Cultural Corridors of South East Europe

Heritage by Type / Historic Town

Nauplion

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Nauplion

About the site


Corridor: Western Trans-Balkan Road
Country: Greece, Argolis
Type: Fortress, Historic Town
Epoch: Middle Ages
Theme: Fortresses
World Heritage:
Middle AgesFortressesFortressHistoric Town

The town of Nauplion lies on the Argolic Gulf of the Peloponnesian Peninsula. Though quiet and serene now, it has seen many conquerors and cultures in the past. In the course of the centuries it was ruled by Byzantines, Latinians, Venetians and Turks. At the beginning of the 19th century it became the first capital of modern Greece.
The most imposing landmarks of Nauplion are the two Baroque fortresses guarding the gulf. One of them, next to the harbour, is situated on an islet in the sea. The second, commanding the gulf, was built on a rocky hill rising 200 m above the town. It reveals a magnificent view of the entire gulf and the city.
The town of Nauplion itself is a charming pattern of colourful Mediterranean houses with tiled roofs, cobble-stone paved narrow streets and passages, cypresses and fragrant blooming flowers and bushes, numerous churches and mosques. It has preserved traces from all the cultures that have passed through it. In Nauplion one can visit the Archaeological Museum or the unique Rosary Museum.

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