Syntagma Square
In Nafplio, Greece .
More places to visit in Nafplio
Discover more attractions and things to do in Nafplio.
Akronafplia Castle
Dominating the headland between Arvanitia and the Old Town, Akronafplia Castle traces its roots to Mycenaean fortifications of the 13th century BC , later expanded by Byzantine and Frankish rulers through the medieval era. The Venetians added bastions and walls in the 15th century , creating a labyrinth of ramparts and hidden cisterns. During Ottoman occupation (1540–1686), Akronafplia's elevated position served as a watchtower for seaborne threats. In 1822, it briefly housed rebels of the newly formed Greek state. Today, accessible via winding pathways, visitors explore restored ramparts, a chapel dedicated to Agios Georgios , and panoramic terraces overlooking Palamidi and the Argolic Gulf. Botanists study rare flora within its secluded courtyards, while geology enthusiasts examine the distinct stratified sandstone formations. Akronafplia stands as a living palimpsest of antiquity, medieval strategy, and modern preservation.
Arvanitia Promenade
Winding along the rocky coast from Bourtzi Castle to Karathona Beach, the Arvanitia Promenade was laid out by local authorities in the 19th century under King Otto's administration to enhance seaside leisure. Also known as the "Queen’s Walk", it became a favoured route of Queen Amalia for evening strolls beneath olive groves and cypress trees. The shaded path crosses stone bridges and overlooks secluded coves where crystalline waves lap pebble shores. Intermittent benches and gazebos invite visitors to pause at scenic outlooks capturing the sunset over the Peloponnesian coastline. Naturalists appreciate the coastal flora including sea lavender and tamarisk, while fitness enthusiasts use the route for jogging at dawn. The promenade remains a cornerstone of Nafplio’s recreational life, blending royal heritage, coastal landscape, and modern-day serenity.
Bourtzi Castle
Nestled on a tiny islet guarding Nafplio’s harbor, Bourtzi Castle was commissioned in 1473 by Venetian architect Antonio Gambello under the rule of the Republic of Venice . This compact fortress, encircled by a moat and seawater-channeled drawbridge, served as both defensive outpost and prison, notably detaining Ottoman captives during the 18th century . In the 19th century , it was converted into a royal guesthouse by King Otto and later repurposed as a maritime hotel in the 1960s. Restored in 2007 , its cannons, guard towers, and inner courtyard are once again accessible via boat tours. Photographers prize the castle’s silhouette against sunrise, while historians study its layered Venetian, Ottoman, and modern adaptations. Seasonal open-air film screenings carried by sea breezes revive Bourtzi’s cinematic allure, blending medieval architecture with contemporary culture.
Palamidi Fortress
Perched atop a limestone ridge 216 meters above sea level, the Palamidi Fortress was constructed by Venetian general Francesco Morosini between 1711–1714 to secure the gulf against Ottoman incursions. Accessed via the famous 999 stone steps carved into the hillside, each bastion offers commanding panoramas of Nafplio’s rooftops and the Argolic Gulf. During the Greek War of Independence (1821–1830), it served as the revolutionary capital’s last stronghold before falling to Ottoman-Egyptian forces. Following liberation, Governor Ioannis Kapodistrias briefly used Palamidi as a prison for political dissidents. Archaeologists have uncovered traces of earlier Mycenaean walls at the base, hinting at millennia of strategic occupation. Today, centuries-old cannons, olive tree groves, and restored ramparts invite exploration, while seasonal illumination highlights the fortress’s robust baroque bastion design at dusk. Palamidi remains a testament to Byzantine, Venetian, and modern Greek’s layered military heritage.