Unique Location
Welcome to Nafplio, a special city that charms every visitor! The natural beauty of the area, the culture that is diffused in every corner, the picturesque alleys and the smiling people will impress you. Besides, no one came to Nafplio only once!
Old Epidaurus
In antiquity, Epidaurus was the most important place of worship of the god Asclepius (god of medicine). Its name comes from the ancient hero Epidaurus, son of Argos. It became famous all over Greece for the Sanctuary of Asklepios. It is a half-hour drive from Nafplio and approximately two hours from Athens. It has been part of UNESCO's world cultural heritage since 1988.
Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus
The ancient theater was built by the architect Polykleitos the younger in 2 distinct phases: late 4th century BC and mid-2nd century BC. At a maximum capacity of 13.000 to 14,000 spectators. it hosted performances of ancient tragedies in antiquity. Since 1955, performances of ancient tragedies are hosted during the annual Athens and Epidaurus Festival.
Mycenae
Mycenae was one of the largest centers of Greek culture in antiquity. They gave their name to an entire period that extends from 1600 BC to 1100 BC (Mycenaean). The state took part in the Trojan War when the Atreides dynasty ruled. From that time many findings are preserved, such as the Lion Gate, the vaulted tombs and others which are located in the archaeological site.
Palamidi Castle
Lyrics from a folk song: “All castles though lost and ruined, let God guard beautiful Palamidi Castle”. The fortress of Palamidi is located above the city of Nafplio, at a height of 216 meters. The construction of the castle lasted from 1687 to 1715 made by the Venetians. It was often used as a fortress and was considered an unconquerable castle, but was occupied by the Turks in 1715. Theodoros Kolokotronis was imprisoned in Palamidi under the charge of ultimate betrayal. You can visit it by car or climbing the 999 steps.
Bourtzi Castle
Known as Bourtzi or Castello dello Soglio for the Venetians or Seaside Castle during the Revolution of 1821. Bourtzi is a small island- fortress located in the gulf of Nafplio. The architect Antonio Gambello took over the construction of the castle. Since 1715, Bourtzi belonged to the Turks, and in 1822 it was dominated by Greece. It has been an important part of the wider fortification of Nafplio for many centuries, while it has been a place of residence for the city's public executioners and also, operated as luxury hotel. Nowadays, you can visit the island by boat from the port of Nafplio.
Syntagma Square
Almost in the center of Nafplio you will find Syntagma Square with beautiful neoclassical buildings and view of Palamidi. The square is surrounded by several historic buildings, such as the Archaeological Museum, the old State House, the palace of Ioannis Kapodistrias, the house of Theodoros Kolokotronis and the church of Agios Georgios. In Syntagma Square there is also, a good opportunity to relax as there are plenty of cafes and restaurants there. Syntagma Square is one of the most favorite places of entertainment for both visitors and locals.
Old City
Nafplio’s old city is one of the most beautiful old cities in Greece! Narrow streets and traditional houses travel visitors to another era. The whole old city was laid out in the time of John Kapodistrias designed by the engineer Stamatis Voulgaris. Vasileos Constantinou Street is the first street made in Greece with classical standards, as Kapodistrias wanted the cities and roads to be adjusted to the European standards. In the old city of Nafplio there are many attractions, shops with traditional products and souvenirs, cafes, restaurants and taverns.
Museums
Besides, various archaeological sites there are also several interesting museums. The Archaeological Museum at Syntagma Square, the War Museum housed in the 1st Hellenic Army Academy, the Folklore Museum and the Ecclesiastical Museum at Evangelistria Church are worth a visit. You can also visit one of the most “special” private museums in Nafplio, such as the Automobile Museum, the Distillery Museum, the Komboloi Museum and the Museum of Childhood “Stathmos”.
Churches
The churches of a place are certainly an important part of its history. In Nafplio, there are wonderful churches in the streets of the old city and outside its center as well. Agios Georgios, Agios Spyridonas (where Ioannis Kapodistrias was assassinated at the entrance of this church) and the Church of Virgin Mary, churches that you will definitely encounter on your way while walking the narrow streets of the city. In addition, you can visit Agia Moni in Aria, Nafplio and Evangelistria.
Trianon through the centuries
Trianon is probably one of the original Ottoman mosques built during the early Ottoman period. In 1687, during the Second Venetian occupation, as most mosques, it was converted into a Christian temple dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padova. It was a donation by the Venetian general Francis Morosini. During the second Ottoman period it was again used as a mosque. In 1833 the first Men's Mutual School was housed.
The Lion of Bavarians
This is the famous Lion of the Bavarians, created in 1836 by the German sculptor Siegel, when King Ludovik, Othon's father, asked him to build a monument to the soldiers of the Bavarian Kingdom, who died of typhoid fever between 1833 and 1834. The artist then carved a lion into the rock, like the one that was set up in the Swiss Lucerne, in memory of their compatriots killed in Paris during the French Revolution.
The Land Gate
While admiring it, a simple question might come to your mind; why is it called the Land Gate, while there is no sea around? Well, no matter how odd it probably seems nowadays, the gate was the only entrance to the city of Nafplion. In front of the gate there was a wide sea canal, in which small boats moored. The canal started from the walls of Acronafplia, on the left of the gate, and reached the naval yard (At the same place, today lies a swimming pool).
