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Palamidi Fortress: A Venetian Masterpiece Above Nafplio

Explore the Fortress of Palamidi in Nafplio: a historic Venetian fortress with breathtaking views and a rich history of Greek independence.

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The Fortress of Palamidi, an imposing Venetian-built fortress, dominates the skyline of Nafplio, Greece. Perched on a high hill, it offers stunning panoramic views and a glimpse into the region's rich history, having been a strategic stronghold for centuries.

A brief summary to Fortress of Palamidi

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as there is a significant amount of walking and climbing involved.
  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds.
  • Bring water, especially during the summer months, as there is limited shade.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the fortress and enjoy the views.
  • Check the opening hours before your visit, as they vary seasonally.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Nafplio city center, the most direct approach to Palamidi Fortress is via the staircase that begins near Arvanitia Road. Be prepared for a steep climb of approximately 857 steps. The ascent offers stunning views of Nafplio and the Argolic Gulf. Allow 25-35 minutes for the climb, and wear comfortable shoes. There is an entrance fee of €8 for a full ticket and €4 for a reduced ticket. Note that the climb can be challenging, especially during hot weather; bring water.

  • Public Transport

    Local buses connect Nafplio with the Palamidi Fortress. Check the KTEL Argolidas bus schedule for routes and times. The bus will drop you off near the entrance, avoiding the need to climb the steps. A one-way bus ticket within Nafplio costs approximately €1-€2. From the bus stop, there is a short walk to the ticket office, where the entrance fee is €8 for a full ticket and €4 for a reduced ticket.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Nafplio and offer a convenient way to reach the Palamidi Fortress. A taxi ride from the city center to the fortress costs approximately €5-€10. The taxi will take you directly to the entrance, where parking is available. The entrance fee to the fortress is €8 for a full ticket and €4 for a reduced ticket. Taxis can be found at central locations or booked by phone.

  • Driving

    If driving, follow the main road that connects Nafplio with Karathona beach. This route leads directly to the eastern entrance of the fortress. Parking is available near the entrance. From the parking area, there is a short walk to the ticket office. The entrance fee is €8 for a full ticket and €4 for a reduced ticket. Be aware that parking may be limited during peak season.

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Discover more about Fortress of Palamidi

Rising dramatically above the city of Nafplio, the Fortress of Palamidi is a testament to Venetian military architecture and a key landmark in the Peloponnese. Constructed between 1711 and 1714 during the second Venetian occupation, the fortress was designed by Antonio Gambello and built with remarkable speed. Its strategic location on a 216-meter hill provided unparalleled views of the Argolic Gulf and the surrounding area, making it a formidable defensive position. The fortress consists of eight self-contained bastions, each designed to operate independently, ensuring that if one fell, the others could still be defended. These bastions were initially named after Venetian commanders but later renamed by the Greeks to honor ancient Greek heroes such as Miltiades, Achilles, and Leonidas. Visitors can explore these bastions, including the Miltiades Bastion, which served as a prison and held the famous Greek War of Independence hero, Theodoros Kolokotronis. Despite its strong defenses, the fortress was captured by the Turks in 1715, only a year after its completion. It remained under Ottoman control until 1822 when Greek rebels, led by Staikos Staikopoulos, seized it. This victory was a turning point in the Greek War of Independence, symbolizing Greek resilience and the fight for freedom. The fortress later served as a prison for many years. Today, Palamidi stands as a well-preserved monument, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the grandeur of Venetian engineering while enjoying breathtaking views. Key highlights include the Church of St. Andrew and the prison cell of Kolokotronis.

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