Nafplio Old Town & Palamidi Fortress Tours
Three fortresses guard one small town: Palamidi on its 216-metre rock, built by the Venetians in just three years to 1714; Akronauplia on the headland, fortified since antiquity; and Bourtzi out in the water. Below them lies the old town — marble streets, Venetian doorways, neoclassical balconies from the years when Nafplio ran the new Greek state, and the church steps where its first governor was shot in 1831.
70 tours · prices per person, book with partner
Old Town & Palamidi in Nafplio — FAQ
How many steps are there up to Palamidi?
Tradition says 999; the actual count is closer to 900, depending on where you start. The climb takes 20–30 minutes in the shade of early morning and is punishing after 11am in summer — there is also a road to the top gate if you have a car or take a taxi.
Why was Nafplio the capital of Greece?
It was the seat of the new Greek state from 1823 and officially the capital from 1828 to 1834, when King Otto moved the government to Athens. Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first governor, was assassinated on the steps of St Spyridon church here in October 1831 — the bullet mark is still shown to visitors.
What is the Bourtzi?
A small fortress the Venetians built on an islet in the harbour in 1473 to close the port with a chain. It later served as a residence for the town executioner and, in the 20th century, as a hotel. Boats run out to it from the quay in a few minutes.