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Palamidi Fortress
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castle
Palamidi Fortress towers majestically over the city of Nafplio from a 216-meter-high hill and is considered one of the masterpieces of Venetian military architecture. It was built in record time between 1711 and 1714 during the second Venetian occupation of the Peloponnese. The complex consists of eight independent bastions, strategically designed to support each other in the event of a siege. Despite its impressive defensive works, the fortress was captured by the Ottomans as early as 1715 and remained under their control until 1822. During the Greek War of Independence, Greek fighters under the command of Staikos Staikopoulos managed to seize the fortress in a daring night operation. Later, Palamidi served as a notorious prison where the revolutionary hero Theodoros Kolokotronis was once incarcerated. Today, visitors reach the fortress either by climbing a steep staircase of 999 steps or via a convenient road to enjoy the dramatic views of the Argolic Gulf.
- Location: Greece
- Top sights: The Bastion of Miltiades · Childhood Museum "Stathmos" · National Gallery
- Nearby: Nea Kios (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 10 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 20 | 25 | 28 | 28 | 24 | 20 | 16 | 12 |
| Rain mm | 80 | 70 | 56 | 32 | 25 | 22 | 14 | 10 | 32 | 53 | 76 | 92 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The fortress is open for visitors every day, and you can explore both the interior chambers and the vast outdoor terraces. Entrance is through the main gate; note that some areas may be uneven or steep, so sturdy shoes are advisable.
Typical hours
Typical opening hours for castles in Greece are from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM in summer and shorter in winter, but exact times vary. It's best to check locally for current schedules, as the fortress may close early on holidays.
Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside and outside, but flash may be prohibited in certain interior rooms. For the best shots, visit during golden hour when the stone glows warmly over the town of Nafplio.
Time needed
Plan at least 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the main fortifications, climb the staircases, and enjoy the panoramic views. If you want to see every bastion, allow up to three hours for a thorough visit.
Combine with
Combine your visit with a walk through the pleasant old town of Nafplio, just below the fortress. Also consider visiting the nearby Bourtzi Castle on a small island in the harbor. The Archaeological Museum of Nafplio is also close by and features context on the region's history - you can easily spend a full day exploring the area.
Getting there
The fortress is a 15-minute uphill walk from Syntagma Square in Nafplio, following a paved path. Alternatively, you can drive up and park near the entrance, though parking is limited.
Insider tip
Arrive early in the morning to beat the heat and the crowds, as the fortress gets very busy by midday. Bring plenty of water and wear a hat - there is little shade on the upper ramparts.
Geography
Facts
- The fortress was built under engineer Giaxich and supervisor Sagredo.
- It consists of eight bastions named after saints and ancient heroes.
- The Greek capture of the fortress took place on November 30, 1822.
- The Miltiades bastion served as the dungeon for Theodoros Kolokotronis.
- The famous staircase officially has 913 steps, though often cited as 999.
- Palamidi is the largest and best-preserved fortress complex in Greece.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Palamidi Fortress (5)
National Gallery🏛 museum
Art museum in Greece.
Land Gate
Ruins of city gate in Nafplio, Greece.
The Land Gate
Ruins of city gate in Nafplio, Greece.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How many steps lead up to the Palamidi Fortress?
Traditionally it is said to be 999 steps, actually it is slightly less, about 850 to 900.
Can the fortress also be reached by car?
Yes, a paved road leads from the back of the hill directly to the main entrance.
Which historical figure was imprisoned here?
Theodoros Kolokotronis, a hero of the Greek War of Independence, was imprisoned here in a tiny cell.
How many bastions does the fortress have?
The fortress consists of a total of eight independent bastions, named after ancient heroes.
Are there toilets and water up there?
Yes, there are toilets and a small kiosk at the entrance, but not within the extensive grounds themselves.
Palamidi Fortress: where is it located?
Palamidi Fortress is located in Greece.
Palamidi Fortress: what is there to see?
Highlights include The Bastion of Miltiades, Childhood Museum "Stathmos", National Gallery.
Palamidi Fortress: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.
Palamidi Fortress: why is it worth visiting?
Palamidi Fortress towers majestically over the city of Nafplio from a 216-meter-high hill and is considered one of the masterpieces of Venetian military architecture.
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