Nafplio or Anapli is a city in the Peloponnese, capital of the Argolida Regional Unit, seat of the municipality of Nafplio and the main port of the eastern Peloponnese. According to the 2011 census it had 14,203 inhabitants. It has been characterized as a traditional settlement and was the capital of Greece during the period 1827 - 1834.
Nafplio is known for Bourtzi, a small fortress built on an island in the port. From 1930 the castle was transformed into a hotel, which operated until 1970. Today, together with Palamidi, it is the symbol of the city of Nafplio. Palamidi, is a Venetian fortress that dominates the city, for Akronafplia (Turk. Its-Kale), another Venetian fortress, on the homonymous peninsula. Ioannis Kapodistrias was murdered at the entrance of the picturesque church of Agios Spyridon.
According to Greek mythology, Nafplio founded Nafplio on the site of today's city, which was fortified with cyclopean walls. Archaeological findings prove the existence of the city from the Mycenaean years. The city developed during the Byzantine times. In 1212 it was occupied by the Franks and in 1388 it was given to the Venetians. In 1540 the city was occupied by the Ottomans until 1686, when it was recaptured by the Venetians until 1715, when it was recaptured by the Ottomans. After the revolution of 1821 Nafplio was the first capital of Greece.
It is a popular destination for the residents of Attica and the Peloponnese as it is a short distance from both areas. The most beautiful buildings of the city are the Armansberg Palace (residence of the regent of Greece Armansberg) as well as the archeological museum in Syntagma Square. There is also a branch of the National Gallery in the city.
