The City of Amore

Okay so every time I think I have a favorite site we have visited, my opinion is changed by the next site. Case in point; I also love the Palamidi Fortress we visited before retiring our travels for the day on July 4th. The castle at Palamidi was built by the Venetians around 1711 and was sometimes used as a prison for condemned criminals. For example, War of Independence hero Theodoros Kolokotronis spent several years here after being condemned for treason. He was kept in a small, dark room with no windows and it was quite claustrophobic (we got to walk into it).

This is the small doorway that led to the cell Kolokotronis had to live in for two years.

 For me, this place literally came alive. It was almost natural to feel what it was like to live here. You can feel the history oozing from the walls and taking you back in time. Walking through the castle, it was like I could sense the presence of those who had been there before me. The Kaplan's have a friend named Vasillis, who is Greek but lives in America. He travels with us on the weekends and I'm so glad he does! Listening to this wise man talk is memorizing. He speaks with such passion and with a poetic nature. I loved listening to him talk about the castle and give some of the history on it. Vasillis makes a great travel companion, he's full of insight and valuable information. He also led a few of us into the church of St. Andrew located in the castle. Upon entering, Vasillis gave an offering so that we could light a candle, say a prayer and place it in the candle holder. 

Literally feeling the history of this remarkable castle

One thing is for sure, the people who were lucky enough to live here had some of the most stunning views.

In the far right corner is an island with a building that served as a prison (like Alcatraz)

 

We spent the rest of the day exploring the city of Nafplion, also known as the City of Amore {love}. Lily, Sarah Kim and I took a walk through the tunnel located on the peninsula of the town. Vasillis mentioned that the tunnel is seen as a way to leave your old life behind, and enter into the city of love with new joy for life. It sounded to me a lot like baptism, shedding your old life and beginning a new one. So of course we had to go check it out!

Goodbye old life, hello new life!

Our view from our hotel, yes we're spoiled.

We never get tired of swimming in the crystal clear waters!