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PLACE :
NAFPLIO
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NAFPLIO
Nafplio is found in the south-western side of the prefecture Argolida and is her capital. It is a beautiful city with brilliant history. From the ancient years as our days it plays the lead role at the Greek history. Nafplio existed the first capital of emergent state of Greek.
The city holds a key position which enables sea communications, but is also protected by the steep rock of Akronafplia, a combination which made Nauplio ever since the Neolithic Era, one of the most desirable places of inhabitance but also of conquest. Indeed, Nauplio will be repeatedly invaded by Argians, Goths, Slavs, Byzantines, Franks, Venetians and Turks.
Until 1822 when the Greeks revolted against the Turks, fought and won back Palamidi and finally free Nauplio.
In January 1823, it became the seat of the temporary government of the Greek nation, which was at the time struggling for its independence.
In January 1828, the first governor of Greece, Ioannis Kapodistrias, will come to the city.
A few years later in 1831 he will be assassinated near the church of Agios Spyridon.
A period of anarchy and upheaval will follow until King Othon, accompanied by 36 foreign vessels and a large retinue will arrive at Nauplio, in January 1833.
The next year, the Greek capital will be transferred to the city of Athens.
From an architectural point of view, Nauplio is a complex of Frankish, Venetian and Turkish buildings both secular and neoclassic. Its broad streets and small alleys, its squares, Ottoman fountains, monuments, statues and beautiful parks paint the portrait of a most charming city which captivates its visitors.
But apart from Nauplio picturesque quality, one can take a journey back in time, unfolding the city's glorious history by visiting the Archaeological Museum and its abundance of archaeological findings, the Museum of the Peloponnesean Folklore Institute, the fortified Akronauplia and Palamidi with its magnificent Venetian castle and the endless hewn steps (the traditional said that there are 999 steps!).
Inhabited ever since pre-historic times, the rock of Akronauplia offers the most breathtaking, panoramic view! From one side lies the old city with its numerous tile-roofs interrupted here and there by perennial trees' tops, the churches' belfries with the unique Bourdzi standing like a stationary ship amidst the waters of the serene harbor, and from the other -which is full of fig trees hanging from the rocks- the stunningly beautiful view of the Nauplio Gulf and the beach of Arvanitia which hides under the dominant presence of Palamidi.
From the foot of Palamidi with the Staikopoulos park, the Pili of Xiras, the house of Armansberg, the courthouse, Kapodistrias statue and the Trion Navarhon square with the first pharmacy of Greece, the first gymnasium (today's Town Hall), the Army Cadet School, King Othon's statue and Platia Syntagmatos with the house of Kolokotronis, the old Vouleutiko, the Mosque, the prison of Leonardos, and the archaeological museum, -which used to be an old Venetian warehouse- the visitor takes a journey into a unique place of historical memory.
The numerous commercials shops of the old city which sell mostly souvenirs, gifts jewelry, antiques, traditional pastries, and figurines of the folkloric Karagiozis-all of high quality- will lead you to the port with its famous fish taverns, its cafes and bars located opposite the famous Bourdzi.
At the quay you will walk past families taking their stroll, young people, couples, artists and intellectuals who seek for inspiration...
With the night flowers creating an exceptionally erotic atmosphere, Nauplio, all lit up, gives in to night life till the early morning hours
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ABOUT
NAFPLIO
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NAFPLIO
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