Nafplio, Greece

Visit Historical Sites

Nafplio’s historical sites include Palamidi Fortress, Bourtzi Castle, Mycenae, and Epidaurus.

Palamidi Fortess sits on top of a hill at about 709 feet above sea level overlooking the town of Nafplio. It was built in the 18th century by Venetians when they occupied the region. Construction began in 1711 and was completed in 1714. It served as a defensive stronghold to protect the town and its harbor from invasions by both land and sea during various conflicts and occupations.

Palamidi Fortress features impressive military architecture and is surrounded by fortified walls, bastions, and ramparts. The eight bastions that compose the fortress are each named after a different hero from Greek mythology (Archilles, Militiades, Leonidas, so on).

To get here, you can walk up the 999 steps that compose its stairway or by car. Once you reach the top, you’ll have a full panoramic view of Nafplio and its surroundings. During your visit, make sure to explore the fortifications, the bastions, the interior of the buildings where you’ll find prison cells and the powder magazine, and the Church of Saint Andrew.

The Bourtzi Castle is located on a rocky islet in the harbor of Nafplio. It was also built by Venetians to fortify and protect the town from naval attacks, but it was built two centuries before the Palamidi Fortress. The Bourtzi Castle has a distinctive octagonal shape featuring sturdy stone walls, towers, and battlements. You can make your way here by boat from the waterfront promenade of town.

Mycenae is an archaeological site situated not quite in Nafplio but it is nearby. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This was one of the major centers of Greek civilization during the Late Bronze Age. It has incredible fortifications and monumental architecture. Its rich archaeological finds give a valuable insight into the culture, society, and history of ancient Greece.

Among the most notable discoveries made here are The Lion Gate, the Treasury of Atreus (aka the Tomb of Agamemnon), and the Grave Circle A (a royal cemetery containing a wealth of grave goods and artifacts). You can visit the on-site museum to view the displays of artifacts and finds from the excavations.

The Epidaurus is another archaeological site you can visit while in Nafplio. This is also another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Epidaurus was an important religious and healing sanctuary in ancient Greece.

It was dedicated to Asclepius, the god of medicine. Its most famous feature is the ancient theater, considered one of the finest examples of classical Greek theater architecture, renowned for its exceptional acoustics and perfect symmetry.

This theater can seat about 14,000 people, and it’s still used for performances of ancient Greek drama, music festivals, and other cultural events today. The Epidaurus also has an on-site museum where you can view the artifacts and finds from excavations done at this sight.