Nafplio

On one hand the romantic touch, on the other the quality of the country life away from the city's frenzyness makes Nafplio a very popular destination not only for Greeks but also for foreign tourists. It is not accidental that during Venetian times it was called “Naples of the East”! One conquerer after the other it wasn't that after 1827 it became the capital of Greek territory while today is the capital of municipality of Argolida.

By Aliki Koutoura

Translation: Artemis Touli

Read this article in Greek

 

First thing that comes in mind when a visitor hears the word “Nafplio” it is the place he locals call it “Bourtzi”. The small island that it is built is situated in the center of the port and the Venetians, realizing how important it was strategically, built in 1473 the fortress we see today which has been used as castle till 1865. Very imposing is also the Palamidi castle which is one of the achievements of venetian architecture. From there started the deliverance from the Turks in 29^th November 1822. Many are those who dare to climb all the way up using the 850 steps and believe me, it worths to do it, because the view from there is breathtaking!!!

A walk around the old city of Nafplio will make your staying more adventurous. Central spot is of course the Constitution Square. There, many historical buildings are situated, like the venetian warehouse of the fleet whereas today is the Archaeological Museum, the Parliament who had hosted the gathering of revolted Greece but also the School of Mutual Acknowledgment that has originally worked as a Mosque later as a Catholic's church and further more as theater an cinema. Continuing our wondering to the lower city we see, traditional narrow roads, stone made houses with fountains

and upper streets make a view that travels the visitor to other centuries. We can also see the the famous Land Gate, in the old days the only entrance to the lower city by the coast. Exceptional is also the bastion of “five Brothers”, thanks to the port was protected but the west part of the old city.

From 2004 there is in Nafplio a department of the National Gallery where one can see art inspired from the fighting spirit of the Greeks, highlighting even more the historical dimension of the city.

No matter how much time you have to spend, Nafplio is sure to give you a lot of surprises and a lot of hours of exploration and walking! And there is also the possibility of excursions out of the city, don't leave yourself out of the miracle of ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Also in small distance you can find Mycenae, where can someone admire the glorious Acropolis, the tombs, but also the museum. In the end we cannot surely forget to mention Epidaurus, the famous shrine of Asclepious where further from the ancient theater, the visitor has the possibility to wacht over the surrounding temples that give a sublimity to the place combined with the archaeological museum of the territory.