Secrets of Nafplio: Private walking tour with a local tour guide
5.0 / 5 · 38 traveler reviews
Discover the real Nafplio, the romantic city of Argolis, on a 2 hour walking tour with a local guide, ideal for every type of visitor. Start your adventure in the Venetian city by meeting your tour leader at the Land Gate, the only entrance to the city during the Venetian occupation, then you will also, pass by the point where Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first ruler of Greece, was assassinated. Your tour leader will share stories of the charming city of Nafplio and its long history while walking through Syntagma Square, where the Venetian and neoclassical buildings such as the parliament and the Archaeological Museum dominate your surroundings. At the port of the city, where you'll learn about the Bourtzi castle, a Venetian fortress built on a nearby island, which stands as the most recognized attraction of Nafplion.
Your experience
Stop 1
The Land Gate was built in 1708, by the French engineer, and succeeded the earlier gate dating from the first Venetian occupation. It was the only entrance to the city by land and, in fact, the gate would be closed at sunset. Whoever remained outside after that time was obliged to spend the night outside the city, usually in the Pronia suburb. In front of the gate was a moat filled with seawater, which ran along the eastern wall of the city. Access was only possible via a wooden drawbridge.
Stop 2
One of the darkest pages of modern Greek history unfolded outside the entrance of Agios Spyridon. There, on September 27th 1831, the first Governor of the liberated Greece, Ioannis Kapodistrias, was shot dead by the Mavromichali brothers, on his arrival at the church of Agios Spyridon to attend the Mass, as he used to do every Sunday; in the church, which was dedicated to the patron saint of his birthplace, the island of Corfu. At the entrance of the temple, however, his assassins had set him up and after greeting him, they attacked him: Konstantinos Mavromichalis with a pistol and Georgios Mavromichalis with a knife. The death of the Governor was instantaneous. Konstantinos Mavromichalis was persecuted and killed by the enraged crowd, while George Mavromichalis was executed a few days later.
Stop 3
The building which is known today as the ‘Trianon’, from the name of the cinema which was housed here, is of special interest, as much for its architectural design as for its history. It is the oldest mosque still surviving in the city and was strongly influenced by Byzantine church architecture. It dates from the time of the first Turkish occupation, probably the second half of the 16th century, and is possibly the only building in the city to survive from that time. It differs from the great mosque in Syntagma Square, the Parliament, as in the latter the Ottoman style of architecture seems to have taken over.
Stop 4
The building that today houses the Archaeological Museum is one of the most splendid of the Venetian buildings in the city, and marks the end of the ‘Megalos Dromos’ or ‘Great Road’. On the façade of the building there is a Latin inscription which informs us that the building was constructed in 1713, by the Venetian Superintendent of the Fleet, Agostino Sagredo, to be used as a warehouse for the fleet.
Stop 5
Syndagma Square, the most important and historic square in Nafplio, comprises the centre of the city. It is assumed that from 1540, the time of the first Turkish occupation, the Turkish commander of the Peloponnese, Mora-Pasha, had his seraglio here. The importance of the square is also demonstrated by the number of times it has undergone a change of name. In the 19th century it was known as ‘Platanos Square’ or simply ‘Platanos’, for the plane tree which once occupied the centre, in the shade of which national politicians made speeches. In 1843 the name was changed to ‘Ludwig Square’, in honour of Ludwig, father of King Otto, who had then visited the city. In the same year, after the revolution of 3rd September 1843, when the Greeks demanded that Otto grant them a constitution, the name was changed first to Syntagma (or constitution) Square, then ‘Stratonas Square’, and ‘King George II Square’.
Stop 6
The Parliament building, which is located in the south-west sector of Syntagma Square, holds a special place in Greek history, as it was here that the parliament of the rebellious Greeks met. It dates from 1730, the time of the second Turkish occupation of the city, and was originally built as a mosque.
Stop 7
Old customs building since 1830 and many other monuments of incompatible beauty.
Stop 8
The Castello dello Soglio, as the Venetian castle was first called, has had a mixed past (from prison to hotel to concert venue) and is worth visiting by boat. But just gazing at it is enough to form a postcard-perfect memory of Nafplio. In this tour, we admire and talk about this landmark without visiting the islet.
Stop 9
The five cannons that once protected the western side of the town and the entrance to the harbour. It’s the only Venetian bastion that escaped destruction.
Stop 10
Originally built by the Romans and Byzantines, is the oldest of Nafplion's three castles and until the arrival of the Venetians, the town was restricted within its walls. The Turks called it Ich - Kale (meaning inner castle). It was used as a Greek political prison from 1936 to 1956. Discover a breathtaking, locals-only secret at Akronafplia Castle, where the essence of Greece unfolds in a panoramic masterpiece. Perched high above Nafplio, this secluded viewpoint offers an iconic vista that captures the heart of the Mediterranean: endless azure waves of the Argolic Gulf stretching to meet a boundless sky, dotted with sailboats gliding gracefully. The rugged charm of the castle’s ancient walls frames the scene, while vibrant prickly pear cacti add a quintessentially Greek touch of wild beauty. This is the Greece of your dreams—vivid, timeless, and unforgettable.
Stop 11
Three Admirals Square is surrounded by important historical and public buildings such as the first high school, the town hall and the Grand Street or King Constantine, which is also the most touristic street of Nafplion, passes in front of it
Stop 12
Let's meet the first governor of Greece, Mr. Ioannis Kapodistrias at Kapodistria's Square and enjoy an ice-cream at Kolokotronis Park.
What’s included
- Bottled water
- Surprise gift
- Live guide language available: English
- Snacks
Not included
- Breakfast
Meeting and pickup
Underneath the imposing walls of Acronafplia, opposite the Judicial Palace and in front of the first buildings of the Old City, there is a monument which will definitely capture your sight; it is the Land Gate. It is next to Skarpeta restaurant and near the Bus Station.
Before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Important information: When you finalize the reservation, please contact us so that we can agree on the exact time you want to take place. Entrance in sights: it is a walking tour so we do not enter in sights with admission fees. In particular, we do not enter in the Archaeological Museum, the Bourtzi Castle, the War Museum. We DO enter at the rest of the sights (except they are closed). Pick up from your hotel inside the city of Nafplion, the Port or central meeting point (Land Gate)
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
Check dates and book on Viator →Confirm the meeting point, inclusions, cancellation policy and final price on Viator. We may earn a commission from your booking.