Hellenic Ports Association

According to Greek mythology, Nafplios son of Poseidon, founded Nafplia, which was fortified with cyclopean walls. Archaeological finds prove the city’s existence since the Mycenaean years. In recent years it was the capital of the independent Greek state during the period 1828 - 1833. Nafplio is one of the most tourist and picturesque cities in the country, with unchanging architecture, neoclassical character and a great historical and cultural tradition. As the cruise ships reach Nafplion, the first contact of the visitors will be the small island Bourtzi, in the middle of the harbor. It is a fortress built by the Venetians in 1473, being the trademark of Nafplio. Visitors starting their tour from Syntagma Square will meet: • The Archaeological Museum is in an imposing Venetian building of 1713 BC. The Museum exhibits findings from the Paleolithic, Mycenaean and historical periods. • The National Gallery is housed in a neoclassical building exposing features of an exquisite collection of works inspired by the liberation struggle of Greek Independence in 1821 BC. • The War Museum exposing thematic exhibits from the struggles of the Greek Nation. • The ‘’Vouleftikon’’, a building which was housed in the Old Mosque and operated the first Parliament of the liberated Greek state. • The metropolitan church of Saint George of the 16 th century with excellent hagiographies. • Τhe burial monument of Dimitris Ypsilantis, hero of Greek Independence, at the center of the central square. Small cobbled streets lead north to the foothills of Acronafplia, which is also the original core of the old town. An important archaeological site is the Venetian fortress of Palamidi, which dominates the hill above the city. It was built to protect the city against Venetian domination in 1687. The climb to Palamidi is done either by car or by a staircase with many stairs (referred to 999 stairs). Within a few kilometers of Nafplion you can visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tiryns, as well as Mycenae, one of the largest archaeological centers of Greek culture. ... first capital city of Greece!