Church of Agios Georgios

Agios Georgios is one of Nafplio’s oldest and most atmospheric churches, a place where centuries of history overlap in a single, elegant interior. Originally built in the late Byzantine period and later expanded by the Venetians, it became the city’s cathedral during the Ottoman era. Its most intriguing feature is a large wall painting of the Last Supper, believed to be a faithful copy of Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece—an unexpected Renaissance echo inside a Greek Orthodox church. Inside, the church feels solemn and richly layered. The marble iconostasis is finely carved, blending neoclassical lines with traditional Orthodox motifs. Several icons date to the 17th and 18th centuries, offering a glimpse into the artistic traditions of the region. The dome, supported by thick stone walls, creates a warm acoustic that enhances the chanting during services. Visitors can also see memorials dedicated to local heroes of the Greek War of Independence, reflecting Nafplio’s role as the first capital of modern Greece. The church’s floor plan, with its cross‑in‑square layout, reveals its Byzantine origins, while Venetian architectural touches—arched windows, decorative stonework—add a Western flavour rarely found in Peloponnesian churches.