NOMOS ARGOLIDAS

NAYPLIO

Population (according to 2021 census): 14.532

History

Nafplio: The First Capital of Greece - A Chronology of a History Spanning Millennia

The Much-Suffering History of Nafplio: Forts, Conquerors, and the Birth of the Nation

Μία κοντινή άποψη του Φρούριου Μπούρτζι
Φρούριο Παλαμήδι: Το Κάστρο του Ναυπλίου
Τα Τείχη της Ακροναυπλίας

-Nafplio, the first capital of Greece, is a city with a rich history, unique architecture, and vibrant cultural life. The city has a fascinating journey that stretches from mythology to the modern era. Its founder is considered to be Nauplius, son of Poseidon and Amymone. -The area has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Graves from the Middle Helladic period (17th–16th century BC) have been found in the Pronoia area, while chamber tombs from the Mycenaean era have been found in the Evangelistria area. -During the Mycenaean period, Nafplio was one of the strongest naval states and the Acronauplia was fortified. -The traveler Pausanias (2nd century AD) visited the city, which he found deserted, but he mentions ruins of walls and a sanctuary of Poseidon. -From the early days of the Byzantine Empire, Nafplio was initially a small town, ecclesiastically subordinate to the bishopric of Argos. Due to the barbarian raids (6th–9th century AD), inhabitants of the central Peloponnese settled on the fortified hill of Acronauplia, creating the present city. -After the Fourth Crusade, the city was seized by the Franks, initially by the local lord Leo Sgouros and subsequently by the Crusaders. Nafplio became part of the lordship of Argos and Nauplia. -From the late 14th century until the early 19th century, shortly before the founding of the Greek state, Nafplio was a field of conflict between Venetians and Ottomans, whose dominance alternated four times. Specifically: -1st Venetian Rule (1388–1540): The Venetians bought the city and considered it an important center in the Mediterranean. They extended and fortified the lower city and Acronauplia. -1st Ottoman Rule (1540–1686): Nafplio passed to the Ottomans. During this period, it developed as a port and military center. -2nd Venetian Rule (1686–1715): The most significant period for the current fortifications. The Generalissimo Francesco Morosini liberated the city in 1687. The Venetians built the Palamidi fortress and reinforced the Bourtzi. -2nd Ottoman Rule (1715–1822): The Ottomans easily recaptured the city. Saint Anastasios of Nafplio was martyred during this period (1655). -Nafplio was besieged by the Greek revolutionaries (with the participation of Bouboulina). The capture of Palamidi by surprise by Staikos Staikopoulos on the night of November 30, 1822, was crucial. -The city was chosen as the first capital of the newly established Greek state in 1827. The first governor, Ioannis Kapodistrias, arrived in Greece on January 8, 1828, and proceeded with the organization of the state, the urban planning (with Stamatis Voulgaris), and the construction of public buildings (first Mutual Instruction School, governor's palace). -One year after the arrival of Otto, in 1834, the capital was transferred to Athens.

Traditions

Nafplio: A Center of Culture and Celebrations - From the Venetian Carnival to the Classical Music Festival

Culture and Tradition in Nafplio: Institutions, Festivals, and Gastronomy Feasts

Απεικόνιση της Πλατείας Συντάγματος Ναυπλίου

-Nafplio is a cultural center with important institutions and events. As the first capital of the modern Greek state, the city was the site of significant celebrations and public ceremonies that contributed to the formation of the national identity. Religious festivals, such as those in honor of Saint Anastasios, the city's patron saint, gather the faithful and visitors, reviving traditional rituals with processions, music, and local delicacies. -The Venetian Carnival takes place annually during the Carnival period and lasts for ten days. It stands out for its "Venetian flair," featuring dances, maypoles (gaitanaki) in Syntagma Square, and the final parade and burning of the Carnival King (Karnavalos). It attracts the interest of both locals and visitors. -It is an event where participants wear impressive Venetian costumes and masks, dressed as doges, ladies, and nobles, and wander the city streets. -The Nafplio Festival is a successful institution, primarily featuring tributes, classical music concerts, and opera performances by internationally renowned orchestras and artists. -In the wider area of the Municipality of Nafplieis and Argolida, many traditional fairs (panigyria) take place, especially during the summer, with live music, dancing, and flavors. There are also various local festivals that highlight agricultural production and gastronomy, such as the Giosa Festival (traditional meat) in Midea and the Artichoke Festival.

