The imposing Venetian fortress above Nafplio
Palamidi towers majestically over Nafplio and is one of the most significant and best-preserved fortification complexes in Greece. Built by the Venetians in the early 18th century, it was designed with a perfect defensive system: it features eight autonomous bastions, which were interconnected yet capable of operating independently in the event of a siege. Its strategic position ensured total control over both the city and the Argolic Gulf.
Following the liberation of Nafplio by the Greeks in 1822, Palamidi entered modern history as a symbol of the Revolution. The hill upon which it sits reaches a height of 216 m; there is road access to the entrance, unless you prefer to climb the legendary "999 steps," which in reality are 857.
Ascend to Palamidi early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat and to watch the light "embrace" the city and the Bourtzi from above. A walk among the bastions offers a sense of seclusion and grandeur that is hard to find elsewhere.
The Bastion of Saint Andrew houses the church of the same name, while the Miltiades Bastion served as the prison for Theodoros Kolokotronis, the hero of the Revolution—an event that bestowed the castle with immense historical and symbolic weight.
Following the liberation of Nafplio by the Greeks in 1822, Palamidi entered modern history as a symbol of the Revolution. The hill upon which it sits reaches a height of 216 m; there is road access to the entrance, unless you prefer to climb the legendary "999 steps," which in reality are 857.
Ascend to Palamidi early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat and to watch the light "embrace" the city and the Bourtzi from above. A walk among the bastions offers a sense of seclusion and grandeur that is hard to find elsewhere.
The Bastion of Saint Andrew houses the church of the same name, while the Miltiades Bastion served as the prison for Theodoros Kolokotronis, the hero of the Revolution—an event that bestowed the castle with immense historical and symbolic weight.
