Nafpaktos is a seaside town of Aitoloakarnania in the Gulf of Corinth. It is built between Antirrio and the mouth of the Mornos river, in the south-eastern part of the prefecture and has a population of 13,415 inhabitants (2011). It is one of the oldest Greek cities that experienced periods of great prosperity and was associated with important historical events. This is confirmed by its solid fortification, which starts from the port, continues with three consecutive walls and ends at the castle. It has been designated a traditional settlement.
Modern Times
In 1821 local residents took part in the Revolution of 1821. Business in the town began in May. The resistance of the Turks was successful and lasted for several years. On April 18, 1829, it was finally freed from the Turks, when Andreas Miaoulis blockaded the city's port and forced the Turks to surrender the fortress. When the conquerors left, they left behind a few Greek families who, in fact, came into conflict with the Souliot families (Botsarai, Zavelai, etc.), to whom the newly established Greek state had granted the Turkish mansions, as a compensation for their contribution to the Struggle. After the Asia Minor disaster, 286 refugees settled in Nafpaktos.
Modern years
In the first week of October, the Municipality of Nafpaktia organizes events and a reenactment of the Naval Battle in the small Venetian port, to commemorate this important historical event. It is attended by delegations and Diplomatic Missions from the countries that took part in the naval battle at the time. The highlight of the events is the reenactment of the Naval Battle that takes place on the first Saturday of October.
On the west side of the Venetian port of Nafpaktos, there is the Cervantes Cultural Park, where commemorative marble inscriptions dedicated to the Embassies of the states involved in the Naval Battle are hung. The statue of Miguel de Cervantes also stands there.
Sights
- The well-preserved castle that dominates the hill with the pine forest behind the town.
- The Venetian harbor, with the stone lighthouse and the forge.
- The old fortress walls of the city that stretch from the harbor to the castle.
- The traditional houses in the center of the city and its cobblestone streets.
- The old mansion of the Botsaris family that has been turned into a private museum.
- The two large beaches of the city, Psani and Gribovo, dominated by large plane trees that offer their rich shade.
- The nearby beaches of the villages of Fokida and Aitoloakarnania.
- The Rio-Antirio Bridge.
- The Cervantes park in the Venetian harbor.
- The clock in the castle of Nafpaktos.
- The "Fetihier" mosque to the east of the port.
Source : www.wikipedia.gr
