Romance, nobility and luxury. These three words come to my mind when I think of Nafplio. A city with picturesque alleys, large squares, castles, neoclassical buildings and of course a rich history. In short, the city that you should definitely visit (if you haven't already).
A few words about the city
Nafplio is located in the northeastern Peloponnese, being the capital of the Argolida Regional Unit and its main port. According to mythology, owes its name to Nafplio, son of Poseidon and Danaida, who built and fortified the city with cyclopean walls. In fact, Nafplio was the first capital of the newly formed Greek state from 1823 to 1834, playing an significant role in the developments at that time. Today it has about 14,200 inhabitants, while it is one of the most popular destinations for those living in Attica and the Peloponnese, as it is a short distance from both areas. Below I have selected for you, what I think someone who is visiting the city for the first time should see.
10) Lion of the Bavarians
The Sleeping Lion of the Bavarians is a massive statue easily seen from afar, due to its size. It is sculpted on the Rock of Palamidi and is one of the first outdoor sculptures of the Modern Greek state! This sculpture was created in 1836 by the German sculptor Siegel, as a tribute to the Bavarian soldiers of Otto's guard, who died from the typhus epidemic, which hit the area two years before. It is inspired by the Lion of Lucerne in Switzerland, a monument to the Bavarian guards killed in Paris during the French Revolution.
9) Churches
Walking in Nafplio is almost certain to fall on a church. First will probably be the Metropolitan Church of St. George. It is believed that it was constructed around the beginning of the 16th century, during the first Venetian occupation of the city, while after the occupation of Nafplio by the Turks in 1540; it was converted into a mosque.
Of particular interest are in addition the Holy Church of St. Spyridon, in front of whom Ioannis Kapodistrias was murdered, the Holy Church of St. Nicolas, dedicated to the patron saint of sailors and is located next to the port, the Holy Church of Panagia, dating from the 15th century being one of the oldest temples in the city and finally the Catholic Church" Transfiguration of the Savior", located in the area, also known as Frangomachalas, which has taken its name from the Franks, who lived there.
8) Arvanitia Beach
You have not visited Nafplio unless you have done the so-called Arvanitia tour. It is a beautiful route that starts from the port of the city and ends at the rocks of Acronafplia. Along it, you will face the panoramic view of the Argolic Gulf, as well as you will have the opportunity to see the three castles of the city from a different angle.
Between Acronafplia and the imposing rock of Palamidi is the beach of Arvanitia. It certainly cannot be compared to the large and idyllic beaches of the islands or other coastal areas of Greece, but it is beautiful and easily accessible for those who are in Nafplio. On the beach of Arvanitia, you will find a well-equipped beach bar, Blueblanc, to enjoy your coffee or drink overlooking the sea.
7) Acronafplia
Acronafplia or Its Kale as the Turks called it, is the least known of the three castles of Nafplio. This rocky peninsula, however, was the Acropolis of the city, from antiquity until the end of the 15th century. The walls of Acronafplia, part of which is Cyclopean, testify to its rich history, as they come from different eras, starting from the 4th century BC reaching up to the 16th century! Access is very easy, and I guarantee you the view will compensate you.
6) Bourtzi
“Thalassopyrgos” (Sea Tower) or "Kastelli" according to the Greeks, Castello dello Soglio (Castle of Dome) according to the Venetians and Bourtzi according to the Turks. The only sure thing is that this castle is undoubtedly one of the top attractions of Nafplio. Bourtzi is located on a small island, St. Theodoros, in front of the Port of Nafplio and was built by the Venetians after the departure of Mahmud Pasha in 1473. It was the first prison of Theodoros Kolokotronis, while hosting the Greek government twice. To reach it, just take one of the boats opposite. Unluckily, it is currently under maintenance, so there are no itineraries or many things to see there.
5) Archaeological Museum
As you will have already realized, Nafplio is a city full of history, so it could not be without a very interesting Archaeological Museum. This museum located in the most inner part of the city, Syntagma Square and is housed in an imposing Venetian stone building. This impressive contracture was built in 1713 and is among the most beautiful and best preserved buildings of the Venetian era in Greece. On the two floors of the museum, you will find exhibits that present the civilizations that developed in Argolida from the furthest prehistory to the late antiquity. The top exhibit of the museum is the bronze armor of the trees. This is exhibited in a prominent place, along with the other impressive grave goods of the tomb in which it was found. Admission costs 6e.
