Nafplio was the first capital of Greece during its recent history. It attracts a great number of tourists every year. The Medieval castles, the neoclassical buildings as well as the alleys paved with stone and full of vougainvilleas create a marvelous spectacle and reveal the city’s long history. According to Greek mythology, Nafplio was named after the son of Poseidon and Amimoni. Archeological research has revealed that Nafplio has been inhabited even since the Premycenaean period.One of the most beautiful towns in the area of Argolis (in eastern Peloponnese) as well as one of the most romantic cities all over Greece, Nafplio was the first capital of the newly born Greek state between 1823 and 1834.
According to mythology, the town was founded by Náfplios, the son of god Poseidon and the daughter of Danaus (Danaida) Anymone. The town’s history traces back to the prehistoric era when soldiers from here participated in the Argonautic expedition and the Trojan War alike. The town declined during the Roman times and flourished again during the Byzantine times. Frankish, Venetian and Turkish conquerors left their mark in the town and strongly influenced its culture, architecture and traditions during the centuries. Ancient walls, medieval castles, monuments and statues, Ottoman fountains and Venetian or neoclassical buildings mesmerize the visitor with their unique architecture and beauty.