Steps to Palamidi Fortress: The Climb of 857 Steps

While legends claim a general's horse smashed the thousandth step of this staircase, the true story of its creation involves 19th-century convicts. The monumental Steps to Palamidi Fortress serve as a physical bridge between the historical street level of Nafplion—Greece's first capital—and its towering Venetian military acropolis. Tackling this stone staircase is considered an essential rite of passage for visitors to the city.

A Climb Through History

The original connection between Nafplion and the hilltop was initiated by the Venetians between 1690 and 1714. Overseen by Provveditore Agostino Sagredo and engineers Giaxich and LaSalle, this early route initially featured vaulted covered tunnels.

The open stone staircase seen today was constructed later, during the 1840s reign of King Otto of Greece. The strenuous labor was performed by convicts imprisoned in the Palamidi Fortress, who worked under the strict supervision of Bavarian army officers. For decades between 1840 and 1926, convicted prisoners were forced to march up these very steps to reach their cells in the high-security prison, including the notorious Miltiades Bastion.

Architecture and the 999 Steps Legend

The staircase connects the eastern side of Nafplion's Old Town, near Staikopoulos Park, directly to the Agios Andreas bastion of the fortress, rising approximately 216 meters above sea level. The route ascends along steep limestone crags and is fortified by stone ramparts, low crenellations, and resting landings.

Local folklore famously advertises the climb as having 999 or exactly 1,000 steps. According to local myth, the final thousandth step was smashed by the hoof of General Theodoros Kolokotronis's horse when he rode up to the fortress. In reality, the actual count of carved stone steps leading from the base to the fortress entrance is 857.

The Ascent Experience

The staircase is the primary pedestrian walking route for those ascending from the Old Town. The steady 30- to 45-minute climb begins in the shade of cliff walls and prickly pear cacti before transitioning to exposed, sunlit stone landings swept by wind off the Argolic Gulf. The elevated vantage points offer panoramic views over Nafplion's terracotta roofs, the Bourtzi water fortress, and Akronafplia.

Walking the steps is free to the public, though entering the fortress complex at the summit requires an admission ticket. For visitors unable to climb the 857 steps, a paved vehicle road loops around the eastern hillside, providing alternative access to the fortress's back gate.