Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
onto the sea and surrounding land. It was built by the Venetians between 1711 and 1714,
and is regarded as a masterpiece of military architecture. Within its walls stands a series
of independent bastions, strategically located across the hill. The most important, and
best preserved, is the western
Agios Andreas Bastion
, which stands at the top of the
steps from town. It was the home of the garrison commander, and it is named after the
tiny church in the interior courtyard. There are wonderful views over the Akronafplia and
the old town from the bastion walls.
The
Miltiades Bastion
, to the northeast, is the largest of the bastions. It was used as a
prison for condemned criminals from 1840 to 1920. War of Independence hero
Theodoros Kolokotronis spent several years here after being condemned for treason.
There are two main approaches to the fortress. You can go via the road (taxis cost
about €8 one way) or the energetic can tackle the seemingly endless steps that begin
southeast of the bus station. The exact number of steps is an issue of much conjecture.
Locals claim that there are 999 steps, which has prompted many travellers to conduct in-
dependent counts. Most report a considerably lower figure. Locals respond that the 999
steps are to the Church of Agios Andreas. Whatever the number, climb early and take
water.
Akronafplia Fortress
FORT
Rising above the old part of town, the Akronafplia fortress is the oldest of Nafplio's three
castles, although there's much less to see here than at the other two forts. The lower sec-
tions of the walls date back to the Bronze Age. Until the arrival of the Venetians, the
town was restricted to within its walls. The Turks called it İç Kale (meaning 'inner
castle'). It was used as a political prison from 1936 to 1956.
There's a lift up to the fortress from Plateia Poliko Nosokomiou at the western edge of
town (it accesses the Nafplia Palace hotel complex). The old gateway to the fortress,
crowned with a fine Venetian lion emblem, is at the top of Potamianou above Hotel
Marianna.
Bourtzi
FORT
(boat €4 return)
The island fortress of Bourtzi lies about 600m west of the town's port.
Most of the existing structure was built by the Venetians. Boats to the island leave from
the northeastern end of Akti Miaouli.
Peloponnese Folklore Foundation Museum
MUSEUM
