Acronafplia

Nafplio's most ancient castle

It is Nafplio's oldest castle overlooking Bourtzi, positioned at the entrance of Argoliko bay and linked to the mainland just north of the Arvanitias ravine. Akronafplia, the large stone, has been occupied since ancient times. At the peak, one can experience amazing panoramic vistas. On one hand, one can appreciate the historic town with its numerous rooftops, the century-old trees, the church bell towers, and we mustn't overlook the distinctive Bourtzi located at the harbor's center. Additionally, one can appreciate the captivating sight of the Gulf of Nafplio, the fig trees flourishing on the cliffs, and also the Arvanitia beaches located at the base of the majestic Palamidi. The earliest fortifications originated in the 7th Century BC, yet little remains of them today. Efforts to enhance the fortification took place during the Byzantine period in the late 12th century. The Franks also contributed greatly to the expansion of the facilities after 1210, following their conquest of the city of Nafplio. The most significant architectural projects, which remain well-preserved to this day, were constructed later during the initial Venetian occupation (1389-1540) by the engineers Pasqualligo and Gambello. At that time, the castle of Toroni was constructed at the peninsula's eastern tip. In 1702, under the second Venetian rule, restoration efforts commenced on the castle. Five cannons of identical dimensions were installed to strengthen its defenses. To this day, they are recognized by the name -pente adelfia- -five siblings-. The fort is thought to have been linked to Palamidi through a hidden tunnel. Acronafplia served as a stronghold for defense until the Greek revolution. Kapodistrias set up a military hospital in that location. It functioned as a jail as well