Trianon - The Old Mosque

The Trianon Mosque, also known as the Old Mosque (Παλαιό Τζαμί), stands as a testament to Nafplio's diverse history. Constructed during the first period of Ottoman rule, likely in the late 16th century or shortly before 1666-1667, it represents the oldest surviving Ottoman architectural example in the city. Its location in the Grand Vizier's quarter, or the quarter of Sultan Ahmed, placed it at the heart of the town's market during Ottoman times.The building's design features a simple rectangular plan topped with an octagonal dome. The entrance once boasted an arched, colonnaded porch sheltered by three smaller domes. While a small courtyard existed to the west, it is no longer preserved. Over the centuries, the Trianon Mosque has undergone numerous transformations.When the Venetians gained control in 1687, the mosque was converted into a church dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua. However, the Ottomans reclaimed it in 1715 and restored its function as a mosque. After Greece's independence in 1830, it became a mutual-teaching school for poor families. Later uses included serving as the Nafplio Magistrate's Court and even the town's metropolitan church. In 1893, it was renovated into a conservatory and theater, and in 1937, it was transformed into the Trianon municipal cinema, a name still recognized by locals. Since 1993, it has been the seat of the Municipal Theater of Nafplio and a venue for cultural events and exhibitions.Today, the Trianon Mosque stands as a unique space where the echoes of prayer have given way to the vibrant expressions of art.