Local products

Nafplio's Gastronomy: Flavors from the Fertile Argolic Land

The Land of Citrus and Agiorgitiko Wine

-The Argolida region relies on its fertile land and is famous for its agricultural products and production, elements that also define its local cuisine. -Argolida is one of the largest citrus-producing regions in Greece. Its oranges are renowned for their aroma and juice. You will find many local workshops that produce natural juices (from orange, pomegranate, etc.) and citrus-based products. -As in the entire Peloponnese, Argolida produces excellent olive oil (mostly extra virgin), as well as table olives. -Local gastronomy includes handmade pasta found in many traditional stores, such as: -Gogges (or Tzolia): The most characteristic traditional pasta of Argolida, shaped like a shell or twist, usually served with hot butter and grated dry myzithra or graviera cheese. -Trachanas: Produced in various versions (sweet, sour) and is a basic component of the winter diet. -Chylopites and Lasagna: Handmade pasta made with pure local ingredients (milk, eggs). -Nafplio has a tradition of amygdalota, small white sweets based on almond. They are ideal for treats, weddings, and baptisms, and can be found in many patisseries in the Old Town. Also, due to the large production of fruit, the area's women's cooperatives (e.g., Nea Kios, Epidaurus) make excellent spoon sweets (quince, bitter orange, bergamot, little eggplant) and jams. Finally, the traditional Nafplio ice cream, produced by local units, is famous for its unique texture and lower fat content. -Although Nemea is administratively located mainly in Corinthia, a significant part of the Nemea PDO zone (the largest for red wines in Greece) is located in northwestern Argolida. Therefore, the local wine is Agiorgitiko, a red wine with fruity aromas and a velvety texture.

Tourism

Nafplio's Must-See Attractions: Forts, Beaches, and Day Trips with the Scent of Ancient Greece

Castles, Walks, and Excursions to UNESCO Archaeological Treasures

Λήψη από τις ομορφιές της Αργολίδας και της Πελοποννήσου

-The city of Nafplio itself is a monument, with the Old Town considered one of the most beautiful in Greece, thanks to its neoclassical mansions, picturesque alleys, and bougainvillea. -Absolutely! Palamidi, Bourtzi, and Acronauplia are the three most iconic castles and fortresses of Nafplio, each with its own distinct history and location. -Palamidi is an imposing Venetian fortress built atop a 216-meter-high hill, east of Acronauplia. It was constructed by the Venetians between 1711 and 1715, in a record time for that era. It was the last major fortification built by the Venetians in Greece. Its name derives from the mythical hero Palamedes. -It is a masterpiece of fortification architecture, designed by the French engineer La Salle. It is a system of eight (or seven) autonomous bastions, so that if one fell, the others could continue the defense. -Here lies the cell of Theodoros Kolokotronis, where the Elder of Morea was imprisoned in 1833. The view from the top is panoramic and breathtaking, embracing the city, the Argolic Gulf, and Bourtzi. During the reign of Otto, 857 steps were carved into the rock, which visitors have the opportunity to see and climb. -Bourtzi, Nafplio's "island" fortress, is the most photographed spot in the city. It was built by the Venetians in 1473, on a small rocky islet at the harbor entrance, to protect the city from pirates and invaders coming from the sea. Its name comes from the Turkish word meaning "tower." -Over time, besides a fortress, it served as the residence of the executioner, as a luxury hotel (between 1930 and 1970), and, of course, as a tourist attraction. Access is exclusively by boat from the Nafplio waterfront. -Acronauplia is the city's original citadel. It is a rocky peninsula extending into the sea and forms the northern wall of the Old Town. At its top are the city clock and the fortifications from various periods. -The habitation and fortification of the peninsula date back to Antiquity (Hellenistic and Mycenaean periods). From the Byzantine era onward, it successively passed through the hands of the Franks, Byzantines, Venetians, and Turks, with each conqueror adding new walls and fortifications. -Large hotels are now located in Acronauplia. However, the walk along the coastal road that circles it (the famous Arvanitia Promenade) is one of the most romantic walks in Greece, offering a wonderful view of the sea and Palamidi. -Nafplio offers excellent swimming options within very close proximity, catering to every taste. The most immediately accessible is Arvanitia Beach, an organized pebble beach located right below Palamidi and accessible on foot from the city. A little further out, about 5 km away, is Karathona Beach, the largest in the area. It is sandy with shallow waters, ideal for families, and is fully organized. Access is by road or via the scenic Arvanitia pedestrian path (2.5 km). Continuing east, at 12 km lies Tolo Beach (Psili Ammos or "Fine Sand") in the picturesque village of the same name, a popular sandy beach, organized and ideal for water sports. At the same distance, Plaka Drepano Beach is a long coastline of 3 km that combines sand and pebbles, while Kondyli Beach (Agios Nikolaos), about 17 km from Nafplio, is considered one of the most beautiful in Argolida with turquoise waters. -Nafplio's strategic location makes it an ideal base for day trips to Greece's most significant archaeological sites, which are on the UNESCO list. Just 10 minutes by car (8 km) is Ancient Tiryns, the Mycenaean acropolis with its impressive cyclopean walls. In about 30 minutes (22 km), you can visit Ancient Mycenae, the kingdom of Agamemnon, where you will admire the famous Lion Gate and the Tholos Tombs. Finally, in 40-50 minutes (30-45 km) is the archaeological site of Ancient Epidaurus, the birthplace of Asclepius. The renowned Ancient Theatre dominates the area, known worldwide for its unparalleled acoustics, which hosts performances during the summer Festival. Other nearby sites include Ancient Asine (20 minutes) and the famous Corinth Canal.