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Syntagma Square

Once you are in the shadow of platanos -mentioned above- think of how important the spot is, since, several years ago, revolutionary plans were decided by chieftains.
The square -really beautiful, like a miniature of the city- reveals the individual identity and the history of Nafplio.
Stand for a moment in the middle of the square (just a little attention to the skates behind you, beside the bike and soccer ball, oops, your head) and observe the buildings. I am sure that you are definitely going to feel the energy!

The historical buildings around the square
Here you can see the building of parliament, which housed the first Greek Parliament.
Right in front of you lies “Trianon”, namely the Old Mosque (the oldest surviving example of Othoman architecture in the city). Next to it Ioannis Kapodistrias‘s palace and Theodoros Kolokotronis‘s house, and of course the Archaeological Museum.

The names change, the square remains
In 1843, the square was named Louis Square, by king Othon, in honor of his father’s name.
That same year, after the "movement of September 3rd" -when the Greek people asked for a constitution in Athens- this square (like in Athens) was renamed as Syntagma Square. It was reconstructed in 1980, by Mayor Nick Karapavlos.
Here, at the building that now occupies the National Bank, was the home of Mme Calliope Papalexopoulou. From the balcony of the house, mayor's wife encouraged the people of Nafplio to revolt! You will see right there the sculpture in her honor.

A square full of life
Now, once you get a good dose of history, you will sit in the square for a coffee or a drink. Here you will find almost everybody in the morning, as well as the evening, since it is a square "alive" day and night. From here, your most beautiful walks will begin towards the old city. And here again you will end up to rest.

Did you know that?
You have certainly heard the expression that Greeks use "Psorokostaina".
In the year 1826, the master of the Nation George Gennadios asked the residents of Nafplio to contribute to a fundraiser for the nation. His speech touched them so much, that even the poorest woman in the city, which was called Psorokostaina (nickname), gave her silver ring (her only fortune) for this purpose.

Πλατεία Συντάγματος Ναυπλίου, Nafplio Syntagma square
Πλατεία Συντάγματο Ναυπλίου, Nafplio Syntagma square
venetian lion in Syntagma square of Nafplio, ο λέων της πλατείας Συντάγματος Ναυπλίου
Πλατεία Συντάγματος Ναυπλίου, Nafplio Syntagma square

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