amyklaion and sanctuary of apollo

This Sanctuary is along with those dedicated to Athena Chalkioikos and Artemis Orthia, is one of few remains in the area dated from times of Archaic and Classical Sparta, it was grounded ca 8 c BC. The Sanctuary of Apollo Karneo was built on previous religious site of Mycenaean times, dedicated to divinity of vegetation Hyacintos. The god was venerated here as Apollo Hyacintos.If coming by car, Sanctuary is easy to find following road-signs, some 10-15 km from the centre of Sparta by road to the south and sea. Unfortunately, the Sanctuary is closed until further notice, and the most one can see is to go around the enclosure and take some pictures through the fence. The nearly park-area around the Sanctuary is extremely pleasant with old olive trees, green grasses and lots of flowers . Views to Taygetes mountains with its snow-covered peaks from here are the most emotionally perfected I ever seen.Very very pity that there is noone who can open the gates if interested people coming by. Maybe it can be a proposal to those in charge: in some other locations in the world it is possible to pick up keys somewhere (often at the Archeological museum of the city) and so see the attraction for additional cost.