 Nafplio: port, old town and Akronauplio | ||
| Nafplio | ||
| region | Argolis | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | 14.203 (2011) | |
no tourist info on Wikidata:  | ||
| location | ||
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Nafplio, Greek: Ναύπλιο, also Nauplion or Nafplion, with its winding old town streets and picturesque squares is considered the most beautiful city in the Peloponnese. The port city has about 14,000 inhabitants and is located on the Argolic Gulf at the foot of a mighty rock. In the summer months, tourists flock to the city and enjoy the countless taverns, cafes and restaurants. Nafplion is a good starting point for excursions (e.g. to Mycenae or Epidaurus) and has some good bathing opportunities in the immediate vicinity.
background
The city was founded - as it should be in ancient Greece - by Nafplios, a son of the sea god Poseidon. From the 7th century v. The port city was under the rule of the neighboring city of Argos. In the 12th century A.D. the Byzantines built the fortifications on the Akronauplia. During the fourth crusade the city was conquered by the crusaders, in 1389 it came as Napoli di Levante under Venetian rule. In 1540 Nafplion fell under Turkish rule. After the reconquest in 1686, the Venetians built the fortress on the Palmidi hill, the fortifications on the islet of Bourtzi were expanded, and the port entrance was secured by a chain. The Turks were able to bring Nafplio back under their rule in 1715.
In 1822 Nafplio was conquered by the Greek freedom movement. The city became the capital of Greece under the regent in 1828 Kapodistriaswho was murdered in 1833. King Otto I then stayed in Nafplio for a year before moving to the new capital, Athens.
Nafplio with the districts Nafplio, Asini, Nea Thirynthos and Midea is today the capital of the regional district Argolis.
getting there
By plane
There are airports in the Peloponnese Kalamata in the south and Araxos (west of Patras) in the northwest, which are only served direct from Germany in the summer months. Year-round and with frequent connections, the Athens airport, which is about two hours by car from Nafplio.
By train
Rail traffic was discontinued in 2011 due to cost-cutting measures.
By bus
The bus station is on the edge of the old town. Regular connections exist to Argos, Athens and Tolon. Several times a day buses also run to many other destinations in the region (e.g. Mycenae, Epidauros, Dendra, etc.). Exact timetables are posted at the bus station. Tickets are also available there.
In the street
Nafplion can be reached by car from the north (Argos) via the N7 or from the east (Epidavros) over the N70 can be achieved. Parking at the harbor, everything within walking distance. You should avoid the old town, many narrow one-way streets with no turning options.
mobility
Taxis are at the bus station and can be reached under the telephone number 27520 or 24120.
The old town is very compact and almost car-free. Therefore, all sights except for the fortresses above the city can be easily reached on foot.
Tourist Attractions
Churches, mosques, synagogues, temples
- Agiou Spiridonos Church, Papanikolaou street. The church gained notoriety as the scene of the murder of Greece's first head of government Ioannis Kapodistrias on October 9, 1831. The attack was commissioned by the conservative opponent Mavromichalis. The bullet holes can still be seen on a wall behind a pane of glass and some pictures also remind of the bloody act.
- Church of the Transfiguration of Christ. The Catholic Church is located in the upper part of the old town and can only be reached via steep narrow streets and stairs. The inside is quite simple, but there is a crypt.
Castles, chateaux and palaces
- 1 Akronauplia fortress (Ακροναυπλία).
The castle is located on a peninsula, its 85 m high hill towers over the old town of Nafplion. It houses the remains of three castles (Itz-Kale). The castles come from the Greeks, Franks and Venetians. Some of the remains are now overbuilt by a luxury hotel. The two-towered Grimani bastion from 1706 now towers over the peninsula. A little to the west, at the foot of the rock, are the remains of a Byzantine complex. - 2 Palamidi fortress (Παλαμήδι).999 steps lead to the Palamidi fortress, which stands on a rock that rises 216 meters behind the city. The castle is still young compared to other historical sights of the Peloponnese: it was only built by the Venetians in the 17th century. From the fortress has my wonderful view over Nafplion and the Argolis. A climb can be very sweaty, especially in the summer months. Alternatively, you can also experience the castle complex by car or taxi. To do this, leave Nafplion in the direction of Epidaurus and then follow the signs.
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Buildings
- 3 Old Parliament. The Old Parliament on Syntagmas Square was first used as a parliament in 1822. That also under the name Vouleutiko famous building was originally built as a mosque in 1550.
