Nafplio

Nafplio is the capital of Argolis and one of the most beautiful cities in Greece. There are few cities where there is so much to see and do within a relatively short distance. Beautiful neoclassical buildings, large squares, picturesque flower-decked shopping streets with the harbor next to it, and the imposing fortresses and castles, have made Nafplio a fantastic city.

Nafplio has a rich history; back, in the times of King Agamemnon and the Mycenaeans, that was the port city of Mycenae and on the Akronafplia peninsula they had already built a fortress with high Cyclopean walls. Later, Nafplio was conquered by the Franks and Venetians and the fortress was strengthened and expanded. The impressive fortress of Palamidi was built by the Venetians and on the island of Agioi Theodori on the other side, the fort ‘Passage’ was built, which later got the name Bourtzi.

“Beautiful Nafplio, the first capital of Greece”

After the Independence of Greece, Nafplio became the first Greek capital (1829 -1834), where the first Greek government and parliament settled. In the city nowadays, you can admire many historic buildings and you can wander around no less than in five magnificent squares; those of Syntagma (Constitution Square), Filellinon (Friends of Greece), Trion Navarchon (Square of 3 Admirals), Agios Spyridon and Kapodistrias.

Due to its many beautiful squares, streets, and terraces, Nafplio has grown into a very pleasant city and a popular destination. Wherever you look, you will see historic buildings, monuments, and churches.

There are several museums that also confirm the rich history of Nafplio. In Syntagma Square, the archaeological museum is housed in a building that used to be a Venetian warehouse. A little further is the ‘Square of the Three Admirals’ which can be reached via the beautiful Vasileos Konstantinou Street (King Constantine).

There are nice shops everywhere with often special products such as the komboloi (bead necklace); there is even a museum that has the ‘komboloi’ as the theme. In the square of the ‘3 Admirals’ is the statue of King Otto, the first King of modern Greece. If you walk a little further you will see the courthouse and the statues of Kapodistrias (the first Greek Head of State) and of Theodoros Kolokotronis. In Nafplio, there is also an ethnological museum, a war museum, and a national gallery (painting).