999 steps to the top of Palamidi Fortress Nafplio Greece
Nafplio in the Peloponnese region of Greece seems to be a town that comes alive at night.
We wanted to only take the basic things into the hotel, and so we had selected one where we could see the car from our room. But little did we realize the traffic was pretty heavy all night. If you come to this town, it would be better to go and stay in the old part of town.
The good thing was that as I had my morning coffee, I looked up and before me, was an amazing fortress.
The hotel was great, and with no limit free street parking we took off, with the agreement to return to the room by noon to depart.
We decided to climb to the top of the Palamidi Castle/fortress, and it was a bit of a grey day.
We thought that meant we would be cool, but in no time we were huffing and puffing up the 999 steps to the top.
The view is amazing.
Exploramum and Explorason – ascending Palamidi Fortress
When we arrived at the top, we purchased our entry tickets. Prices for entry into most historical sites are among the cheapest in all of Europe – right here in Greece. We have found this time after time.
We met two lovely ladies from the USA that had just finished some major cycling around and so we had a great chat with them and exchanged blogging information. I think one great part of travel is all the interesting people you meet along the way. So they took this photograph of us.
Exploramum and Explorason – at the first top level of Palamidi Fortress
We headed on in for a bit of a look around. It was a shame we had a tight agenda.
Exploramum and Explorason – entering the courtyard of Palamidi Fortress
It is a great place nee you get to the top. A lot of area for a child to safely explore, and we talked about how the soldiers would have protected and used the artillery.
This fortress is nestled on the crest of a 216-meter high hill – thus the 999 steps and the fortress was built by the Venetians during their second occupation of the area (1686–1715).
Exploramum and Explorason – exploring Palamidi Fortress
There is a small Catholic church at the top, with a very welcoming priest.
Exploramum and Explorason – Catholic Church Palamidi Fortress
The walk down had our legs shaking. I think what surprised me most was seeing parents letting their kids climb walls in a dangerous way. I also found a lot of damaged plants, graffiti, and smashed lights. This really made us sad.
Exploramum and Explorason – descending Palamidi Fortress
As we neared the base, we decided to return to the hotel and pack up the room. We made some lovely salad wraps (an advantage of a room fridge and a travel cooler bag) and then packed the room; packed the car and took off to explore the quaint town.
Exploramum and Explorason – shaking legs as we walk down the last steps of Palamidi Fortress
Once in the town we met up with a lovely lady we had met earlier in the day. She called Explorason over for a photo. We have found the Greeks to be such kind and welcoming people. In the midst of a financial crisis, they smile and care. We love it here!
Exploramum and Explorason – meeting lovely locals
So we regretfully leave and head on. My next blog is about a place I have always wanted to visit. A place on “my bucket list’.
Questions and Comments
- Have you been to Nafplio Greece?
- What do you make of their culture?
- Did you get to visit the Palamidi fortress?
- How was the experience?
- Do share your comments with us below.
