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The coastal town of Nafplio is a destination of timeless beauty.
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It's the kind of spot Athenians escape to for the weekends.
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Once the capital of modern Greece, Nafplio enchants visitors with colourful houses and a captivating waterfront.
Houses are in the neoclassical style, with elaborately decorated doors and windows.
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Dominating Nafplio's skyline is the 18th-century Palamidi Fortress.
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It consists of eight mighty bastions, a series of stone ramparts, and, reputedly, 999 steps that zigzag down the towering cliff.
From here, one can have a commanding view of the turquoise bay and the surrounding plains.
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Akronafplia is the town's oldest fortress, dating as far as the Bronze Age.
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It was once the Acropolis of Nafplio, and a separate town until the 13th century. The arrival of the Venetians in the early 15th century led to the fort's reconstruction.
Thanks to its location right above the old town, one can enjoy a marvelous vista of Nafplio's bright orange roofs.
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Nafplio's harbour is no less picturesque, featuring a floating Venetian fortress.
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It also has a stone-cobbled promenade dotted with handsome taverns and natural swimming pools.
The aquamarine pools get replenished with fresh seawater.
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An ancient citadel whose rulers are heroes in Greek mythology and epics.
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Located not far from Nafplio, the palatial structures stand on a rocky hill, with walls and gates made of massive stone blocks that were roughly fitted together.
Nearby is an impressive beehive tomb whose history dates back 3.000 years.
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Nafplio is also the jumping-off point for the Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus.
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Founded in the 4th century B.C., this is the largest and most celebrated healing center in Classical Antiquity.
The most extraordinary monument in this compound is the 14.000-seat theater - simply a masterpiece of Greek architecture.
Temple of Asklepios - the main component of the sanctuary.
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