Without any doubt, it is one of the most charming cities in the coutry.(descr.)
According to mythology, Nafplion was named after its founder Navplia, the son of Poseidon and Amimony. Archaeological finds proved that Nafplion had existed at the time of Mycenaean civilization. It was one of the major port cities, because Nafplion was an important sea gate of Argolis region.
After the capture of Constantinople in 1204, Nafplion was conqured by French knights. In one hundred years French sold Nafplion to the Venetians. This place was so beautiful, that Italians called it "Napoli di Romania". The next 400 years Nafplion was recaptured by various nations. At the very beginning of Greek liberation war in 1821, the main fortress of the city was captured by an unexpected attack of Greek insurgents. The first governor of Greece gave Nafplion the status of capital in 1829. That’s why this city was the first capital of independent Greece, liberated from Turkey.
Over many centuries this city occupied an important place in the history of the whole state. Nowadays Nafplion is a huge citrus export center, because Argolis region is an important area of their production. Coastal fishing is also developed here, but the main branch of the city's economy is tourism. People from all over the world come to this paradise to enjoy the unique landscapes and special atmosphere.
Various architectural styles are magically and harmoniously intertwined here. This is not surprising, because the Franks, Byzantines, Turks, and Venetians had their hand in the outlook of the city at different times. In Nafplion tourists can find beautiful buildings in neoclassical style, old churches, castles, famous fortresses, Venetian balconies curved by bougainvilleas, Turkish mosques and much more. When you are here, visit one of two ancient fortresses, built in the Venetian style.
The city's most recognisable features are stone castle Palamidi located above the city and circular fortress Burdzi erected in the center of the harbor, right in the sea. This fortress is now used as hotel and restaurant. Burdzi is located on a small island in the bay of Nafplion. It was built by the Venetians after departure of Mahmud Pasha. Palamidi, for its part, was built by the Venetians in 1687. The construction of the castle began after Venetians repelled the hill from Turks during Venetian-Turkish war. Palamidi has 999 steps.
It is worth noting that Nafplion has a well-developed tourist infrastructure. Here you can find many restaurants, taverns with great local cuisine, cinemas and souvenir shops. Traditional festivals are held here, they attract tourists from all over the world. In addition to the fascinating architecture and historical monuments, Nafplion is also famous for its beautiful beaches.
Local people say that you can taste the most delicious ice cream only in Nafplion, namely in cafe "Antica Gelateria di Roma". Different flavors of ice cream here will please even the advanced gourmets.
You can get here by bus from the station "Leoforia Peloponnisou" (every hour from 6.00 to 23.00). Another variant is to go by train to Corinth and then by bus to Nafplion.
