Palamidi Fortress: Nafplio's Venetian Masterpiece

Perched atop a 216-meter high hill, Palamidi Fortress is a testament to Venetian military architecture and a symbol of Greek resilience. Built between 1711 and 1714 during the second Venetian occupation of the area, the fortress was designed by Antonio Gambello and quickly became a strategic stronghold. Its location provided unparalleled views of Nafplio and the Argolic Gulf, making it a vital defensive point. The fortress consists of eight independent bastions, each designed to be self-sufficient in case of attack. These bastions, initially named after Venetian proveditores, were later renamed by the Greeks to honor ancient heroes such as Leonidas, Miltiades, Achilles, and Themistocles. Visitors can explore these well-preserved structures, including the Agios Andreas Church, and even see the prison cell where Theodoros Kolokotronis, a hero of the Greek War of Independence, was held. Despite its formidable design, the fortress was captured by the Ottomans in 1715, only a year after its completion. In 1822, Greek rebels, led by Staikos Staikopoulos, retook Palamidi in a daring night assault, marking a turning point in the Greek War of Independence. After liberation, the fortress served as a prison for nearly a century. Today, Palamidi is a major tourist attraction, offering not only a glimpse into the past but also breathtaking panoramic views. Visitors can reach the fortress either by climbing the famous 857 steps (often mistakenly cited as 999) or by driving up the road from the east side. Exploring the fortress takes about an hour, but allow extra time for the ascent and descent, as well as to soak in the stunning scenery.