Nafplio Old Town

Nafplio Old Town is the historic centre of the seaside town of Nafplio in the Argolis region of the Peloponnese, Greece, and was the first capital of the modern Greek state from 1829 to 1834. The town is dominated by Venetian-era fortifications, with the Palamidi fortress on the hill above, the Acronafplia citadel on the old rock, and the small Bourtzi castle on an islet in the harbour. Below, the old town is a grid of pedestrian streets with neoclassical mansions, balconies draped in bougainvillea, small museums and many cafes and restaurants. The main square is Syntagma Square, flanked by Venetian buildings and the former mosque that served as the first Greek parliament, and it gives access to the National Gallery branch, the Archaeological Museum and the Peloponnesian Folklore Foundation museum. A walk along the Arvanitia promenade circles the foot of Acronafplia and offers harbour views. Climbing Palamidi involves the well-known stairway of about 999 steps (or a road for vehicles) and rewards visitors with sunset views over the Argolic Gulf. Most visitors spend half a day to a full day, and many use Nafplio as a base for Mycenae, Epidaurus and Tiryns. The town is busiest on weekends, when Athenians arrive, and in summer evenings when the waterfront fills. Weekday mornings are quietest and give the best light on the old facades. Cobbled streets and sea breezes keep the area pleasant, but summer afternoons can be hot on the fortress slopes.