NAFPLIO

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL TOWN

IN GREECE

Nafplio is the capital of the regional

unit of Argolis and it is one of the most elegant

seaport towns in Greece. It is located 138 kilometres

southwest of Athens, on the Peloponnese peninsula

near the north end of the Argolic Gulf.

NAFPLIO

Food Greek Traditional Food like

pastitsio, mousaka, souvlaki, fresh vegetables, fish, seafood…

Local dish Aubergines

Flag of Nafplio Flag of Greece

Country

Greece

Administrative Region

Peloponnese

Regional Unit

Argolis

Size

33,62 km²

Population

14.203

Language

Greek

Transportation

Transportation to & from the city of Nafplio

Buses-K.T.E.L.,Train

Inner city transportation

Local buses

Private means of Transport Taxi, Cars,

Motorbikes, Bicycles

The region has been inhabited

since the ancient years and Paleolithic and

Neolithic items have been found there.

The History of Nafplio

Nafplio has a history full of myths, conquerors and revolutions.

According to Greek mythology,

the town was established by Poseidon’s son, Nauplius.

Archaeological Museum of Nafplio Archaeological findings

Nafplio was conquered by the Romans,

the Byzantines, the Franks,

the Venetians and the Turks until the

liberation of Greece in 1821.

The history of Nafplio is shown through

its castles and fortresses as well as the buildings

and the monuments that still exist today.

The Venetians settled in the city in 1377

and a few decades later they built Bourtzi.

When the Turks conquered Nafplio,

the city became a great commercial port.

Then it was again conquered by the Venetians and

the Palamidi and the Acronafplia

fortresses were built.

Nafplio was again conquered by the Turks until the revolution and

it became independent in 1822. Then it was declared

the capital of Greece from 1828 to 1834.

Kapodistrias was

Greece’s first governor

after its liberation until

his assassination

in Nafplio.

King Othon decided to declare Athens the capital of Greece in 1834.

However, Nafplio continued to develop to the present day.

Kapodistrias’ assassination, 9th October 1831

NAFPLIO SIGHTS

In Nafplio there are a lot of sights with the most famous one being Bourtzi. It is a small fortress that was built by the

Venetians in 1473 on a small islet within the port. In the 1960s it was a luxury hotel.

Nowadays, especially in the summer, many cultural events are held there.

Small boats take visitors there in 10 minutes.

Bourtzi

Another amazing sight of Nafplio is the Palamidi, with the awesome view. It is a Venetian fortress constructed in 1687.

It is situated on a hill 216 metres high and people can go there by car or ascent a stair of 999 steps.

After the revolution it was used as a prison in which Theodoros Kolokotronis was kept for 11 months.

Palamidi Fortress

Akronafplia Fortress

Acronafplia is another sight of Nafplio, a Venetian fortress also known as Itch-Kale which was built in 1711.

In antiquity it was the Acropolis of Nafplio. Some parts of the walls of Acronafplia are gigantic

and set the basis for further fortifications parts of which are saved to the present day.

Nafplio

with the great sights and beaches also has attractive narrow streets, elegant Venetian houses, neoclassical mansions and interesting museums.

It’s also full of cafes, boutiques and many comfortable hotels and guesthouses.

Plateia Syntagmatos Town Hall

Komboloi Museum Kolokotronis Park

CUSTOMS / FESTIVALS

In Nafplio there are various events. The most famous is the Nafplion Festival which is held every summer. Some of the most famous stars of the international classical music scene

have performed there and it has been considered the best summer festival.

Concerts, performances,

book, photography

and art exhibitions

are held in Nafplio.

Every two years the city celebrates

the Nautical Week. The events last

for fifteen days in June or July and

end with the Venetian night with awesome

firework display.

National Art Gallery Nafplion Annex

Book exhibition

Firework display Port of Nafplion

In Nafplio there is the famous

Carnival with carnival parades,

lively songs and dances.

Every year on 27th September

a memorial is held

in Kapodistrias’ memory,

in the holy church

of Saint Spyridon,

on the spot where

he was assassinated in 1831.

To sum up, Nafplio is a picturesque town in Peloponnese which was once

the capital of Greece. Due to its strategic position, it has the Palamidi fortress,

the smaller Akronafplia and Bourtzi. Its conquerors have deeply influenced

the architecture of the town, giving Nafplio a cosmopolitan atmosphere.

The archaeological treasures, the history, the beaches,

the tasty food, the great sights, the customs and traditions

characterize this wonderful city. Nafplio is a majestic town

that is perfect all year round.