The rocky peninsula of Akronafplia formed the Acropolis of Nafplio. The Ottomans called it Its-Kale, meaning "inner fortress."
It is the oldest acropolis of Nafplio, inhabited since prehistoric times, and consists of three levels, each of which functioned as a separate castle. Its walls are approximately 85 meters high, 400 meters wide, and 900 meters long. The first fortification wall, of which only ruins survive today, was built in the 3rd century BC. Later, a fortress was constructed by the Franks, and its fortifications were completed by the Venetians. Beneath the acropolis, on the northwestern side of the peninsula, the Venetians built the Fortress of Toros, equipped with five cannons known as the "Five Brothers."
Akronafplia remained in a state of military readiness until 1821. During the administration of Kapodistrias, a church and a hospital were built there.
For many years, Akronafplia was used as a prison for political prisoners and opponents of the regime. Today, these prison buildings have been demolished and replaced by a luxury hotel.
From the rock of Akronafplia, visitors can admire magnificent panoramic views of the Old Gate, Bourtzi, the Nafplio Gulf, the Argolic Plain, and Arvanitia Beach.
The rocky peninsula of Akronafplia served as the walled settlement of Nafplio from antiquity until the end of the 15th century. Built at the foot of Palamidi Fortress, it was connected to it by a secret passage. It was constructed on three distinct levels, each functioning as an independent fortress. The site stands on the ruins of an ancient acropolis mentioned by Pausanias. The Venetians expanded the existing fortifications and strengthened its defenses with five cannons, known as the "Five Brothers." When the Ottomans captured Akronafplia, they repaired the fortifications and used it as a military outpost.
Today, only a few structures remain, including the ruins of the ancient Greek fortress of the Acropolis, along with later Roman and Byzantine additions.
PSAROMACHALAS
Psaromachalas, meaning "the fishermen's quarter," is one of the oldest and most picturesque neighborhoods of Nafplio. It stretches along the foothills of northwestern Akronafplia, above Staikopoulou Street.Today, Psaromachalas is considered one of the most charming areas of Nafplio's Old Town. As visitors climb its characteristic stepped alleyways, they encounter houses from different historical periods, some beautifully restored and others still in ruins. From its highest streets, sections of the walls of Akronafplia can still be seen.
In what is now Psaromachalas Square, there once stood a very important hospital for the poor-the first hospital established in Greece. It was a legacy of the Florentine Duke of Athens, Nerio Acciaioli.
The hospital operated for centuries, with only brief interruptions, from 1394 until the late 1940s, when it was demolished. The only surviving trace of this significant institution is the small Church of the Holy Apostles, built by the Venetians and originally located within the hospital grounds.
Source: Nafplio.gr