NAFPLION
ROMANTIC GREEK DESTINATION!
It could be considered the most fascinating town of Peloponnesus and one of the most popular destinations throughout the year. Nafplion is the capital of the prefecture of Argolis (or Argolida) and it was the capital of Greece during the period of 1828-1833. It is a picturesque town with rich historical and cultural tradition. It is the main port of East Peloponnesus and it has a constant touristic development. The town with its tradition and the long history takes you back to the neoclassical environment of the 19th century. The beautiful images that it offers continually attract visitors.
According to mythology, the town was built by Nauplius, son of Poseidon and protector of Nafplion. During the Mycenaean period, the town developed as one of the most powerful navy state of the Greek area. Its vital position for nautical communication as well as its natural sea protection that the cliff of Acronafplia offered have made Nafplion an ideal residential place but also ideal location of conquering since the Neolithic era. During the Middle Ages it was conquered by the Byzantines, the Venetians and the Francs. It was then when two fortresses were built on the mainland, the Acronafplia and Palamidi while in the sea Bourtzi was constructed in the bay of Nafplion; these fortresses have been representative monuments of the town until today. In 1540 the town was conquered by the Turks and a lot of Greeks abandon the area. In 1686 it was conquered by the Venetian Morozini and in 1715 it loses for some time its prime role in Peloponnesus until it was conquered again by the Turks until 1822. Nafplion became the administrative center of revolutionary forces on the 30th November of 1822 throwing off the yoke of the Turks. For some periods of time the seat of the government is transferred to Nafplion. The 3rd National Assembly sets the town as official capital of the country on the 4th May, 1827. A year later the governor of the country Kapodistrias came to Nafplion but unfortunately he was assassinated in 1831. In 1833, Othon came to Nafplion maintaining it as capital until 1834 when the capital of the country was transferred to Athens.
HIGHLIGHTS OF NAFPLIO
In the old town of Nafplio, the distinctive architectural style set by the Venetian castles, Acronafplia and Palamidi, which surround it, remind us the first capital of the Greek state.
There is a number of interesting points that the visitor can discover walking in the old town that should not be missed, some of them are the following:
ACRONAFPLIA AND PALAMIDI
It is the huge rocky hill with the panoramic view where the Acropolis of Nafplion was during the ancient times. The fortress of Palamidi is located there too; through the centuries it was under the Romans, the Byzantines, the Frances and the Venetians who restored it and later ended up under the Turks. It is the first point that the Greeks conquered in the area during the Greek Revolution so that they could banish the Turks from the area. These locations are excellent places to visit and admire the stunning view of the town climbing up the 999 steps to Palamidi. From the Acronafplia the view of the town is equally exquisite as you follow the pedestrian road around the rock of Acronafplia walking along with the sea just under your feet.
THE ROUND OF ARVANITIA
The most beautiful and ideal spot to start walking as the round starts after the end of the beach from Akti Miaouli towards “Banieres” and arrives at the square of Arvanitia; total distance one kilometer approximately. Near the square there is a beach with facilities where someone can enjoy swimming. During the whole journey the impressive city walls of Acronafplia loom over.
BOURTZI
In the Turk language it means “Island-Fortress”. It operated as castle for the Venetians, as prison for the Greek Revolution, refuge for the Greek government, as hotel and restaurant during 1960-1970 and since then as a tourist destination. Looking at it motivates you to visit it.
Besides the mentioned points of interest there are plenty more that the visitor can discover and should not miss walking in the old town. “MY GREECE TOURS” organizes tailor-made tours to Nafplio for those who want to visit this unique destination. See further information for the tours offered in the area.
