Palamidi is a Venetian Baroque fortress crowning a 216-metre hill above the old town of Nafplio, built with remarkable speed between 1711 and 1714. It is famous for its eight self-supporting bastions and for the great zig-zag stairway that links it to the town, and it carries deep national meaning as the stronghold the Greeks recaptured during the 1822 War of Independence and the prison where independence hero Theodoros Kolokotronis was later held. In 2026 it remains open to the public under the Greek Ministry of Culture and is one of the Peloponnese's premier viewpoints, looking out over the Argolic Gulf and Nafplio. Visitors can either climb the celebrated steps from the old town or drive up to the summit car park to suit their pace.
The eight bastions - a tiered defensive system with bastions named after ancient heroes such as Miltiades, Leonidas, Achilles and Themistocles, plus Agios Andreas (the former San Gerardo)
The prison inside the Miltiades bastion, the cramped cell where independence leader Theodoros Kolokotronis was imprisoned
The chapel of Agios Andreas at the heart of the fortress, honouring the St Andrew's Day recapture of Palamidi in 1822
The summit panorama over the Argolic Gulf, the islet fortress of Bourtzi, Acronauplia and the red rooftops of Nafplio's old town
The famous 999 steps (in reality closer to about 850) - the steep stone stairway up from the town is an attraction in itself
Good to know
SafetyThe steps are steep, uneven and often without handrails. Wear grippy walking shoes and keep well back from unguarded wall edges and viewpoints, especially with children.
SeasonSummer (June-August) offers almost no shade and fierce midday sun. Visit early morning or in the last hours before closing, and bring water, a hat and sunscreen; the hilltop is also windy.
RulesOpening hours are seasonal (winter around 08:30-15:30, extended into the evening in summer) and last admission is 20 minutes before closing. Confirm the latest hours and prices on the Ministry of Culture's official page just before your visit.
MannersThe chapel of Agios Andreas is a working religious space. Keep your voice down inside and avoid photographing any service or prayer in progress.
CautionIf you take a taxi to the top, agree the fare in advance. Be wary of self-styled 'official' guides near the entrance and inflated charges, and always buy tickets at the official ticket booth.
SafetyFacilities at the summit are limited (little in the way of shops or toilets) and card payment may not work, so carry some small cash and drinking water.
Practical info
Nafplio has no train station, so reach it from Athens by KTEL intercity bus (about 2-2.5 hours), then either climb the 999 steps from the old town or take a taxi or car up to the summit car park. Tickets are sold at the entrance (full and reduced rates apply); as of 2026 always confirm the current fee and opening hours on the Greek Ministry of Culture's official page before you go.
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