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Private Walking Tour with a Local Tour Guide in Nafplio
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Nafplio
Explore Nafplio’s rich history and charm on a 4-hour private walking tour with a local guide. Discover landmarks, stories, and hidden gems.
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Land Gate - Constructed in 1708 by a French engineer, the Land Gate replaced an earlier gate from the first Venetian occupation. It was the sole land entrance to the city and was closed at sunset. Anyone outside after that time had to stay overnight in the Pronia suburb. A seawater-filled moat ran along the eastern city wall in front of the gate, and access was via a wooden drawbridge.
- Church of Agios Spyridonas - A tragic event in modern Greek history occurred outside Agios Spyridon on September 27, 1831. Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first Governor of liberated Greece, was assassinated by the Mavromichali brothers as he arrived for Sunday Mass. The church is dedicated to the patron saint of his birthplace, Corfu. His assassins, Konstantinos and Georgios Mavromichalis, attacked him with a pistol and knife, respectively. Kapodistrias died instantly. Konstantinos was killed by an enraged crowd, and Georgios was executed days later.
- Nafplio War Museum - Housed in a two-story neoclassical building, the War Museum was originally the ‘Cadet School’ or ‘Central Military School’ from 1828 to 1834, founded by Ioannis Kapodistrias. The school aimed to provide the army with well-educated recruits. Restored and opened as a museum in November 1988, it is a branch of the War Museum of Athens.
- Trianon - The Old Mosque - Known today as ‘Trianon’ after the cinema once housed there, this building is notable for its architectural design and history. It is the oldest surviving mosque in the city, dating back to the first Turkish occupation in the late 16th century. Influenced by Byzantine church architecture, it differs from the Ottoman-style mosque in Syntagma Square.
- Archaeological Museum of Nauplion - This splendid Venetian building, constructed in 1713 by Venetian Superintendent Agostino Sagredo, now houses the Archaeological Museum. Originally a warehouse for the fleet, it marks the end of the ‘Megalos Dromos’ or ‘Great Road.’
- Syntagma Square - The most historic square in Nafplio, Syntagma Square has been central to the city since 1540. It was once the site of the Turkish commander’s seraglio. The square has undergone several name changes, reflecting its historical significance. Known as ‘Platanos Square’ in the 19th century, it was renamed ‘Ludwig Square’ in 1843, then ‘Syntagma Square’ after the 1843 revolution, and later ‘Stratonas Square’ and ‘King George II Square.’
- Vouleftiko (Old State House) - Located in the southwest sector of Syntagma Square, this building holds a special place in Greek history as the meeting place of the rebellious Greek parliament. Built in 1730 during the second Turkish occupation, it was originally a mosque.
- Filellinon Square - This square features an old customs building from 1830 and other monuments of great beauty.
- Bourtzi - Originally called Castello dello Soglio, this Venetian castle has served various purposes, from prison to hotel to concert venue. It is worth visiting by boat, but even viewing it from afar creates a postcard-perfect memory of Nafplio.
- Five Brothers - These five cannons once protected the western side of the town and the harbor entrance. It is the only Venetian bastion that survived destruction.
- Akronafplia Fortress - The oldest of Nafplion’s three castles, originally built by the Romans and Byzantines. Until the Venetians arrived, the town was confined within its walls. The Turks called it Ic Kale, meaning inner castle. It served as a Greek political prison from 1936 to 1956.
- Dimarchio Nafpliou - Three Admirals Square is surrounded by significant historical and public buildings, including the first high school and the town hall. The most touristic street, Grand Street or King Constantine, passes in front of it.
- Platia Kapodistria - Meet Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first governor of Greece, at Kapodistria’s Square and enjoy ice cream at Kolokotronis Park.
- Kolokotronis Park - Dominated by a monumental statue of Theodoros Kolokotronis, a hero of the Greek revolution. Created by Tinian sculptor Lazaros Sochos in Paris, the statue is made of a copper alloy and stands on a stone pedestal. Kolokotronis is depicted on horseback, pointing the way forward. The statue, molded in 1894 and transported to Greece in 1895, was funded by a nationwide appeal.
- Megaro Armansberg - One of the most important mansions from Otto’s reign, originally dating from the second Venetian occupation but rebuilt in 1831. It was home to Count Joseph Ludwig von Armansperg, a controversial figure, in 1833-1834. The house was known for its grand interior and hosted receptions and balls.
- Church of Panaghia - Dedicated to the Presentation of the Virgin Mary, this church is one of the oldest and most beautiful in the city. Originally built in the 15th century during the first Venetian occupation, it was expanded around 1700 during the second Venetian occupation into a three-aisled basilica. The interior features a 19th-century wooden chancel, pulpit, and bishop’s throne in the eptanisian style. The narthex is a later addition, and the bell tower dates from 1907. The church also celebrates Aghios Anastasios, the city’s patron saint, with a procession on February 1st each year.
What's Included
- Bottled water
- Surprise gift
- Live guide language available: English, Greek
- Snacks
What's Not Included
- Breakfast
Additional Information
Discover the real Nafplio, the romantic city of Argolis, on a 3-hour walking tour with a local guide, ideal for every type of visitor. Start your adventure in the Venetian city by meeting your tour leader at the Land Gate, the only entrance to the city during the Venetian occupation, then you will also, pass by the point where Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first ruler of Greece, was assassinated.
Your tour leader will share stories of the charming city of Nafplio and its long history while walking through Syntagma Square, where the Venetian and neoclassical buildings such as the parliament and the Archaeological Museum dominate your surroundings.
At the port of the city, where you’ll learn about the Bourtzi castle, a Venetian fortress built on a nearby island, which stands as the most recognized attraction of Nafplion.
- Important information: The walking tour can take place from 8 am to 9 pm. When you finalize the reservation, please contact us so that we can agree on the exact time you want to take place. Entrance in sights: it is a walking tour so we do not enter in sights with admission fees. In particular, we do not enter in the Archaeological Museum, the Bourtzi Castle, the War Museum. We DO enter at the rest of the sights (except they are closed). Pick up from your hotel inside the city of Nafplion or central meeting point (Land Gate)
Location
The Land Gate
Underneath the imposing walls of Acronafplia, opposite the Judicial Palace and in front of the first buildings of the Old City, there is a monument which will definitely capture your sight; it is the Land Gate. It is next to Skarpeta restaurant and near the Bus Station.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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