NAFPLIO: Biography of a Greek Town

by Matt Stanley

Biography of a Greek town tells the history of Nafplio from its origins 3000 years ago to the present, exploring the key events, the characters and the stories of one of Greece's most beautiful and fascinating towns. It covers the Byzantine, Frankish, Ottoman and Venetian periods, as well as the Greek War of Independence, its role as the nation's first capital and its birth as a popular travel destination. The book also reveals many secrets about Nafplio's most celebrated the Bourtzi, Syntagma Square, Palamidi fortress, Arvanatia beach, Acronafplio, the Trianon and many more. Aimed at the traveller, the historian and the romantic dreamer, Nafplio also contains many entertaining digressions and anecdotes in the style of Bill Bryson or Patrick Leigh Fermor. Nafplio's story is told thematically rather than chronologically, covering areas such squares, castles, pleasures, the sea, ruins, famous visitors, war, punishment, tourism and notable residents. The book aims to describe the reality of life in Nafplio throughout the most striking parts of its history.

268 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 2022

Reviews

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the anecdotes of Stanley’s time in Nafplio, and the stories of historic figures who once walked its streets. The structure of the book was a bit difficult. Unlike a history it wasn’t chronological, but thematic (“mapping”, ”squares”, “war” etc.), so for a while I was lost about who was running the town when… and when I finally understood it, certain events were repeated over and over in different chapters because they fit multiple themes (like the assassination of the first Greek governor, Kapodistrias). Still, for anyone who wants a deep dive into Nafplio from a clever and entertaining writer, this book hits the mark.