Nafplion: A Romantic & alternative destination
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Picturesque alleys where the past meets the present, gives the city of Nafplion a special kind of magic, one that makes travelers want to visit again and again… This city, full of passion and romance is crowned by its magnificent castle. Ideal for long walks or a bicycle rides are its numerous alleyways or the stone path by the sea that ends in the Arvanitia coast. Time for an autumn outing.
Just a few hours away from Athens, Nafplion is the ideal getaway from the city, for a rejuvenating weekend. Its scenic alleyways are ideal for long walks as each season paints this unique city in its colors. While having a modern vibe, the city can easily travel guests back in time… Nafplion, built at the base of Palamidi Castle, offering a stunning view of the Argolic Gulf, while Bourtzi that stands proud at the entrance to the port, has every right to be proud of its architecture.
Reminiscing the past…
According to Myth, the city was founded by Nafplios, son of Poseidon and “rosefingered” Amymone. Through the aeons, its course was marked by great events.
Nafplion was forunate to be the first capital of the newly established Greek state. From here Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first governer of Greece ruled, who was murdered in 1831 in the churchyard of Agios Spiridionas, and in 1833 the city welcomed the first king of Greece, Othonas. This is where the first Parliament was convened, where the first Military School was established, as well as where the first Primary School and the first hospital were built.
Boat ride to the beautiful Bourtzi…
Bourtzi, whose pictures can be found all over the world, is a trademark of Nafplion. The fortress, whose first name was “Castello dello Soglio”, was built in 1473 by the Italilan engineer Gabelo, on the island of Agioi Theodoroi in order to protect the port and city from pirates. This is also the reason a chain was placed between Akronafplia and Bourtzi, which gave the city the name Porto Cadena (Chain Port). The current name, Bourtzi, which is nowadays used both for the fortress and island, means “Fortress Island” in Turkish. It served as the first prison of Kolokotronis, it was used by the Greek government during the period 1824 – 1827 and it became a place of residence for the executioners of Palamidi in 1865. During the 1930s it was used to house the Greek Tourism Organization, while during the period 1960-1970 it operated as a restaurant and luxury hotel.
On the battlements of Palamidi…
Everything in Nafplion seems to operate under the imposing presence of the Venetian Palamidi Castle together with the church of Agios Andreas. Guests can reach the castle by car, as the motorway ends up just outside its gate. However, visitors are offered the unique opportunity to go up the 857 steps leading up to the castle.
The view from the castle is stunning. People looking down can see the Akronafplia peninsula stretching out into the sea, as well as the Old Town, the modern part of Nafplion and the Bourtzi. The Palamidi castle was used as a prison for inmates with heavy sentences. One such inmate was Theodoros Kolokotronis.
Strolling through the city…
In order to see Nafplion and experience its beauty, the guest must walk through the alleyways of the Old City. Then they can “refuel” by having special Italian ice cream at Marcelo Rafo’s “Antica Gelateria di Roma”, or at the greek traditional “Ice Cream Koustenis”. It is hard to say “no” to coffee and honey-crusted donuts at the “Kentrikon”! The city’s imposing Archaeological Museum, a three-story building built in 1713, is located on the city’s spacious Syntagma Square. On the east part of the city lies the mosque that housed the first Elementary School, while the first Parliament lies nearby. On the northern part, among the neoclassic buildings, are located other important buildings, such as the first Gymnasium of Greece, the town’s Art Gallery, the War Museum and the Museum of Peloponnesian folklore that features a collection of almost 27.000 items directly connected to the older and newer Greek culture of the area. One can learn all there is about rosaries (kompoloi) at Aris Evagelinos’ Rosary Museum (Staikopoulou 25) with its stunning collection of rare rosaries.
At Agios Spiridonas and Psaromachalas…
Strolling through Nafplion’s alleys, a stop is in order at the Katsigianis’ pastry shop (Staikopoulou 18) to sample the traditional syrupy sweets. Next stop is the church of Agios Spiridonas further up Kapodistriou road. This is the church in front of which Ioannis Kapodistrias was murdered in 1831. The small square is embellished with bust of the famous author Aggelos Terzakis. Opposite the church we can find the city’s one and only hammam. Going up the steps of Potamianos road, guests can visit the Catholic Church (also called Fragoklisia) and the nearby beautiful Psaromachalas neighborhood.
The unique “Fougaro” venue
The cultural – gastronomical multi-purpose venue “Fougaro” has been the life work of Florika P. Kyriakopoulou. The complex consists of a floral garden, three stone buildings, each with its own function and of course the smokestack (fougaro), after which the complex is named. This complex was created with the renovation of the old tomato canning factory with the brand name “Anthos”. The elegant café-restaurant offers special delicacies prepared with love. The “Fougaro” also boasts an Art Gallery, a Library, Workshops for children’s creative activities, art shops, biological products shop, and events venue. (“Fougaro”: Asklipiou 98, Nafplio tel: 27520 – 47300, www.fougaro.gr)
On foot or on bicycle….
One of Nafplion’s most amazing routes, either during the morning or during the afternoon, is the cobblestone alley that starts on one end of the coastal road and ends at the Arvanitia coast. This route, between the hill of Akronafplia and the Argolic gulf, is ideal for bicycle riding. The Panagia of Spilia (Holy Mary from the Cave) chapel, otherwise named Santa Maria Grotta by the venetians, a favorite place for local people and visitors to go on a pilgrimage, is located along the way.
During night time guests can enjoy sea delicacies at one of Nafplion scenic restaurants and visit the city’s bars for drinks and good music.
Hotel recommendation:
• 3Sixty Hotel and Suites: www.3sixtyhotel.gr, tel.: 2752500501
• Nafsimedon Hotel: www.nafsimedon.gr, tel.: 2752
• Xenon Hotel: www.xenoninn.gr, tel.: 27520 29333
• Ippoliti Hotel: ippoliti.gr, tel.: 2752 096088
Where to eat:
«Fougaro», «Arapakos», «Savouras», «Taverna of Stelaras», «Alaloum», «To Omorfo Tavernaki», «Vasilis», «Kipos», «Noulis», «Persemolo», «Omorfi Poli», «Ta Fanaria», «Palio Arhontiko», «Epi Skinis», «Kakanarakis 1986», «Hellas», «Noufara», «Amymoni» (στο Nafplia Palace), «Agnanti», «Aiolos».
You can enjoy Italian ice cream at the “Antica Gelateria di Roma”. Greek coffee brewed on embers, handmade sweets and music at the “Meli, gala, mousiki”.
What to buy:
Handmade pasta from “Mallios” food laboratory near the Three Admirals Square. Delicious Mediterranean Delicacies at the “Mediterraneo Delicatessen” (Sofroni 10, Old Town). Homemade preserves, candy, herbs, spices at the “Melokipos” (Stikopoulou 3). Good honey can be found at the “Nectar and Ambrosia”.
