Hotel
Aetoma Nafplion City Nafplion - History of Nafplion City |
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The history and sights of
Nafplion City - Argolis - Peloponnese - Greece |
BELOW
ARE APPROXIMATE DISTANCES FROM NAFPLION AND THE HOTEL AETOMA TO
SOME OF THE PLACES YOU CAN VISIT DURING YOUR STAY |
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Hotel
Aetoma - Athens - 130 kms
Hotel Aetoma - Corinth Canal - 50 kms
Hotel Aetoma - Ancient Corinth- 50 kms
Hotel Aetoma - Mycenae - 15 kms
Hotel Aetoma - Epidavros - 25 kms |
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HISTORY
OF NAFPLIA AREA AND NAFPLION |
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Back
to Nafplion and the surrounding area sightseeing
HISTORY OF NAFPLION
During the Mycenaean era the finds in Nafplia region bear witness
that the region was already inhabited. However the golden era
of the region dates back to the Geometric and the Archaic years,
at which time Nafplia was a founder member of the "state
and religion federation" of Kalavria.
Toward the end of the 7th Century, Nafplia was destroyed by Argos
and the remaining survivors took refuge in Methoni. Later on Argos
used Nafplia as its port.
During the Byzantine era Nafplion becomes the center of the then
statehood. Leon Sgouros is appointed the lord of Nafplion from
the Byzantine Emperor Michael Komninos. Leon Sgouros has to fight
many battles with the Franc leaders Bonifatio Momferatiko and
Godefrikos Bilardouino. Eventually he is killed and he is succeeded
by his widow who in turn hands over her rights to the Lord of
Epirus Michael A. Aggelo Komnino.
Nafplion then goes through a period where Francs, Venetians and
Ottomans try to conquer the city.
As a result a many of the Nafplion fortifications were constructed
during this period and mainly around the first decade of the 15th
Century. Due to the fortifications Mohammed the 2nd gives up on
conquering the city of Nafplion during the the start of the Venetian
- Ottoman war. In 1537 Nafplion experiences its longest siege
that lasted 3 and a 1/2 years. The siege finishes when, with the
intervention of France, an accord is signed that puts an end to
the Venetian - Ottoman war. In 1540 the Venetians hand over Nafplion
to the Ottomans. With the departing Venetians many Nafpliots followed
and abandoned Nafplio for Venice.
Later on the Turks give special privileges to the Greek Orthodox
church that takes over a leadership role for Nafplion. During
this time many Nafpliots return back to Nafplion. Amongst them
are many artists writers and literate Nafpliots that had studied
in Venice and Rome. As a result the economic and educational levels
bloom.
Palamidi, the castle on top of the rock of Nafplion, as well as
Bourtzi castle build on the small island, have many a story to
tell, about lootings that went on and conquerors that tried to
to conquer and take advantage of the riches of this small city
of the Argosaronic gulf.
The many grandiose buildings that bejewel Nafplion still today,
are there to tell us more about the city's history.
The Parliament building in the the central Constitution Square,
Various parts of the city that remind us of the arrival of Ioannis
Kapodistrias, the church of Saint Spyridon outside where Kapodistrias
was assassinated and much more. |
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NAFPLION
TODAY |
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Lets
leave Nafplion's history behind for now and suggest places that
should not be missed by the Nafplion visitor today.
Starting from the "Paralia", the waterfront area where
you may park your car without too much problem, walk towards
Nafplion's park area and marvel at the statue of the horse bound
Theodoros Kolokotronis, hero and fighter during the Independence
war, who gazes towards Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first governor
of Greece, whose statue is found in the next square. A stop
here or at the next door cafe, under the untiring gaze of Staikos
Staikopoulos, for coffee is a must.
Weather permitting viewing Nafplion City from high above, from
Palamidi Castle, is also a must. Palamidi build on a rock formation
rises 999 steps above Nafplion. The small bell tower, the little
church of Saint Andreas as well as the prison where Theodoros
Kolokotronis was imprisoned await you.
Do not miss the opportunity to of seeing the sunset by going
around "Arvanitias" and ending up at Akronafplia,
another fortification that protected Nafplion city. Stop here
for a drink at the swimming pool area of the deluxe hotel that
is situated here.
Nafplion offers countless choices of places to eat at. In the
small street of Staikopulou you will find many traditional tavernas
and traditional sweet shops. If course you prefer to have fish,
then head towards the tavernas by the waterfront.
For nightlife there are numerous small bars doted in all the
small streets of Nafplion city. Finally if your idea of nightlife
is live Greek music and dancing you will find places to cater
for your requirements along the road from Nafplio to Neas Kiou.
Take care however not to miss your sleep, as the numerous museums
of Nafplion await you in the morning.
The ARCHAELOGICAL MUSEUM in the main Constitution Square, the
FOLK MUSEUM in one of the tiny streets by the waterfront, the
HISTORICAL MUSEUM in Amalias Avenue, and an ART GALLERY near
the central park of Nafplion.
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