Nafplio, Greece

 With its marble pavements, looming castles and remarkably homogenous architecture, Nafplio is the most elegant town in mainland Greece.  It emerged from obscurity in the 13th century and endured many sieges during the struggles between Venice and Turkey for the ports of the Peloponnese.  The medieval quarter, to the west is mostly a product of the second Venetian occupation (1686-1715).  From 1829 until 1834, the town was the first capital of liberated Greece.

This island fortress acquired its appearance during the second Venetian occupation, and until 1930 had the dubious distinction of being the local executioner's residence.  It defended the only navigable passage in the bay the channel could be closed off by a chain extending from the fortress to the town.

 It took us awhile to get into Nafplio and to find parking.  There was a huge weekend market going on, which made driving nearly impossible.  When we finally got out, it became clear we weren't exactly in the best part of town.  After I took this picture, we noticed that the swing set was listing dangerously from side to side as the girls swung.

 We ate a lot of juicy Greek meat during our time in Greece and I won't need any more for awhile.  After lunch, we found the picturesque part of Nafplio that the guide book had promised.  The Folk Art Museum was on one of the nicer pedestrian streets.  It focuses on textiles and regional costumes and is housed in a former mansion.  The collection was interesting and well displayed.  The girls enjoyed it, too.

 

"Plafi" Bridal bed cover from wool and goat hair in their natural colors.  Woven on an improvised vertical loom of two cypress tree frames, collectively by the bride and her friends.  Before weaving starts, the bride has to pass through the warp threads, while her friends throw rice and almonds to wish her a happy married life.

 

 

 Pierre knew where to find the best gelato in town.  This Italian shop also had the largest chocolate Easter eggs I have ever seen.  This year Orthodox and not-Orthodox Easter fell on the same day.