Standing 216 meters above sea level and overlooking the Argolic Gulf, the Palamidi Fortress is an outstanding example of Venetian baroque architecture. Despite its size, the Fortress of Palamidi took just three years to be concluded, from 1711 to 1714. The impressive castle on the rock above Nafplio, designed by Giancix and La Salle, was occupied by the Turks in 1715, a year after its completion. It took more than a century to return to Greek possession in 1822.
Today, the Palamidi Fortress is one of the main attractions of the area. Even though it’s more than 300 years old, the fortress is in excellent condition. Apparently, a visit to Palamidi is a must if you happen to be in the eastern Peloponnese. Walking on century-old stones and wandering through high walls and impressive buildings is an amazing experience. Plus, you will enjoy spectacular views of Nafplio’s Old Town and Acronauplia.
So, this short travel guide to Palamidi Fortress (Greek: Παλαμήδι) contains plenty of information, several photos, and a 4K video. Let’s start.
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The Palamidi Fortress in Nafplio, Greece
If you watched the video above, you have a good overview of the area. So, let’s proceed to the things you need to know for your visit to Palamidi.
Where exactly is Palamidi?
The Fortress of Palamidi lies a few kilometers outside of Nafplio. It is ideal for a day trip from Athens and easy to combine with other places of interest like the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus. You can easily reach Nafplio in less than two hours. Therefore, you can rent a car in Athens and drive easily to the fortress.
If you don’t have a car or if you prefer to have a tour guide, at the end of this post, you’ll find an excellent guided tour to Palamidi.
Can you walk from Nafplio to the fortress of Palamidi?
Yes, you can, and according to the locals, it’s one of the most rewarding experiences. However, make sure to start early in the morning because the sun tends to be intense even in wintertime. Bring a hat with you and don’t forget a bottle of water. Last but not least, avoid doing it at noun during summertime.
One of the most common local myths is that you have to climb 999 steps to reach Palamidi. This seems to be more folklore, even though it’s not that far away from the real number. But it’s definitely eye-catching. The real number of steps is 857.
If this doesn’t sound tempting—it won’t be that easy—you can also drive via 25 Martiou Street, which starts from Nafplion downtown.
What can I see in the Fortress?
Apart from enjoying breathtaking views, there are also a couple of monuments in the fortress. All of them are in great condition, so make sure to stop at each one of them.
The Castle
The impressive Venetian castle -assumed the only one that the Venetians built outside their country- is a complex of high walls and beautiful buildings. Dating back to the early 18th century, it consists of eight bastions, initially named after the Venetian provveditori, which stands for local governors. During the Ottoman Empire occupation, the bastions got Turkish ones, and when the Greeks re-occupied the fortress, they used names of Greek heroes and leaders.
The prison of Theodoros Kolokotronis
One of the bastions, called “Miltiades,” was used as a prison. The most famous inmate was Theodoros Kolokotronis, the hero of the Greek Revolution. On June 7th, 1834, Kolokotronis received accusations of conspiracy against the regency. He was charged with treason and sentenced to death.
He spent 11 months in the prison of Palamidi before being pardoned in 1835.
The Church of St Andrew
The church of St Andrew also occupies one of the bastions. This small barrel-vaulted church was built in 1712. On November 29th, 1822, one day before the Saint Andrew celebration, Staikos Staikopoulos and 300 men liberated the fortress of Palamidi from the Ottomans. The fact that this happened on the eve of St Andrew’s celebration made them think that they owed the victory to the Saint.
What’s the name of the little water castle?
When strolling around Palamidi, you will often see a small water castle in the open sea. That’s also a Venetian castle, and its name is Bourtzi. It lies in the middle of Nafplio’s harbor. It had several different uses in the past, among the most known ones being the residence of the guillotine keeper.
What is Acronauplia?
From the viewpoint of the Palamidi Fortress, you will enjoy a spectacular sea view and see a dramatic stripe of land. Its name is Acronauplia (or Acronafplia), which literally translates to “Nafplio’s edge.” Once a spot of exile for political prisoners, Acronauplia is today a Natura 2000 reserve, hosting a wide variety of flora and fauna.
Opening Times and Tickets for visiting Palamidi Fortress
The ticket for visiting Palamidi currently costs 8 euros (Reduced: 4 euros). The selling point is straight at the Castle’s entrance. You will also receive a leaflet with info about the fortress.
The opening times are:
Winter:
08:00-17:00
Summer:
April: 08:00-19:00
From May 2nd to August 31st: 08:00-20:00
1st September-15th September: 08:00-19:30
16th September-30th September: 08:00-19:00
1st October-15th October: 08:00-18:30
16th October-31th October: 08:00-18:00
The schedule is accurate but feel free to cross-check it at the official website of the Greek Ministry.
A guided tour of Palamidi Fortress
As I wrote in the beginning, there are several guided tours to Palamidi Fortress and the area around it. It’s also possible to visit Palamidi and Nafplio from Athens on a day tour. In this section, I will only add one tour that combines everything so that you can make the most out of your day trip.
The day tour I suggest starts from Athens and combines Mycenae, Epidaurus, and Nafplio. Visiting the two legendary spots of Greek antiquity plus stopping at Nafplio and Palamidi is definitely one of the best things to do in Greece. Plus, this is a small group tour and includes entry fees to some of the sites.
You can book the day tour here.
Where to stay close to Palamidi fortress
Apparently, the best option for your accommodation is the town of Nafplio. There are no hotels in the area straight at the castle, and anyway, there’s not so much to see. The small coastal city of Nafplio, which once served as the capital of Greece, is much more lively and full of charm. There are plenty of hotels in the city, and you can also swim on the beaches around.
The hotels I suggest in Nafplio are:
Ilion Hotel. In the middle of Nafplio’s Old Town and hosted in a former mayor’s house, that’s actually one of the unique options for your stay in the city. A stylish place with a touch of history. See prices and availability for the Ilion Hotel here.
Amymone Suites. One more beautiful option for your stay in Nafplio. Located just 200 meters away from Syntagma Square, the heart of the Old Town, Amymone is a beautiful accommodation option, featuring large rooms and proximity to everything. Book your room at Amymone Suites here.
Anthemion Suites and Villas. Located a few hundred meters from the Old Town, Anthemion is a great option if you want to be in a quiet environment. This great hotel offers spacious rooms, a big garden surrounded by olive trees, and a swimming pool. Check prices and availability for Anthemion Suites and Villas here.
The Fortress of Palamidi: Final Thoughts
The Palamidi Castle and the fortress surrounding it are a must-see if you are on a road trip to the Peloponnese. Make sure to stop by and enjoy the fantastic views it has to offer. The Fortress of Palamidi is a place full of modern Greek history, and ideally, you should combine it with a visit to Nafplio.
The same goes, of course, if you’d like to visit the area on a day trip from Athens. Start early in the morning and head over to Palamidi before continuing towards another place of interest like Mycenae or Epidaurus. And keep in mind that: the Peloponnese might not be as famous as the Greek islands, but it’s definitely one of the most beautiful areas in mainland Greece.
More about Greece: Greek islands on a budget, One week in Greece, Greek Ferries Guide
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Last Updated on April 12, 2024 by George Pavlopoulos