Nafplio Old Town
Nafplio Old Town features on the Gingerguide audio walk through Nafplio. Give it roughly ~45 min: enough to look, hear a two to three minute story on the spot, and ask the AI guide whatever the story leaves open.
- Type historic
- Suggested visit ~45 min
- Nafplio Nafplio guide
About Nafplio Old Town
A compact quarter of narrow streets and small squares between two fortresses, layered with Venetian and Ottoman marks, at the heart of Greece's first modern capital.
Nafplio's old town occupies a low neck of land beneath the cliffs of Acronauplia, a compact quarter of narrow streets and small squares set between two fortresses. It carries deep Venetian and Ottoman marks, from the Lion of St Mark over doorways and Venetian loggias to Ottoman fountains and mosques, overlaid with nineteenth-century neoclassical mansions. The town changed hands repeatedly among Byzantines, Franks, Venetians and Ottomans; the Venetians named it Napoli di Romania, and the Ottomans took it in 1540.
Liberated by Greek forces in 1823, Nafplio became the first capital of the modern Greek state and the seat of government under Governor Ioannis Kapodistrias, until the capital moved to Athens in 1834. It was here, at the church of Agios Spyridon, that Kapodistrias was assassinated in 1831. The old town also keeps its Venetian shore defences, including the Five Brothers battery that anchored the harbour chain and the inland Land Gate, the Porta di Terraferma.
Did you know? Liberated in 1823, Nafplio served as the first capital of the modern Greek state until 1834, when the seat of government moved to Athens; Governor Ioannis Kapodistrias led the country from here.
How long is a visit to Nafplio Old Town?
Set aside roughly ~45 min for Nafplio Old Town. That covers a good look and the narrated story, and because you set the pace you can always stay on.
Is Nafplio Old Town worth your time?
Nafplio Old Town is among the 15 narrated highlights the Gingerguide team chose for Nafplio, so it is worth a look. Hear the story for the context, then ask the AI guide for anything more.
Nearby stops in Nafplio
Day 1 of the Nafplio in 2 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of Nafplio Old Town
Preview the Nafplio tour free in the Gingerguide app.