Greece Tours Guide explore greece, all the times

GREEK CITIES AND GREEK ISLANDS
ABOUT NAFPLION

Whatever the name or how you say it Nafplion is the historical Jewel of the Peloponnese. A history full of myth, occupancy and revolutions. The name is in honour of Poseidons son Nauplis and the Palamidi Fortress is named after Palamis the local hero of the Trojan War. Palamis was also known for supposedly inventing weights and measures and the Greek Alphabet. The actual area of Nafplion has been inhabited since ancient times, but not much is know from then although Palaeolithic and Neolithic objects have been found near by. Nafplion during the Greek Classical era again seems not to have played a part of any significance and even Pausinas the famous traveler didnt have anything to say about the town. It does though come into it's own during medieval times and played a major part in the history and making of todays Greece. During these times different occupying forces have left marks of culture and architecture in Nafplion giving it a cosmopolitan atmosphere. In 1377 the Venetians arrived and during this time, in the mid 1400s the Bourtzi Castle was built. The Turks captured the town from the Venetians in 1542 AD and turned Nafplion into a major port for the Greek mainland in the import and export industry. Nafplion was retaken by the Venetians once again and during this time the Palamidi Castle was built and the Acronafplia fortress reconstructed. Their hold over Nafplion though only lasted for a few decades and was then put back into the hands of the Turks. Over the next few hundred years Nafplion flourished under Turkish rule until the Greek War of Independence in 1821. Nafplion was liberated a year later and due to its strong participation during the revolution was named as the first capital of the newly liberated free Greece in 1823. Kapodistrias was the newly appointed Prime Minister until his assassination in 1831. King Otto arrived in Nafplion and decided to move the capital to Athens in 1834.Over the next century Nafplion begins a calm and unobtrusive era until the next major event which was the arrival of tourism in the 1960s.

Hydra
The historical picturesque island of Hydra is renowned as a cosmopolitan and artistic centre. Hydra, long and narrow, is extremely rocky and dry. But it has an enchanting natural amphitheatre shape around the horseshoe harbour, virtually unchanged since the revolution of 1821. The town itself, of red tilled houses and white chapels rising onto the steep hills, encloses the natural harbour. The port is crowded with fishing boats, sailboats and yachts, and lined with colourful cafes and bars, jewellery, art shops and boutiques. Most vehicles, including bicycles, are prohibited. Donkeys and mules form the main means of transport, in addition to the little boats that provide a taxi service along the coast..

Spetses
Spetses is a small oval island opposite the area of Porto Heli on the Peloponnesus mainland. Anciently known as Pityousa, or Pine Tree Island, Spetses has an abundance of aromatic pine forests, in addition to beautiful sandy beaches.
During the last few centuries Spetses flourished, and great fortunes were made by the sailors and sea captains. The latter built impressive mansions and churches, many of which still stand today. Spetses was the first of the Saronic islands to revolt against the Turks during the 1821 Revolution.

Monemvasia
The Laconians, 2000 years ago, settled in on a rock 350 meters in height on the southeast shore of the Peloponnese. Over the centuries the city of Monemvasia grew, and became known as the Gibraltar of the eastern Mediterranean. The name Monemvasia means one approach. The town is divided into two parts: the upper town where only ruins remain, and the lower town, a walled fortress town inhabited and maintained in the style of 200 years ago.

What to see/do - Nafplion
Bourtzi island fortress:
This defines the postcard view of Nafplion by the sea. This, and the hill the town's houses and period buildings climb, create the unique picture of the town. The little island "Bourtzi" at the entrance of the port was fortified with cannons during the Middle Ages.
Built in 1471 by Antonio Gambello, an architect from Bergamo.
From 1930 until 1970 it was run as a hotel (perhaps we will re-open it one day). There are tours to the islet that leave from the harbour wall area.
Akronafplia fortress (where Nafplia Palace Hotel sits) - rises from the old part of town - it is the oldest of Nafplio's castles.

Palamidi castle:
Built by the Franks, completed by the Venetians.
The Fortress was built during the Second Venetian Period (1686-1715) and is 216 meters high.
You can take the road up the hill, or brave the 999 stairs (it's not so bad on a cool day - a bottle of water is advisable!)
From the top you can see the Argive plain and across the gulf of Argos or towards the Aegean.
Admission: 4 Euros but Free on Sundays and public holidays from 1 Nov- 31 March.
Open: May-Oct weekdays 8:30am- 7:00pm, weekends 8:30am-2:30pm, Nov-April *

Museums:
The Archaeological Museum of Nafplion
Between Staikopoulou Square and Panagia Church, on 13 Sofroni street in a fine neo-classical building. Many findings from the Mycenae era with some Paleolithic and Mesolithic items.
Open: Tuesday-Sunday 08.30-15.00. Mondays closed.

