Inside a splendid Venetian building, this museum traces the social development of Argolis, from the hunter-gatherers of the Franchthi Cave to the sophisticated Mycenaean-era civilisations, through beautifully presented archaeological finds from the surrounding area. Exhibits include a Palaeolithic hearth, Geometric-period pottery, a 6th-century-BC amphora that was a prize from the Panathenaic Games, plus – a real highlight – the only existing bronze armour from near Mycenae (3500 years old, with a boar-tusk helmet). Excellent audio guides available in several languages (leave a government-issued ID).
Archaeological Museum
Top choice in Nafplio
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
11.52 MILES
On a hilltop backed by powerful mountains stand the sombre and mighty ruins of Ancient Mycenae, home of Agamemnon, the legendary king who commanded the…
15.68 MILES
Built of limestone, yet one of the best-preserved Ancient Greek structures in existence, this late-4th-century-BC theatre is the undisputed highlight of…
17.3 MILES
Ancient Nemea was once the venue for the biennial Nemean Games, held in honour of Zeus. Three original columns of the imposing 4th-century-BC Doric Temple…
23.85 MILES
Within a modern village loom the extensive yet compact ruins of this ancient (mostly Roman) city. Home to legendary Jason of the Argonauts, stealer of the…
15.48 MILES
In its day Epidavros, 30km east of Nafplio, was famed and revered across the Mediterranean as a place of miraculous healing. Visitors came great distances…
27.16 MILES
The Corinth Canal is an engineering marvel. A project that spanned many centuries, it was conceived by a ruler of Ancient Corinth, begun by Roman emperor…
0.45 MILES
This vast, spectacular citadel, reachable either by steep ascent on foot or a short drive, stands on a 216m-high outcrop of rock that gives all…
-
15.46 MILES
The Sanctuary of Asclepius was dedicated to the god of healing. The ruins include the huge katagogeion, a hostelry for pilgrims and patients; the large…
Nearby Nafplio attractions
0.11 MILES
Whether or not you wish to buy Greece's most popular souvenir item – komboloï (worry beads) – at the gift shop, it's worth popping into the incense…
0.12 MILES
This small 18th-century church was the site of an assassination of great political significance. On 9 October 1831 Ioannis Kapodistrias, elected the first…
0.14 MILES
In a handsome stone building, this collection of paintings, uniforms, sketches, assorted weaponry and photographs traces Greece’s role in various battles,…
0.14 MILES
Rising above the old part of town, the Akronafplia fortress is the oldest of Nafplio’s three castles. The lower sections of the walls date back to the…
5. Peloponnesian Folklore Foundation Museum
0.15 MILES
Nafplio’s award-winning museum is a beautifully arranged collection of folk costumes and household items from Nafplio’s 19th- and early-20th-century…
0.2 MILES
Nafplio's Town Hall since the 1990s, this neoclassical building was constructed in the mid-19th century to house a middle school, one of the first in…
0.26 MILES
This small pebble beach is just five minutes’ walk south of town, tucked beside the Akronafplia fortress, past the Land Gate. It's a nice place for a…
0.39 MILES
Odyssey Cruises runs boat excursions to this island fortress. Built in 1473, it lies about 600m west of the town's port and has served variously as a…