The much sought after ‒ by all conquerors ‒ historical port is today the most popular promenade in Nafplio. The unique view of Bourtzi, floods the port with people that enjoy the beauty of the landscape. In the years of the Venetians an artificial breakwater was built leaving a narrow passage between it and Bourtzi. This passage would close every night with a sprung out chain that's why the port was named "Porto Cadena" (port of the chain in Italian). The chain begun from Acronafplia and reached Bourtzi, protecting thus the port and the city from attacks coming from the sea.
The port of Nafplio was always one of the most important commercial hubs of the Peloponnese. Today, super-yachts and cruise ships that arrive frequently anchor here, especially in the summer months. Besides, the city offers many modern hotels and can accommodate a great number of visitors.
The stroll on its famous waterfront promenade offers enjoyable coffee drinking with a view of Bourtzi, especially in the sunset hour. From here, one can enjoy oneself as a child and tour around the city on the characteristic tourist trains. The starting point and terminal of the city tour is at the port, just behind Philhellenes Square. On this square, we find the building of the Old Town Hall.
A true jewel of the city, the former town hall houses Harvard University's Centre for Hellenic Studies, a branch of the respective Washington institution. The Centre operates under the auspices and the administration of the Harvard University, while it's its only connection in Europe; it offers to all Greek citizens and especially college and school students an open platform of communication with its scientific pool. It aims at international growth and the promotion of humanitarian sciences and more specifically of Greek studies.
