Nafplio Marathon 2020

Source

Nafplio Marathon, Greece

Save the Date: 08 March 2020 

Information:  Official Site

Starting Time: 09:00am (Local Time) 

The Course:

The Marathon course (42,195 km) is consisted of two laps of the half marathon course.

The half marathon course (21,100 km) starts on Andrea Siggrou street, from there runners continue left to the coastal road Bouboulinas until they reach Filellinon square where they make a u-turn on the port parking. They follow the coastal line towards Nea Kios from Nafpliou-Neas Kiou street where they make a u-turn before they meet Ethnikis Antistasis street before Iniachos river bridge. Following, participants return to Nafplio from the same street and they follow the streets Vasileos Pavlou, Sidiras Merarchias and the take Asklipiou Avenue till they reach Agias Eleousas roundabout where they make the last u-turn. From Asklipiou Avenue, runners return to the city and passing through Kiprou street and 25th March street they turn right on Andrea Siggrou street and finish.

The Map and Altitude diagram: 

 

 About Nafplio:

One of the most beautiful towns in the area of Argolis (in eastern Peloponnese) as well as one of the most romantic cities all over Greece, Nafplio was the first capital of the newly born Greek state between 1823 and 1834. 

According to mythology, the town was founded by Nafplios, the son of god Poseidon and the daughter of Danaus (Danaida) Anymone. The town’s history traces back to the prehistoric era when soldiers from here participated in the Argonautic expedition and the Trojan War alike. The town declined during the Roman times and flourished again during the Byzantine times. Frankish, Venetian and Turkish conquerors left their mark in the town and strongly influenced its culture, architecture and traditions during the centuries. Ancient walls, medieval castles, monuments and statues, Ottoman fountains and Venetian or neoclassical buildings mesmerize the visitor with their unique architecture and beauty. visitgreece.gr

You must visit:

Source

Follow a dream trail to discover Náfplio’s precious gems starting from the medieval Old Town, the narrow cobblestone alleys, the neoclassical well preserved mansions with the Bougainvillea trees adorning their yards and balconies and the Turkish fountains.

In the very heart of the city stands the Italianate Syntagma Square where you can admire important historic buildings and monuments. Two Turkish mosques (the first used to house the first “Mutual Learning” School and now operates as a cinema/theatre whereas the second was home to the first Greek Parliament), the Archaeological Museum with important artifacts from the Prehistoric and Mycenaean Era and the Municipal Gallery are among the buildings that stand out. Very close to the modern city stand the church of Agios Spyridonas, in front of which Governor Ioannis Kapodistrias was assassinated, and the church of Agios Georgios boasting important murals such as a copy of the famous Leonardo Da Vinci work “The secret Dinner”.

The Palamidi Castle, which proudly stands 216 m above sea level. In order to reach it you have to climb all of its 999 steps carved into the rock. Not to worry, though: the view from above here is totally rewarding! Venture into a place drenched in history, where the famous hero of the Greek Revolution Theodore Kolokotronis had been imprisoned; it seems as if its battlements -named after the renowned ancient heroes Themistocles, Achilles, Fokion, Leonidas, Epaminondas and Miltiades- are still carefully protecting the city. Agios Andreas battlement built at the top of the Castle by Venetian conquerors undoubtedly offers stunning views to the Argolic gulf and the Mycenaean plain.
 
Akronafplia is the historic rock at the foot of Palamidi hill, also known by its Turkish name “Its Kale” (meaning inner castle). Inhabited since prehistoric times, the peninsula consists of three levels, among which stand three independent castles, the oldest being the western one. It was there that the ancient acropolis was situated, fortified with polygonic Cyclopean walls.

Source

The most photographed spot of Nafplio –and its point of reference as well– is Bourtzi, the Venetian small fortress standing on the rocky islet of Agioi Theodoroi. During the Venetian rule it was connected to Akronafplia through a huge metal chain that secured the port against enemy ship attacks. At the beginning of 1860 in Bourtzi used to live the executioners of Palamidi prisoners. In the summer you can reach the fortress by boat departing regularly from the port. If you are lucky enough you may even be able to attend one of the fascinating festivals taking place on the islet!
 
Also worth visiting: The War Museum, housed in the buildings of the former (first) Military Academy/ the houses of regent Armansberg and Mauer/ the “Lion of the Bavarians” standing in the suburb of “Pronia”/ the prestigious Peloponnesian Folk Art Museum/ The Children’s Museum / the one of its kind “Komboloi Museum”/ The Town Hall in the Trion Navarhon square/ The statue of Ioannis Kapodistrias, modern Greece’s first prime minister in the square bearing the same name/ Theodoros Kolokotronis Park with his statue standing there/ the recently renovated “Pili tis Ksiras” (Shore Gate). visitgreece.gr

 Feel free to give us more information about the race and the city of Nafplio!