Former capital city of Greece, beautiful seaside location in the Peloponnese

Nafplio

Ναύπλιο [in older literature Ναύπλιον]

Map of Nafplio

Five important historical events of Nafplio

Venetian Rule and Fortifications – 1389-1540 and 1686-1715

Nafplio was used as a stronghold during the Venetian occupation. The Venetians fortified the city by building structures like the Palamidi Fortress and the Bourtzi Castle for strategic advantage over the town the Argolic Gulf. These fortifications made Nafplio one of the most important, and powerful, ports in the eastern Mediterranean.

Greek War of Independence - Liberation of Nafplio – 1822

During the Greek War of Independence, Nafplio went free after a period of 238 years of Ottoman rule. On December 3, 1822, Greek forces under the leadership of General Theodoros Kolokotronis captured the city, which became a strategic base for the revolution.

Nafplio as the First Capital of Modern Greece – 1829-1834

At the end of the war, Nafplio became the first capital of modern Greece from 1829 to 1834. It was this period that the design of the modern Greek state were created. Key figures such as Theodoros Kolokotronis and Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first Governor of Greece, played a crucial role in the city.

Assassination of Ioannis Kapodistrias – 1831

A major event in Greek history occurredwhen Ioannis Kapodistrias was assassinated on October 9, 1831, outside the Church of Saint Spyridon in Nafplio.

The transfer of the Capital to Athens – 1834

In 1834, the new King Otto moved the capital from Nafplio to Athens. This marked the beginning of Athens' rise again as the center of the newly established Greek state, and Nafplio's role as the capital came to an end.

Nafplio and the "Vampire's Grave"

One unusual fact about Nafplio is that it is the supposed home to a legendary "vampire grave." Located in the Old City cemetery of Nafplio, it is said to be the final resting place of the remains of a man reputed to be a "true vampire" in the 19th century.

Local legend is that his body is buried beneath a massive stone slab with chains around the coffin.

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