Palamidi Castle
- Visit: 1–2 hours
- Not step-free
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Why go
- The eight bastions, linked by walls and named after ancient heroes such as Miltiades, Leonidas and Achilles
- The view over the red roofs of Nafplio and the older Acronauplia fortress, from the 216-metre hill
Don't miss
- Church of Agios AndreasA church built into the fortress walls. Its half-cylindrical vault has its eastern half set into one of the arches under the wall walk.In the Agios Andreas bastion, above Bastion Robert. On the map
- Kolokotronis prisonThe central bastion, also called the Kolokotronis prison. Theodoros Kolokotronis, a hero of the independence war, was held here for eleven months.The central bastion of the fortress. On the map
- Relief at the main gateA relief outside the gate shows a turban, a sabre and a mace.Outside the main gate, where the Épaminondas bastion controls access to the fortress. On the map
- Bastion RobertNamed after lieutenant Robert, a companion of Charles Nicolas Fabvier.At the north-west end of the fortress, above the town, below the Agios Andreas bastion. On the map
- The stone staircaseA stone staircase climbs the hill from the old town. Each landing shows olive trees, wild thyme and the red roofs below.From the old town up to the fortress entrance. On the map
Know before you go
- Open every day of the week, from 08:00 to 18:30.
- Buy tickets online through the castle's own booking site.
- Pet animals are not allowed, except assistance dogs and therapy animals.
- The site stays closed on several public holidays.
Legends and hidden details
- According to tradition, one cell was where a leader of the revolution was jailed.
What's inside
- Eight bastions, each self-contained, linked to each other by walls.
- Miltiades bastion, which housed prisoners.
- Phokion bastion, at the southern end of the fort.
- A cell traditionally linked to the imprisonment of a revolution leader.
Tips for your visit
- Bring water, a hat and comfortable shoes.
- A visit usually takes one to two hours.
- Combine the visit with a walk around the old town and nearby sights.
- Expect steep paths, steps and uneven ground inside the fortress.
Best time to visit
- Sunrise and sunset suit photographs of the castle best.
With kids
- The stone staircase has 857 steps, not the 999 often quoted.
Interesting facts5
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Its name comes from Palamède, a hero of the Trojan War and son of Nauplios.
Forteresse Palamède - Wikipedia -
The eight bastions were first named after Venetian provveditori. Greeks later renamed them after ancient heroes.
Palamidi - Wikipedia -
The historic route was a covered, vaulted staircase, passable for horses and donkeys.
Palamidi - Wikipedia -
999 steps
The staircase is popularly called 999 steps, but it actually has 857.
Παλαμήδι - Wikipedia -
2000
The hill is part of a Natura 2000 protected habitat covering 3.7 square kilometres.
Παλαμήδι - Wikipedia
Shorts
History
Venetians began the fortress in 1686, during their rule of Morea, and its core was completed between 1711 and 1714. Ottoman forces took it in 1715, after part of it was blown up, and held it until 1822. Under Ottoman rule the bastions received Turkish names. Nafplio then became the first capital of the country.
- 1686Venetians start building the fortress on the hill east of the town.
- 1711–1714The core of the fortress is completed in a short time.
- 1715Ottoman forces take the fortress after part of it is blown up.
- 1822Staikos Staikopoulos retakes the fortress, and the small garrison surrenders.
Photo spots
- The fortress wallsGood spots for photography, especially at sunrise and sunset.Along the walls of the fortress, above the town.Sunrise and sunset. On the map
How to get there
- 20 minOn footFrom the old town, a stone staircase of 857 steps climbs to the fortress entrance. The climb takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
- 105 minCarFrom the capital, about 140 km by road. A paved road leads to the main entrance, where there is a car park.
Accessibility
- Step-free entry A paved road reaches the main entrance, but the paths inside have steps.
- Step-free paths inside Inside there are steep paths, steps and uneven ground, which can be hard for limited mobility.
Sources: Palamidi - Wikipedia · Κάστρο Παλαμηδίου, Ναύπλιο - Εφορεία Αρχαιοτήτω… · Palamidi - Wikipedia · Παλαμήδι - Wikipedia · Forteresse Palamède - Wikipedia · Palamidi Castle: tickets (its own site) · checked 25 Oct 2026
- Phone
- +302752027502
Questions and answers
How long does a visit to Palamidi Castle take?
A visit usually takes one to two hours. Climbing the staircase from the old town takes about 20 to 30 minutes on its own.
What are the opening hours of Palamidi Castle?
Palamidi Castle is open every day of the week, from 08:00 to 18:30. It stays closed on several public holidays, so check before you go.
How do I get to Palamidi Castle from the old town of Nafplio?
Walk up the stone staircase of 857 steps from the old town, which takes about 20 to 30 minutes. A paved road also leads to the main entrance, where there is a car park.
Can I buy Palamidi Castle tickets online?
Yes. Tickets can be bought online through the castle's own booking site.
Is Palamidi Castle accessible for visitors with limited mobility?
The paved road reaches the main entrance, but inside there are steep paths, steps and uneven ground. These can be hard for limited mobility.
Can I bring my dog to Palamidi Castle?
Pet animals are not allowed, except assistance dogs and therapy animals.
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