Location: Nafplio
Top Things to do in Nafplio
Things to do in Nafplio, Peloponnese: The Best Historic Sites
Nafplio (Greek: Ναύπλιο) is a seaport town in the Peloponnese in Greece that has expanded up the hillsides near the north end of the Argolic Gulf. The town was an important seaport held under a succession of royal houses in the Middle Ages as part of the lordship of Argos and Nauplia, held initially by the de la Roche following the Fourth Crusade before coming under the Republic of Venice and, lastly, the Ottoman Empire. The town was the capital of the First Hellenic Republic and of the Kingdom of Greece, from the start of the Greek Revolution in 1821 until 1834. Nafplio is now the capital of the regional unit of Argolis.
Restaurants in Nafplio
1. Church of Agios Spyridonas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
Reviewed By permia
From the uplifting facades to stunning interior, it’s an exceptional place of worship at the heart of the town. Dedicated in 1702 during the later Venetian rule it has fame for a darker deed carried out in its precincts. This was the assassination in 1831 of Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first ruler of the newly independent Greek State, by his political enemies. A gorgeous nave is truly inspiring. Festooned with ornateness, it leads to the exceptional iconostasis that is embellished with holy imagery. A glorious Pantocrator is at the dome apex. A deep azure ceiling is bejewelled with stars, a marvellous celestial vista.
2. Catholic Church of Metamorphosis Tou Sotiros
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By karenpS3081GH
Catholic mass said at 19:00 on Sat and Sun evenings and at 11 am on Sunday mornings ( correct as of August 2019). Very welcoming priest who prints out the readings in different languages for people and offers drinks of water afterwards. There is air conditioning in the church but it can still be a little hot depending on the humidity so a fan can be useful.
3. To Roloi
4. Bourtzi
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 317 reviews
Reviewed By permia
We had two magnificent vistas of it, from the harbour and an aerial view from Palamidi. An imposing robust bastion in light-hued stone it looked particularly grand in the fine morning sunshine. Built in the 1470s by the first Venetian rulers of the area it provided defence from sea attack and invasion. To this end there was apparently further protective measures in the form of a chain between it and Akronafplia. After the Ottoman occupations it served as a prison for a while and then welcomed guests as a luxury hotel during the last century.
5. Vouleftiko (Old State House)
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By permia
From its origins in 1730 as a Mosque, built so the story goes by a wealthy Ottoman Agha in reparation for his killing of two Venetians, it has had a varied life. Its most revered role by Greeks is as home for the first Greek Parliament for a few months in the mid 1820s. Subsequently it served as a school. For a time a prison existed on the entrance floor. After renovation it now serves as a cultural centre with the Municipal Gallery and also hosts conferences.
6. Land Gate
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By permia
First constructed under the Venetians in the 1680s, what we admire today is a reconstruction but it gives a fine semblance of what an impressive entrance it was. It marked one of the portals to the city and closed right after sunset. So too bad if you arrived after that because you had to spend the night outside the city. With a lion atop and different stone work on front and back it continues to be a popular landmark.
