Visit the social heart of Nafplio to admire a legacy of neoclassical architecture, visit an archaeology museum and people-watch from a café patio.
Picturesque and lively Syntagma Square is Nafplio’s historic heart. Come here to admire significant city landmarks, visit museums and enjoy open-air dining at the welcoming cafés and restaurants. Syntagma Square is a meeting point for locals and tourists alike and for centuries has been a hub of Nafplio’s social activities.
Take time to admire many of Nafplio’s most prominent architectural landmarks. Check out the Vouleftiko building, which in 1825 was the home of the first Hellenic Parliament. It later served as both a school and a courthouse. Today the building hosts temporary photography, literature and art expositions. Just behind the Vouleftiko is the Turkish Medrese, an 18th-century stone building characterized by its arcaded walls. The building operated briefly as a prison.
Go to the Trianon, recognizable by its rectangular shape and large dome. Built at the time of the first Turkish occupation, it originally served as a mosque and later became a Catholic church and school. Nowadays, it is a regular venue of the Municipal Theater of Nafplio. Here you can watch plays that celebrate Greek culture and enjoy art exhibitions.
Don’t miss out on a visit to the Archaeological Museum, set in a grand Venetian-style mansion that dominates the west side of the square. Get insight into the ancient cultures of Greece’s Argolis region. Spot centuries-old artifacts such as bronze armor, Cycladic figurines and Neolithic ceramics. The museum’s displays have information signs and videos in English.
Lining the square are plenty of cafés and restaurants, most with outdoor seating areas. Enjoy a coffee, beer or traditional Greek dinner while you watch locals go about their daily activities. Gaze up at the Fortress of Palamidi, which looms in the background.
Situated in the center of Nafplio, Syntagma Square is easily accessible from all parts of the city. The square is within walking distance of several major attractions, including the Komboloi Museum and the ruined fortress of Acronafplia. If you arrive by car, park at nearby Port of Nafplio.
