We have been spending a few days here in Nafplio whilst preparing for family to visit us and “Red Panda” is the yacht 2^nd from the left you can see moored to the town quay below.  We took this shot from the top of one of the highest and largest of the three Venetian fortresses that guarded this bay.  It was quite a climb up several hundred steps in the morning heat, but worth it for the panoramic views.  Nafplio is one of Greece’s prettiest towns and the old quarter is full of delightful 18^th and 19^th century stone houses with shutters and flower-filled balconies.  It also happens to be close to the site of ancient Mycenae which was a great civilisation between the 17^th and the 12^th centuries BC and fits with the people described in Homer’s tales.  We toured the site yesterday and were awed by its age and sophistication.  The graves uncovered here were a treasure house of gold, some of which we had seen in the museum in Athens some years ago.  We also looked around the archaeology museum in Nafplio which is stuffed with artefacts from Mycenean times.  It seems incredible to be admiring beautiful pots and figurines with wonderful designs and painting from around 1500 BC!  The prize exhibit is a suit of bronze Mycenean armour which is virtually intact – terrific stuff!

This is the “Lion Gate”and the main entrance into the citadel at Mycenae.  It is said to be the oldest bas relief in Europe.  The walls are made of stones so massive that ancient Greeks believed only a Cyclops could have built them.

We have enjoyed being in this lovely town although the heat is rather overwhelming and now we are looking forward to heading off to some cooler anchorages and good swimming spots with Sally and husband Chris who arrive tomorrow.