Summer colours
Continuing in my (delayed…sorry!) Greece series of recent adventures, I made my way to the port city of Nafplio. What a delightful change from the hustle and bustle of Athens. It was October and the weather was hovering around the mid 20’s mark. It was so “summery” and I could just imagine how busy this place would be in the bustling summer months. It serves tourists very well and there are a lot of ancient areas nearby that can easily be explored. Nafplio is located on the Argolic Coast, Northeast in the Peloponnese, one and a half hours south of Athens. The “older” part of the city, is situated on top of a peninsula, which faces the gulf.
The old part of the city
As with most parts of Greece, there is a lot of history here. Both ancient and modern. The city once served as the capital of Greece and was once considered to be part of the Ottoman Empire stronghold. There is a famous castle/fortress that overlooks this beautiful city, where many prisoners of the Greek war of independence were held. As I made my way up the castle I could see the emerging areas of the gulf and the whole city below me. Just amazing! I also had a chance to wander the many small streets, where rooms are offered for rent to tourists and restaurants prepare for the days trading.
Seaside architecture
Shutter windows and balconies of the many apartments
Cute streets with plenty of dining options
I also relished at the opportunity to visit the ancient city of “Epidavros” or Epidauras, located about a half hour’s drive away. More history surrounds this area and I am constantly amazed at how much history there actually is in Greece and the attempts to preserve it, by the government. The famous landmark here at Epidavros is the amphitheatre. Used as a source of entertainment in old times, concerts are still performed here in the summertime. The thing that stands out here are the acoustics. It’s been said and also documented through various modern trials that you can hear the strike of a match all the way up at the top of the theatre’ seats. It was also good to read while I was here, that this area of Epidavros had been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is also lots of restoration work going on as a means of maintaining the local history.
The ancient amphitheatre of Epidavros
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
In my last few days in Greece I took a trip down to Epidavros and and Mycanae. Definitely worth a visit!! Am loving your new site as well Peter…it is easy to get around and explore:D
Nafplio is the only town in Greece I would love to live in. The old city is so beautiful and it has thousands of bougainvilleas, the biggest I have ever seen and in a lot of colours.
I agree with Ivy. Nafplio is so beautiful. It’s been years since I’ve been back there, but I remember the flowers, atmosphere, food and atmosphere so vividly.
Thank you all. Yes I thoroughly enjoyed myself here. It was really beautiful..cheers.
Hi Peter , beautiful capture and story.
You should visit Monevbassia as well.
Best
Anastassios
This is such a beautiful town! Thanks for bringing back memories of my trip to Greece… Gorgeous photos!
Cheers,
Rosa