Until we arrived in Nafplio, Greece for the first time in 2024, I had no clue about the Fortress of Acronauplia, also known as the Old Fortress. When we checked in, the clerk at the desk told us about the three fortresses in Nafplio. I’d heard of Palamidi Fortress (which we ended up checking out) and Bourtzi Castle in the bay, but learning about Acronauplia inspired my curiosity.
Fast forward to August 2026. With our return to Nafplio, we wanted to also return to Acronauplia Fortress only this time, instead of driving, we wanted to ascend from the old town up to the fortress. There are a lot of steps involved, not as many as Palamidi Fortress, but still a lot. One evening, after an early early dinner we decided it was the perfect time to tackle these steps.
Location
History
Acronauplia Fortress, perched right above the old town, is actually the oldest fortress in Nafplio. This place goes way back to the Mycenaean times and used to be a bustling port with conections to Argos. The castle stretches across three levels all the way to the top of the hill. The first set of walls at the lower acropolis dates back to the 4th century BC, making it a top spot for trading during that time. Up until the 13th century, Acronauplia was basically its own little town. Its walls, reaching heights of 85 meters, surrounded and shielded the entire area. Then in 1212, when the Franks took over, the fortress was split into separate castles, with the Castle of the Franks on the east side and the Castle of the Greeks on the west side.
By 1470, Nafplio was under Venetian rule, and the Venetians added a third castle to the fortress complex called The Castle of Toro. Around this time, they reinforced the middle of the Frankish Castle and added an area known as the Traversa Gambello. In addition, they added in a bastion, which by 1520, when the Turks conquered the area, housed five big canons pointing out to sea. This area became known as The Five Brothers.
Acronauplia was freed by the Greeks back in 1822, with Theodore Kolokotronis proudly raising the Greek flag over the fortress. Nafplio served as Greece’s capital from 1829 until 1834, but then King Otto decided to move the capital to Athens. Since then, the area has seen a lot of changes, with many of the old fortified walls falling to ruin. Areas were also turned into military spots for hospitals, warehouses, and camps. Some parts got knocked down completely, making way for new public buildings. Like many castles, Acronauplia was used as a prison from 1926 to the 1960s. A hotel built in 1961 still sits where the Castle of Toro used to be. In addition, in 1971, another hotel was built at the site of the Castle of the Greeks.
Main Gate
In 2026 we loved entering the main gate of the fortress by foot. The main gate sits at the base of the Acronauplia walls. Considering it is a venetian fortress, sitting on the highest point of the entry is stone relief of the symbol of Venice, the Winged Lion of St Mark. Although there isn’t much left of it, you can still view this as you enter. Most of the gate was reconstructed in the 1990’s using an original blueprint from 1708. Had you visited this fortress back in the day, there would have been a moat surrounding it with a drawbridge for entrance.
Traversa Gambello
During the first Venetian occupation a second line of defense, a wall, was built reinforcing the defense of the Frankish Castle. Behind the wall of the Frankish Castle there is an upper and a lower area The lower area, reinforced with an accessory wall, is purposely designed to help protect against artillery impact. It is semi-circular wall and protects the gate. The upper area has the M shaped Venetian battlements. Very common in that era.
Inside the Frankish Castle and Beyond
The Frankish Castle is where the Frankish officers resided, as well as where military and administrative offices were. Besides a sign with information about the Frankish Castle and a map with names of the places, the buildings didn’t have their own labels. I kind of struggled to figure out which building was which, but it was fun just wandering around and checking everything out.
Clock Tower
After Nafplio achieved their independence in 1822, King Othon decided to erect a clock tower sometime after 1866. This tower was actually a gift from Louis I of Bavaria. Fast forward to 1944, and the Nazis blew it up while making their getaway from Greece. But before they did, the Greeks made sure to remove the clock mechanism and keep it safe. In 1949, after the war was over, Nafplio rebuilt the tower and installed the clock.
Military Hospital
Built back in 1829 by Governor Kapodistrias, this place used to be a two-story hospital. You can still see the stone stairs among the ruins of the ground floor and the raised basement. There’s a courtyard wrapping around the old hospital, and at one point of time their were residential homes in this area. On the far side, there’s a small modern amphitheater where a local band was setting up while we were exploring.
