History
History
Nafpaktos and the battle of Lepanto
Nafpaktos, is one of the most ancient cities in Greece, founded by the Dorians in the 12th century BC. Its strategic location in combination with the existence of a natural harbour is the main reason why the city has been significant under so many rulers, all of whom have left their mark on the city, none more impressive than the castle. The famous naval battle is the most significant event in the history of Nafpaktos. In 1571, the combined forces of the Pope, Spain, Venice, Genoa, the knights of Malta and others beat the Turkish fleet in this naval battle, thus stopping the advance of the Turkish empire towards the rest of the western Christian world. This battle, in which the famous Don Quichote’s writer Miguel de Cervantes took part, is known as the battle of Lepanto, as Lepanto was the name of Nafpaktos under Venetian rule. The reenactment of the battle of Lepanto each year in the harbour of Nafpaktos gathers crowds from all over Greece as well as from abroad; the perfect opportunity for you to see for yourselves how beautiful Nafpaktos is on automn.
Nafpaktos and the battle of Lepanto
Nafpaktos, is one of the most ancient cities in Greece, founded by the Dorians in the 12th century BC. Its strategic location in combination with the existence of a natural harbour is the main reason why the city has been significant under so many rulers, all of whom have left their mark on the city, none more impressive than the castle. The famous naval battle is the most significant event in the history of Nafpaktos. In 1571, the combined forces of the Pope, Spain, Venice, Genoa, the knights of Malta and others beat the Turkish fleet in this naval battle, thus stopping the advance of the Turkish empire towards the rest of the western Christian world. This battle, in which the famous Don Quichote’s writer Miguel de Cervantes took part, is known as the battle of Lepanto, as Lepanto was the name of Nafpaktos under Venetian rule. The reenactment of the battle of Lepanto each year in the harbour of Nafpaktos gathers crowds from all over Greece as well as from abroad; the perfect opportunity for you to see for yourselves how beautiful Nafpaktos is on automn.
Apollon
The Hotel’s history
The neoclassical building which houses Apollon Library Suites is itself an integral part of the history of the city. For the main part of the 20th century, the great- grandmother of the present owners established and ran, in this same building, one of the first hotels in the area: the impressive “Apollon” hotel. After many years of operating successfully, it lay dormant until in June 2015, when its total makeover was finally completed and its first guests arrived, marking the beginning of a new era.
Attractions
Attractions
The town of Nafpaktos with its picturesque Venetian castle is a particularly interesting city, surrounded by beautiful scenery. Α strategically located place, where history has left its mark practically all around it. Nafpaktos, is a lively seaside town with many interesting sights worth visiting all year round.
The centre of Nafpaktos, and its main sight, is the walled Venetian harbour which is worth exploring from both sides. Here you’ll come across atmospheric cafes where you can enjoy a refreshing cocktail or a hot beverage, depending on the time of year you visit.
Above the city, on the pine covered hill, is Nafpaktos’ imposing castle. One of the most well-preserved forts in the whole of Europe from where the view of the sea and city below is breathtaking.
Returning to the city, take a stroll around the narrow streets around the harbour and explore the beautiful old town, with its traditional houses, paved alleys, small tavernas and cafes.
In the summer you can enjoy your swim at one of the two organized beaches of the city, Psani and Gribovo, or explore the nearby beaches of the villages of Fokida.
Things to see around the city are:
- The Cervantes Park, named after the famous author of Don Quixote, who fought bravely in the naval battle of Lepanto alongside the Christian fleet
- Stenopazaro, which literally translated means narrow market and is also known as “Mezedion Road”
- The town clock
- The “Farmaki” museum dedicated to the Greek War of Independence in 1821
- The old manor of the Botsaris family, who fought in the Greek War of Independence in 1821, now a private museum
- The Papaharalabios Library
- The renovated Fetihe Mosque which hosts many cultural events
The town of Nafpaktos with its picturesque Venetian castle is a particularly interesting city, surrounded by beautiful scenery. Α strategically located place, where history has left its mark practically all around it. Nafpaktos, is a lively seaside town with many interesting sights worth visiting all year round.
The centre of Nafpaktos, and its main sight, is the walled Venetian harbour which is worth exploring from both sides. Here you’ll come across atmospheric cafes where you can enjoy a refreshing cocktail or a hot beverage, depending on the time of year you visit.
Above the city, on the pine covered hill, is Nafpaktos’ imposing castle. One of the most well-preserved forts in the whole of Europe from where the view of the sea and city below is breathtaking.
Returning to the city, take a stroll around the narrow streets around the harbour and explore the beautiful old town, with its traditional houses, paved alleys, small tavernas and cafes.
In the summer you can enjoy your swim at one of the two organized beaches of the city, Psani and Gribovo, or explore the nearby beaches of the villages of Fokida.
Things to see around the city are:
- The Cervantes Park, named after the famous author of Don Quixote, who fought bravely in the naval battle of Lepanto alongside the Christian fleet
- Stenopazaro, which literally translated means narrow market and is also known as “Mezedion Road”
- The town clock
- The “Farmaki” museum dedicated to the Greek War of Independence in 1821
- The old manor of the Botsaris family, who fought in the Greek War of Independence in 1821, now a private museum
- The Papaharalabios Library
- The renovated Fetihe Mosque which hosts many cultural events
Roots of History
Nafpaktos is the perfect starting point for many excursions towards every point of the compass. Mountainous destinations for winter outings in the snow, some of Greece’s most important archaeological sights, summer trips to nearby islands, opportunities to try different sports, places of gastronomical interest. You can find all the above here, just waiting for you to visit.
- The villages of the mountainous region of Oreini Nafpaktia
- Τhe lake of Mornos with the impressive dam
- The small picturesque island of Trizonia
- The famous “Hani of Bania”, next to the river Evinos, where you can go rafting accompanied by certified instructors
- Delphi, where the oracle Pythia spoke, with its excellent archaeological site
- The archaeological site of Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic games
- Messologi with its salt flats where you can find the “snow of the sea”
- The route to Aetoliko, the island of Aetoloakarnania with its exceptional fish roe
- Astakos, with its lovely picturesque harbour from where you catch the ferry to the Ionian islands
- Arachova on mount Parnassos and Kalavryta, for winter retreats and skiing