Palamidi, Venetian fortress in Nauplion, Greece
Palamidi is a stone fortress that rises 216 meters above Nafplio, featuring eight independent bastions connected by high defensive walls. The structure commands expansive views over the city, coastline, and surrounding hills, creating a commanding position over the entire region.
Venetian engineers Lasalle and Levasseur completed this military stronghold in 1714 after years of intensive construction work. The fortress later saw fighting during Greek independence campaigns and remained a key strategic point in the region.
Each bastion carries the name of an ancient Greek military leader or mythological figure such as Epaminondas, Themistocles, and Achilles, creating a connection between the fortress and classical heritage. The naming reflects the reverence for Greece's past and turns the site into a place where history and legend meet.
Visitors can reach the fortress either by climbing 999 stone steps from Nafplio or by driving up the paved road to the top. The foot ascent takes time and physical effort, especially on hot days, so sturdy footwear and water are essential.
The Robert Bastion is named after a French lieutenant who died during an 1826 liberation attempt in Athens. This bastion honors foreign volunteers who died fighting for Greek independence and reflects the international connections of that era.
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