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Picture of Greece: Nafplio, Nauplion
Nafplio or Nauplion is an ideal base for exploring the ancient sites of the noth-east Peloponese. Considered by many as one of the country's lovelist towns. The historic center is made up of narrow streets with neo-classical and Ottoman style buildings. From 1824 to 1834, Nafplio was the capital of the new formed state of Greece. Built round the feet of two fortresses, the gigantic Palamidi and Acronauplia, its beauty is mirrored in the serene waters of its bay. Tradition has it that the cuty's founder was Nauplios who gave his name to it. He was born of Poseidons's illicit union with Amymone, the lovely daughter of the King of Argos. Nauplion's son Palamides was a great seaman and hero of the Trojan War. He gave his name to the fearsome fortreess of Palamidi which towers in its masssive bulk above the pretty town, a ceaseless guardian.
The coast road continues on to Nauplia (Nafplion), capital of the prefecture and one of the loveliest towns in all Greece. The old city with its neoclassic houses, picturesque streets, wooden balconies with cascading flowers, Turkish fountains, Constitution (Syntagma) Square with its fascinating mosques and outdoor cafe tables is like a fairy land.
Weather in Nafplio, Nauplion Greece for tourists
And the fairy tale world continues, whether you climb up the 857 steps to the Venetian fortress of Palamidi crowning the city, wander round the battlements of Acronafplia or pop over to the fortified islet, Bourtzi, afloat in the middle of the bay. A new sight or sensation keeps coming across your path.
Nafplion is full of the joy of life: it is the nobility and calm found in Minoan frescoes; it is Syntagma Square, which strikes you as more gracious and delightful every time you see it; it is the little restaurants on the waterfront, the open-air cinemas, the bars and the music that every evening takes you closer to the people, the sea and the stars.
In Syntagma Square the Archaeological Museum, with its finds from various periods and frescoes from Mycenae (Mikines) and Assini, is housed in an imposing Venetian building, while the Folk Art Museum, on Vas. Alexandrou street, occupies a neoclassical house
