The historical railway station of Nafplio
Nafplion was one of the first Greek cities to be accessed by train. In 1882, it was Charilaos Trikoupis who suggested that the train should pass through town. Two years later, the implementation of the plan began. Areos square was picked for the construction of the railway station. Earlier, in the beginning of 18th century, this region was outside the city walls, surrounded by the sea. Around 1720, the area was landscaped by the Turks and adorned with flower gardens and golden kiosks, becoming one of the finest locations of the old city.
The construction of the station complex was completed in 1885. The main two-storey building with the traditional carved canopy was compatible with the Neoclassic city atmosphere. In 1886, the railway station was in place and the Nafplion train began its long-lasting journey. For many years, the station was the meeting point of residents and the heart of the city. It was there that children gathered to play, it was from there that soldiers set out during the wars, it was there that newcomers arrived fueling the residents’ curiosity.
Up to 1963, the station remained fully operational, performing all railway services. For the next decade, it was used only for commercial purposes and in 1983 it was donated to the Municipality of Nafplion.
Nowadays, the old railway station area operates as a park and recreation area, with gardens full of flowers, old locomotives, a theater and a cafeteria. The main station building houses the Nafplion Municipal Conservatory “Constantinos Nonis” and an adjacent building houses the children’s workshops organized by the Peloponnesian Folklore Foundation.
Thanks to its long history, the old station is one of the elements that have shaped the character of the historic town and still contributes to Nafplion’s social, cultural and artistic life.

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