- 4 Trianon, Syntagmatos square. The former mosque was first used as a school and then as a cinema and theater.
Monuments
Museums
- 6 Archaeological Museum. The Venetian building of the Archaeological Museum is located on Syntagmatos Square in the middle of the old town. Finds from the area from the Neolithic to the Hellenistic period are found on two floors. On the first floor there are mainly finds from the Mycenaean period, for example bronze armor from 1500 BC. On the second floor, exhibits from the Geometric Period and later epochs are on display.Price: 8 a.m. - 2.30 p.m., closed on Mondays.
- Komboloi Museum, Staikopoulou Street 25. The private museum provides information about the history of the Komboloi chains, these can also be purchased.
- 7 Military museum, Amalias Street 22. The building once housed Greece's first military academy. On two floors, pictures, engravings and photographs document the Greeks' struggle for freedom, the First World War, the war against Turkey (1920-1922) and the Second World War.Open: daily 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.Price: free entry.
- Folklore Museum, Alexandrou Street 1. The Folklore Museum in the old town shows various objects from everyday life in the region with many original exhibits and pictures. So you can see household items and agricultural implements. In addition, many typical items of clothing from different regions of Greece are on display. There is also a small folklore society shop in the museum.Open: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. 6 p.m. - 10 p.m., on weekends only mornings, closed Tuesdays.
Streets and squares
- Syntagmatos square. The square in the center is the most beautiful in the city. With its cafes, restaurants and framed by historical buildings, it is the meeting point in the old town.
- 8 Trion Navarchon Square. The town hall is located here. In the time of King Otto this building was the first grammar school.
various
- 9 Bourtzi Island. Bourtzi Island is located in the port of Nafplion. The small fortress island has become the city's landmark. Originally there was only one tower on it, which was built in 1473. The Turks later expanded the complex at the end of the 17th century. In 1826 the revolutionary government used the building as a residence. Later the local executioner lived on the island (until 1865). In the summer, many small boats go to the island. For the trip there and back you have to pay about 2 euros.
activities
- Swimming. The beach in Nafplion is a 40 meter wide pebble beach in the Arvanitia Bay. Although the beach is rather unattractive, it is often overcrowded in summer due to its proximity to the city. There is also a kiosk, bar, restaurant and changing rooms on the beach. It is also possible to rent pedal boats. The most beautiful Sandy beach in the area is near Tolon.
- Hike around the peninsula of Nauflio. The entire peninsula can be easily circumnavigated on foot. A beautiful and relatively flat path leads from Syntagma Square along the shore around the peninsula and meets the driveway to the Akronauplia.
shop
There are many tourist shops in the old town, including beautiful handicrafts. In the Neustadt, on the other hand, you buy everyday items.
There is a large weekly market with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables on Saturdays and Wednesdays on 25th Martiou Street.
kitchen
There is a large selection of restaurants in the old town streets and at the harbor.
Cheap
medium
- 1 Aeolus, Vasilissis Olgas 30. The restaurant offers delicious Greek dishes and is always well attended. There are also vegatarian main courses.
- 2 Omorfo Tavernaki, Kotsonopoulou 1. The small tavern offers good Greek cuisine at moderate prices. It is therefore also popular with locals.
- Kentrikon, Syntagmatos square. Cozy café in front of which you can sit in the tree shade and have a small meal or a drink.
Upscale
nightlife
accommodation
There is a wide range of accommodation, from hotels to small guest houses. If you are staying in the old town, you should consider that it is very difficult to park there. It is best to leave your vehicle at the port and walk from there.
Cheap
medium
- 1 Pension Acronafplia. The pension has three houses spread over the old town. There are rooms in different categories. Building A, which is located on the hillside and offers a view of the city below, is particularly beautiful. A good breakfast is also served there. If you arrive by car, it is best to park at the nearby Akronauplia fortress.
Upscale
security
health
Practical advice
- Tourist Information, 25th Martiou Street. Tel.: 27520. Information, a hotel directory and a city map can be obtained from the tourist information office.Open: No fixed opening times.
- post, Singrou street. Open: Mon - Fri 7.30 a.m. - 2.00 p.m.
trips
The archaeological sites Mycenae (24 km), Epidaurus (27 km) and Corinth (60 km) are easy to reach from Nafplio if you have a rental car.
A tour around the Argolis peninsula is also recommended, from the west coast there are always beautiful views of the Saronic Gulf.
literature
Web links
- http://www.nafplio.gr/ - Official website of Nafplio