4) Syntagma Square
If I had to select the most central point of Nafplio, it would be Syntagma Square without a second thought. The homonymous square in Athens may be more famous, but historically it is just as important. In the past it had many names such as "Platanos Square", from the historic plane tree that occupied most of it and "Louis Square", in honor of his father King Otto. After the movement of 3 September, when the Greeks demanded a constitution from the then King Otto, It took the name Syntagma Square. In this square you will find some of the most important buildings of the Greek’s history. Initially, the Archaeological Museum, which I mentioned immediately above, the mosque where operated in 1928 the first Greek Parliament and the Trianon Theater. Other historical buildings are the palace of the first governor Ioannis Kapodistrias and the House of Th. Kolokotronis. Finally, at this point you will find countless cafes, bars and taverns that are bustling with people all hours of the day.
3) Port
One of my favorite spots in Nafplio is the coastal road that leads to the port of the city. On this beautiful route full of palm trees, benches and beautiful coffee shops, you will have the opportunity to relax while enjoying the view of Bourtzi. What few know about the Port of Nafplio is that it is an artificial port, formed between two piers. In the years of the first Venetian occupation, an artificial jetty had been formed, which left a narrow passage between it and Bourtzi. In fact, this passage was closed every night with a suspended chain, and that is why it was called Porto Catena, meaning port with the chain.
2) Old Town
The old town or lower town is the most beautiful and most photographed District of Nafplio. It extends north of the castle of Acronafplia, from the Old Railway Station to the bastion of the "five brothers". Despite the renovations and interventions it has undergone, it retains its picturesque character as it is full of elegant mansions, historic buildings and cobbled streets. The main pedestrian street in the old town is that of King Constantine. There you will discover dozens of cafes, restaurants, ice cream shops, clothing stores, tourist shops with traditional products and of course countless bougainvillea, waiting to be photographed.
1) Palamidi
Of course, at the top of the list, could not be anything other than Palamidi. This fortress is perfectly preserved, being one of the most important achievements of Venetian fortification architecture. It is located on the hill of Palamidi, which owes its name to the Homeric hero Palamedes, while its construction is placed from 1711 to 1714. To reach it you have to climb the notorious 999 steps, which in fact are 913! The climb is demanding, but the view from there is sure to compensate you. Apart from being a fortress, Palamidi also functioned as a place of gloomy prisons during the period of the Duchy. In fact, in 1833, Th. Kolokotronis was imprisoned there on the charge of alleged treason, whose cell can be visited. Admission costs 8e.
Where to stay
The truth is that there is no right period to visit Nafplio, since at all times of the year it has something else to offer you. This implies with countless hotels and apartments, for all tastes and for all pockets! My opinion is to stay in the old town, so you can feel the romance that exudes and make your life easier, since you will be close to everything. Therefore my suggestion is Impero Luxury Suites, located in the heart of the old town, a breath away from the Port of Nafplio and the beach of Arvanitia. This is a brand new boutique hotel, which features imposing, spacious and decorated with warm colors rooms overlooking Bourtzi.
Where and what to eat
While being in Nafplio you should definitely try the traditional products of the region and some of its most famous dishes. Nafplio is famous for its artichokes, cooked in many variations and even have their own day, the Artichoke Festival. A prominent place in the local cuisine is also played by gogkes, handmade pasta that looks like a conch, and bogana, which is a milk lamb with whole potatoes, in a hull. You will also find very excellent meats such as pork, chicken and giosa (old ewe or goat). If you are not of traditional tastes and you are looking for something more ordinary, such as fast food, then Nafplio will not leave you hungry. For burgers I recommend Il Porto, for pizza the Scuola Pizza-bar, for ice cream the Antica Gelateria di Roma and Koustenis, for coffee the Rosso Café Bar and Xenon coffee, and finally for donuts the Pergamonto.
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Mouzakidis Pantelis