Continuing on into the Peloponnese, we arrived at the city of Nafplio (Ναύπλιο). The shot below is taken from a rest stop as we crossed the Peloponnese.
The port itself is ancient; a possible inscription has been traced to an Egyptian funerary inscription in the 14th B.C. - quite possible, as it was the port of Argos, one of the great ancient cities of Mycenean Greece. The city eventually conquered by Argos and dwindled in importance.
What became important (in the pictures below and above) was the Acronauplia, the fortress which stands above the town. Originating in pre-classical times, the fortress was expanded upon by the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Frankish Crusaders, Venetians and Ottoman Turks (known as Palamidi Castle). Like other cities we have seen, it was held by the Venetians through the 14th to 16th Century, fell to the Ottoman Turks in the 16th Century, returned briefly to Venetian rule in the 17th Century, and was then reconquered by the Turks until its incorporation into the Kingdom of Greece in 1822. It also served as the capital of Greece from 1828-1834.
Like Corfu City and Preveza, the city retains much of its time under Venetian rule.
The Church of St. George. It was under construction inside, but we could take pictures:
Seeing these sorts of streets makes me want to visit Venice:
A view from our hotel room of the castle of Bourtzi (which we will see tomorrow):
Dinner for the night. Maybe from the bay?
Not seeing any trash on those city streets TB, wonder what that says about where I live?! And that last photo.....just had to post something to get the stomach rumbling at this hour eh........ :)
ReplyDeleteNylon12, this was true for everywhere we went in Greece. The only thing (rather interestingly) that was present in lots of places was graffiti (although sadly, most of it was in English).
DeleteThe fish was great.
Like Nylon12, I've been impressed with the cleanliness of the streets every place you've showed us. But, I suppose having pride in and respect of one's towns and country is how a nation can have a rich and fascinating history spanning thousands of years.
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing being under Venetian rule means quite a bit of Venetian influence. Even so, the result is distinctively Greek.
Leigh, I think Greeks are very proud of being Greek and their history. Other than as noted above with the graffiti, it was almost universally well kept. Athens was probably dirtier than other cities, but they do have (or at least have had) quite a pollution problem.
DeleteIt is interesting - once you have seen two or three such towns, you begin to be able to say "Yup. Venetian". The Greeks made it their own though, although that I am aware no similar artistic style to the Ionian School existed in the Peloponnese.
Um, that fish looks tasty ! Thanks for the photos of that location.
ReplyDeleteIt was very good, and the setting - right along the seaside - was great.
DeleteYou are very welcome. It is a pleasure to share them.
I'm not sure I followed up but we have confirmed tickets to head to Greece come spring break. The thing I am most looking forward to is the food while we are there.
ReplyDeleteThis is great news Ed! Where are you going?
DeleteAlas I’m in the dark. As a gift to my eldest before she leaves for college, the trip has been all her idea, including the planning for day to day activities. I just had to purchase plane tickets to Athens and then back home. I do know she really loves Greek mythology so I can probably guess some of the stops.
DeleteWell, hopefully I have equipped you somewhat Ed. If you do the Acropolis (I assume you will), the Agora is literally right below it. Do go to see the Acropolis Museum nearby - really top notch museum, both the exhibits and the actual design itself. The one museum we did not get to - due to distance - was the National Archaeological Museum, which is also supposed to be excellent.
DeleteI am hopeful at least Delphi is on the list, if not Olympia.
By all means, reach out if you have any questions. I may not know the answer, but I can at least make one up.
Ooh dinner looks great!
ReplyDeleteRain, it really was delicious.
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