Nafplio - The first Capital of Modern Greece

Nafplion (Ναύπλιο) is a town on the Peloponnese in Greece. The town was the capital of Greece from 1829 to 1834. Nafplion is situated on the Argolic Gulf in the northeast Peloponnese. During the Greek War of Independence, Nafplion was a major Ottoman (Turkish) stronghold.

Bourtzi Castle, Nafplion : The castle of Bourtzi is located in the middle of the harbour of Nafplio. The Venetians completed its fortification in 1473 to protect the city from pirates and invaders from the sea. The Greeks regained it from the Turks on June 18, 1822, from where they assisted in the siege of Nafplio. Until 1865 it served as a fortress. It was then transformed into residence of the executioners of convicts from the castle Palamidi. From 1930 to 1970 served as a hotel. Since then it is mainly a tourist attraction hosting occasionally parts of the Summer Music Festival.

Different views of the port and harbour


The Boat ride in sea to the Castle : Its not a big one, rather somehow comparable with Indian boats, used in rivers. The boat was weaving in the sea dangerously, as if it can toggle anytime. So we were bit afraid and hold our hands tightly. It seems to be a real life ride for us.

Below is the colourful city with nice restaurants in sea-side. At the end of the day we took our dinner here, with Pizza and Coffey. Some heating lamps was neutralising the chill effect of sea-winds. I must say this is really a nice experience to visit Nafplio.

The Palamidi Fortress, which sits above and dominates the city, is actually three separate fortresses walled together. It was built by the Venetian in 1714 and then taken by the Turks the following year and held until they surrendered it to Kolokotronis after a 15 month siege during the War of Independence.

The driveway is excellent as usual. One fascinating thing in Greece is the diversity of natural beauties in the highways, which always captivates me. The blue sky, deep blue sea, pyramid like mountains, subways, corn fields are really wonderful. I never get bored even after driving for more than 300km per day. While coming back I touched 170kmh in Getz. These drives are life time experience for me as I have started driving in highway so frequently after coming here.