GREECE Nafplio
Nafplio is the pearl of the Peloponnese
It is the first capital of the Greek state
Nafplio is located in the eastern part of the Peloponnese, one of the most beautiful cities in the Argolis region and one of the most romantic in Greece. This city was the first capital of the newly born Greek state between 1823 and 1834. According to mythology, the city was founded by Nafplios, son of the god Poseidon and daughter of Danaus (Danaida) Anymone. The history of the city can be traced back to prehistoric times, but the Frankish, Venetian and Turkish conquerors also left their mark on the city, shaping both the city’s culture and architecture. Ancient walls, medieval castles, monuments and statues, Ottoman fountains and Venetian or classicist buildings entice and enchant visitors with their unique architecture and beauty.
A city full of attractions
Nafplio has many attractions to see. In the heart of the city is Syntagma Square, where you can admire important monuments and historic buildings. You can take a romantic and cozy stroll through the promenades surrounding the city or the cobbled streets. In the Greek War of Independence, Nafplio was one of the centers of the Turks due to its fortified system (Palamidi Fortress, Bourtzi Fortress). Nafplio's climate is particularly sunny and mild, often reaching 40 degrees in summer. The city is located near Toló, there is a regular bus service is in operation between the two cities for (2 euros). Buses run every hour. It is worth spending an entire day exploring Nafplio.
Nafplio attractions
Old Town, Akronafplia and Arvanitia promenade
If you are visiting Parga, do not miss this castle, which offers an unforgettable experience. The Venetian Castle is a characteristic building located in the northern part of Parga. We can go up from two sides. One road winds through the narrow streets of the city, while the other starts from Valtos beach. Admission is free and open all day. It is beautifully lit in the evening. The panorama is breathtaking. The houses of Parga, the islands rising opposite, the verdant hills all offer a fabulous view. Most of the pictures showing are also taken here, as the photos from here best show the city and its unique location. Be sure to take the time to walk around the castle and take a photo to fill the photo album. It took us 4 hours to explore every nook and cranny of the castle. Although the castle is safe, always watch out when we go hiking. An inscription at the entrance to the Venetian castle warns us that we can only visit the castle at our own risk. Within the walls, several roads start all the way through, some of which are frequently used and less well known.
Palamidi Fortress
One of the symbols of Nafplio is the Palamidi Fortress, built at an altitude of 216 meters by the Venetians in 1685, from 1715 for more than a hundred years under Turkish rule. The city (from the local bus terminal) can be reached by almost 1000 steep stairs. There is an entrance fee (EUR 8) for visiting the Palamidi Fortress, but it is worth paying for the beautiful panorama. The Palamidi Fortress later played an important role during the Greek War of Independence, where one of the greatest heroes, Theodoros Colocotronist, was kept.
Bourtzi Fortress
Overlooking the harbor over the centuries, Bourtzi Fortress, become a symbol of the town. The site of the Bourtzi fortress on the island was originally a Byzantine church. The Venetians built the fortress here in the 16th century to protect the port. in the first half of the century. Chains were stretched between the harbor and Bourtzi Fortress, and these chains were pulled up at night and when enemy ships arrived to protect the city. When the city fell into Turkish hands, the Bourtzi Fortress was further developed and a stone dam was built underwater, to keep enemy ships at bay. After the Turks, the city came under Venetian rule again. At this time, the Bourtzi Fortress underwent another reconstruction and the tower was built higher. During the Greek Civil War, the Greek government found refuge here for a short time from 1824 to 1831. He then served as a fortress until 1865, when the executioner, a executioner of the prisoners convicted in the Palamidi Fortress, resided here.
Program recommendation
Nafplio Archaeological Museum
The museum is located on the main floor of the old Venetian barracks on the main square of Nafplio. An exhibition of material relics from different eras in the South Argolis region can be seen here.
Ticket price: 6 EUR/main
Military History Museum
The museum is housed in the first Central Military School from 1828 to 1834. Its mission is to present important events in modern Greek history.
Ticket price: kb. 20 EUR/main
Nafplio National Gallery
In the renovated building, there is a gallery with a collection of works of art. We can admire paintings depicting the fight against Turkish repression.
Ticket price: 3 EUR/main
Nafplio weather forecast