Palamidi Fortress

Tourists taking panoramic photos

The fortress of Palamidi occupies the summit of Palamidi hill in Nafplio. The impressive fortification was designed and built by the Venetian engineer Giancix and the French military engineer Pierre de la Salle between 1711 and 1714. In 1715 the fortress was captured by the Ottoman Turks who held it for a century. On the night of 29th November 1822, the Greek chieftain Staikos Staikopoulos and his troops took control of the fortress with a surprise attack. Between 1840 and 1926 the place was prison for those with death or life long sentences.

The Palamidi fortress was designed and built according to the best military principles. It consists of eight autonomous bastions connected with walls. Each bastion is designed like a mini fort - it can be defended independently from the rest. All walls are wide and low to withstand artillery fire. To emphasize the strength of the fortifications, the Venetians named some of them with ancient Greek names - Leonidas, Miltiadis, Themistocles, Epameinondas and Achilles. The central, biggest and strongest bastion was named Agios Andreas, served as headquarters and had church with the same name. The church still functions today and hosts the annual celebrations on 30 November devoted to the town liberation.

Palamidi fortress can be reached by foot or by car. The parking lot is small - for 20 cars and few buses. The pedestrian route is famous for its 999 steps leading to the castle. There is a legend that the steps were 1000, but the horse of Theodoros Kolokotronis broke one of them. In reality the steps number around 930 and they were built by the prisoners.

Visitors can see each of the bastions, the chapel, enter the prison cells, read the numerous information boards and enjoy the panoramic views. It takes a few hours to visit most of the interesting places inside the fortress.

Photos

Address and contacts

Address: Nafplio, Argolis Region, Peloponnese, Greece
Location: view on map

highlights: impressive Venetian fortress from 17th century, historic sight in Nafplio, Argolis Region, Greece

More about Nafplio

Palamidi Fortress photo galleryx