Sea Gate
If we weren’t curious people we would have missed this beautiful view. The Sea Gate is located across the street and a bit down the hill from the military hospital. It is not an obvious stop. It does have the most spectacular view though! The sea gate was another entrance to the fortress.
The Fantastic Views
The views from this fortress were amazing both in 2024 and 2026. In 2026 we were able to gaze down into the city which I loved. We also were able to look down on the beach we swam in each morning during our 2026 trip which gave a different perspective of the area. In addition we had views of both Bourtzi Fortress and Palamidi Fortress.
Conclusion
Acronauplia Fortress is another fantastic place to visit in Nafplio, Greece. We enjoyed the open free-to-roam fortress areas and also the fantastic views. In retrospect, although we visited so many amazing places, we really needed another couple of days to just enjoy the town of Nafplio. This is definitely on our must return to list!
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Bourtzi Fortress, Nafplio, Greece-Aug 2026
Daybreak on the Arvanitia Promenade-Aug 2026
Ancient Corinth-September 2024
Ancient Olympia: Birthplace of the Olympics-September 2024
The Old Fortress of Pylos-August 2024
Aria Estate Suites and Spa August 2024
Kardamyli Old Town-August 2024
The Old Sparta to Kalamata Road, August 2024
To the Top of Monemvasia—August 2024
Exploring Ancient Sparta-August 2024
Anthemion Suites and Villas, Greece-August 2024
A Bit of Charm in Nafplio, Greece-August 2024
Argos Theatre and Agora-August 2024
Exploring the Larissa Castle of Argos,Greece-August 2024
Snorkeling the Sunken City of Epidaurus. August 2024
Ancient Epidaurus: Birthplace of Modern Medicne August 2024
Mycenaean Bridge and Acropolis of Kazarma-August 2024
Ancient Nemea Greece-August 2024
Ancient Mycenae Greece-August 2024
2 Weeks in Greece-Delphi, Meteora, Corfu, Santorini, Athens, Sept 2022
14 Days in Greece-Crete,Naxos, Santorini Sept 2021
10 Day Greece Itinerary-Crete, Santorini, Athens, September 2019
8 Day Greece Itinerary-Athens, Milos, Santorini, September/October 2018
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Great piece Lori! Somehow I missed this, but we did get over to Bourtzi 💙🇬🇷
Thanks! I would have loved to see Bourtzi! Hopefully next time!
What a majestic fortress! The Fortress of Acronauplia looks very stately and steeped in history, with plenty of sites within its grounds to keep you occupied for a solid visit. Thanks for sharing!
It did keep us occupied! We loved the views also!
So much history! 🤩
Being from the US I really enjoy all these very historic sites. We just don’t have as much over here!
So how was the concert? Or didn’t you stay to hear the music? That would be sweet out in the open like that with such a view to take in while listening.
We didn’t stay but they sounded good warming up. It would be nice but with the temp around 100F the hotel pool was calling our name!
Beautiful captures of the ruins, especially with the moody skies. I especially love the shots of the Sea Gate.
Thank you! We loved the sea gate! We almost missed it. Thankfully our curiosity led Steve down the few steps there. I was so excited when he said “hey you have to come see this.”
We absolutely loved Nafplio! One of our favorite stops in Greece. My husband hiked up there, but I stayed down and enjoyed some coffee and the view! Yamas!
We loved Nafplio as well but should have spent about 2 more days! Looks like we will have to return!
What a place!
It was pretty amazing!
What I love about your posts, perhaps even more than your gorgeous photos, is the history lessons you provide. I LOVE learning this way. 🙂 I’d once thought I’d make it to Greece myself but since I’ve yet to do so, you are the next best thing! *grin* thanks!
Thank you! I learn a lot researching the places I go! Its fun and hopefully keeps my brain active as I age!
That castle’s a new one for me too. It seems like most towns deserve more time than we can give them.
I agree! I hate to feel rushed but hate to miss anything also!
Always good to talk to the locals who know what tourist brochures may nt. I never heard of this fortress during our visit to Nafplio. Happy Friday Lori. Allan
You are right! Have a good rest of your week!