lasted more than two years.

The official inauguration took place in the presence of the President of the Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou, who visited Nea Epidaurus, on the occasion of the events that take place under the auspices of the Hellenic Parliament every year in this historic village of Argolida, where the first National Assembly of the newly established Greek state took place in 1821.

Built on the top of a long rocky area, 120 meters long, 15-20 meters wide and 80 meters high from the sea, the Castle of Piada, as Nea Epidaurus was called in the past, was a natural fortification project, as on the north and east side it borders the gorge of Vothila, a very inaccessible area, while on the south and west side a wall of chipped stone, about one meter thick at its base, was erected.

The castle was originally built to protect the inhabitants of Piada from pirates and soon evolved into a modern settlement, whose inhabitants, due to its panoramic view, could control the entire Saronic Gulf and the surrounding area.

According to the historical data that survive, the construction of the castle began in the second half of the 13th century, during the Byzantine times, was completed by the Franks and then by the Venetians, who by the middle of the 15th century had dominated the Argolid region, until 1481 when the Turks prevailed and were forced to capitulate and surrender most of the castles of Argolida.

In the last decades the castle had been abandoned to its fate and was on the verge of collapse. The only surviving building was the chapel of St. John the Theologian, where every year at the beginning of May a divine service was held on the initiative of the cultural association of Nea Epidaurus.

About two years ago, with funds from the Ephorate of Antiquities of Argolida, the restoration of this historic castle began, the stone wall that was the main fortification work was restored, as well as the tower that was located at the highest point. At the same time, the chapel of Agios Ioannis was restored, with its unique wooden balcony overlooking the Vothila gorge. An inscription from 1710 is preserved in the chapel, as well as a built-in relief plaque with the date 1708 engraved on it. At the same time, another chapel was restored, located on the southeastern side of the castle, just a few metres from the entrance.

The visitor can reach the castle through a picturesque cobbled street, about 300 metres long, which starts from the main road and the square of the village's first National Assembly, where the museum and the column with the Phoenix rising from its ashes are located. With the works carried out, access is now easy and short.

It is recalled that the First National Assembly of the legislative body of the newly established Greek state took place in Piada, today's Nea Epidaurus, from 20 December 1821 to 15 January 1822, from the plenipotentiaries sent by the senates of the Peloponnese, Hydra, Spetses and Psara. During the Assembly, whose president was elected Alexandros Mavrokordatos, the declaration of independence was passed, by which, as stated in the relevant text, ’the Greek Nation proclaimed before God and men its political existence and independence«. During the proceedings, the first constitutional text of the country was drafted, which was called the Law of Epidaurus, the form of the constitution, the design and the colours, blue and white, of our National Symbol, the Greek Flag, were agreed upon, while the prevailing religion was declared to be that of the Eastern Orthodox Church of Christ.

The present Municipal Authority of the Municipality of Epidaurus has committed to the illumination of the castle and the surrounding area, as well as the organization of cultural events during the summer months.

The President of the Hellenic Republic attends the celebrations for the 202nd anniversary of the First National Assembly of the Greeks at Nea Epidaurus

In the presence of the President of the Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou and the Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni, the festivities organized by the Municipality of Epidaurus for the 202nd anniversary of the First National Assembly of the Greeks took place.

Mrs.Sakellaropoulou, after participating in the praise service at the Church of the Annunciation, then laid a wreath at the Memorial Stele in the square of the First National Assembly, and made a statement noting that ’Today's anniversary reminds us of the glorious struggle of the Greeks and the origins of our coexistence«. At the same time he stressed that »The Constitution of Epidaurus is the founding act of Greek constitutionalism. It reflects the will of the Greeks not only for independence, but also for political sovereignty and freedom« and concluded by noting that »The «Provisional Constitution of Greece“, together with the Declaration of Independence, is inspired by the values of the Enlightenment and the great revolutions. On its principles the foundations of the modern Greek State were laid”.