Nafplio
A popular destination for Greek and foreign tourists alike, Nafplio is one of the most beautiful towns in the world!
You will certainly be mesmerized by the beauty of the first capital of the Greek state (1827-1834). The old city, carefully restored, will fascinate you with its neoclassic mansions, wooden balconies with cascading flowers, and picturesque streets.
Follow a dream-trail to discover Nafplio’s three castles: Climb the 999 steps to the Venetian fortress of Palamidi, enjoy your coffee in Acronafplia that has a stunning vista to the Argolic gulf, or pop over to the fortified islet of Bourtzi. The Archaeological Museum (in Syntagma square), the renowned Peloponnesian Folklore Foundation and the War Museum boast varied collections of historical artifacts – an enchanting time travel to the glorious past of Nafplio.
Discover small taverns in the back streets of the old town, and relax at the cozy cafés on the waterfront. Don’t forget to return to Nafplio in summer to explore nearby islands!
What to see in the city:
The Old Town
The Old Town with its historic buildings, the wonderful neoclassic houses, the narrow lanes and the cobbled streets.
Palamidi
The legendary castle of Palamidi, trademark of the city. Until 1956 its ascension had to be done by the 999 stone steps that Bavarians had built. Since 1957 there is also a road leading to the castle. It was built by venetians in 1687 and from 1715 until 1822 it was occupied by the Ottomans. After long siege Greeks managed to seize it. After the Greek Independence it was used as prison for those sentenced to death. Here was imprisoned Theodoros Kolokotronis when he was sentenced to death, as both his judges (Tertsetis and Polizoidis) refused to sign his sentence.
Akronafplia
Akronafplia built in a rocky peninsula on the foot of Palamidi hill. This was the previous location of Nafplio during the Byzantine period. It was consecutively occupied by Romans, Franks, Venetians and Ottomans. The latter named it Its Kale. George the 1st built here camps and prisons. In 1970 people built hotels on top of the ruins.
Bourtzi
Bourtzi, the Venetian castle standing on an islet and other historic buildings such as the first Greek Parliament and the first “Allididaktiko” School (school where the older students gave lessons to younger students). Nowadays it houses a cinema-theater.
The Archeological Museum
The Archeological Museum housed in an old Venetian building in Syntagma square. It includes remarkable findings from the Paleolithic era up to the Roman times.
The Museum of War
The Museum of War housed in the buildings of the former Police Academy and presenting the modern military history of Argolida prefecture.
The Central Public Library and the Gallery The Folklore Museum of Peloponnesian Institution The Children’s Museum
Located in the old train station
The Worry Beads Museum The City Hall
The City Hall in Trion Navarchon square which housed the first Gymnasium in Greece.
Xira’s Gate
Built the same period as Palamidi and was recently reconstructed.
Ioannis Kapodistrias statue at the homonym square
Pronia district
Pronia district with its scenic one storey houses. It was the first area constructed outside the city. Here stands the sculptured lion in honor of Bavarians who died in Greece from the plague in the period of 1833-34.
Churches
Aghios Spiridonas Ioannis Kapodistrias the first governor of Greece was murdered outside this church. On the church wall the traces of one of the fatal bullets is protected by exhibition glass.Aghios Georgios (17th century). It is the metropolitan church and has remarkable hagiographies and icons such as the replica of the “Last Supper” by Leonardo Da Vinci.Aghios Nikolaos
Gennisi tis Theotokou (Birth of the Virgin Mary)Metamorfosi (Transfiguration)
Nearby sightseeing
Tirintha (7 km N)
It is worth to visit ancient Tirintha, one of the most famous archeological sites. Its first constructions date back to the Neolithic Times. The Cyclopean walls built 14th and 13th century B.C. surround the upper, middle and lower citadel. The city extends around the citadel. Not far away (1 km NW) you can see a vaulted Mycenaean tomb.
Nea Kio (7 km W)
It is a coastal city with great touristic movement, built at the end of Nafplio bay. It is worth to visit the Culture-Convention Center (located on the central square) and Laskaridio Folklore Museum. Many interesting events happen during the carnival, summer period (“Mikrasiatika”and “Kiana” events) and during September (“Papalina Feast”).
Mili (12 km SW)
Mili with the ruins of ancient Lerna known from the battle of Hercules with Lernaean Hydra (water beast that possessed numerous heads).