Folklore / "Laografiko" Museum
Has traditional costumes. More than 20000 items on display (traditional local art and regional costumes, woven and embroidered articles, various utensils and implements as well as old maps of Nafplion).
On the second floor there is a small shop where visitors can buy small items, CDs with local music, books, calendars etc. 6 km west of Nafplion
Open: 09.00-14.00 daily. Closed: Tuesdays and entire month of February.

War Museum (Nafplion Branch)
The building was the first Military Academy. Not only weapons but many other historical items.
On 22 Amalias Avenue. Open: daily 09.00-14.00. Mondays closed.

Children's Museum /Gallery
The old train station. Steam engine and vintage freight and passenger cars, children's museum - with a playground and sandbox in front.

Komboloi Museum
Only museum of its kind in Greece!
Has over 1000 "komboloia" (worry beads) from 18th-20th century.
Some well-made copies of these can be purchased.
Made of amber, sea shells, coral and crystal.
25 Staikopoulou street.

Churches:
Agios Andreas- in Palamidi Castle.
Agios George -(Mitropolis) Cathedral. Built in 16th century on Plapouta street, houses the throne of King Othon.
Agios Constantinos - formerly a mosque.
Agios Nikolaos- Opposite Papanikolaou square, the oldest surviving church in Nafplio.
Agios Spiridon (built 1702) - in Agiou Spiridona Square. Kapodistrias (the forst governor of independent Greece) was assassinated outside this church in 1831. The bullet is shown in a glass case on the wall.
Agia Triada & Agiannakis: Two churches on the way to Palamidi.
Panagitsa Church, by the waterfront, on the edge of Akronafplia just tip of the peninsula, marked by a ship's beacon. A shrine at the beginning of the path leading up to the Akronafplia walls.
"Metamorphosis tou Sotira" Church: 4 km north west of Ancient Asine, 16th century church, has wall paintings.

Other:
The cinema, the building with a dome in the central Syntagma Square, was once a turkish bath and at other times a school or court building.

Shop called "Enition"
On 40 Staikopolou street (close to the Komboloi museum)
This shop sells shadow-puppets of the traditional Greek character: "Karagiozi" (a fictional character). An original souvenir perhaps?

Lake Lerni
At Myli, 12 km south-west of Napflion.
Ancient mythical lake where Hercules killed the Lernea Hydra (many-headed monster).

The Epidavros (Epidaurus) festival
Performances of classical Greek tragedies. Late June until August. 36 km from Nafplion.

Beaches:
Arvanitia beach is the closest and you can walk to this round past the harbour or downhill from (and behind) the Palamidi fortress.
By car - Karathona is a mostly sandy beach 5 minutes away - one of the closest but by no means the best. This is just south of the town.
Also south, but a little further west (turning south off the road towards Epidavros) the archaeological site at Asini can be visited in the same breath as a visit to its beach.
There are also several easily reached (by car) beaches beyond Asini, at Kadia, and Irion.
To the west of Nafplion, for a change of mood, the beach resort areas of Kios and Mili offer more typical beach amusements and beach-holiday atmosphere - all 5-15 minutes by car.
The route continuing south from Mili becomes very scenic for about 10 kilometres, followed by a 16 km detour inland, then at Agios Andreas the coastline drive to Leonidio is rich in scenic beauty with the meeting of trees, sky, rocks and sea-stunning. Extend this by another 20-23 km for a stop in Kosmas - for contrasting dramatic drive passing 2 monasteries along the edge of the Dafnon river and gorge.

Archaeological sites and similar - around Nafplio (in the region):
Tiryns (5 km north of Nafplio), with impressive fortifications, occupied even in Neolithic times. Panoramic views.
The ruins of Ancient Asine, 12 km south east of Nafplion and 3 km south of modern Asine. Above the sandy shore are the ruins of a prehistoric settlement, tombs of kings, the acropolis and a cemetery.
Mycenae: Well-known archaeological site. Prehistoric Acropolis with Cyclopean walls and gates. Original walls were built before 1300 BC.

The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus (Epidavros):
Carved on rock. A masterpiece of architecture. Amazing natural acoustics.
Ancient Greek drama performances are still held here in the summer months. 30 km east of Nafplion.