Agios Georgios

You will understand the magnificence of the temple, once you walk inside. The frescoes, the temple, the throne of the king and the bishop, even the comfortable wooden armchairs, witness the grandeur and the history of the church of St. George (Agios Georgios).

Some history
The temple was built during the first Venetian occupation, in the 16th century. In 1540 it was converted into a mosque by the Turks, like most churches. After that, it became a cathedral again and in the second Turkish occupation a mosque once more, until the liberation of the city in 1822, when it took the form it has today.

Major historic moments
In St. George's cathedral, events have taken place that have marked the history of Greece, such as the reception of General Francesco Morosini in 1686, who liberated the city from the Turks, the funeral of the great Governor Kapodistrias in 1831, of Demetrios Ypsilantis in 1832, who was buried in the church-porch and the funeral procession of Palaion Patron Germanos earlier, in 1824.
In January 1833, the church welcomed the first king of Greece, the young Otto. His throne is still preserved inside the church.

The architecture
The type of temple is a domed basilica and its frescoes were painted in the early 18th century. Characteristic is the depiction of the Last Supper, a copy of the original of Leonardo da Vinci. Demetrius Byzantios painted the frescoes of the church again in 1823.
In 1834 the church became -and still is- the metropolitan church of the city of Nafplio. The church-porch and the bell tower were built in memory of Otto's arrival at that time.

Worth noticing
South of the church there is a two-storey building, which was built together with the church and had various uses over the years. Thus, in 1830 it was a school, in 1824 hosted the Ministry of Education, in 1712 a religious school of the Venetians.

Did you know that?
The Philharmonic of the municipality is present at all the important celebrations and events of the metropolitan church.
In the square in front of the church (St. George's square), you can attend concerts (mostly of classical music) as part of the Nafplio Festival, which is held with great success every summer.

Information
Plapouta str., 211 00 Nafplio
T. +30 27520 28028