The Touristic Values
LOCATION
The City of Nafpaktos is among the most picturesque places in Greece and probable Europe charming its visitors with the small Venetian port, intense Medieval character, the relaxing beaches and the green surroundings that makes it so very unique. The port is the most picturesque spot of the town. A long clean beach starts from the port and extends for long. On the hill above the town, there is a romantic Venetian Castle with great view to the sea overlooking the opposite coasts of Peloponnese. At the port, you will see a statue of Cervantes who lost his arm in a naval fight of Nafpaktos in the Medieval times.
Nafpaktos, also known as Lepanto during its history, is a town and a former municipality in Aetolia-Acarnania, West Greece, situated on a bay on the north coast of the Gulf of Corinth, 3 km (2 mi) west of the mouth of the river Mornos.
ATTRACTION
A large beach with pebbled shore and crystal water starts from the port of Nafpaktos. This place is lined up with hotels, cafeterias and restaurants and gives a relaxing atmosphere.
The Venetian Castle of Nafpaktos is located on the hill top above the town. This is a very strong, well-preserved castle that offers amazing view to the sea.
The small, picturesque port has the shape of a horseshoe with an opening of 35 meters. Left and right to the entrance are two towers. After the city’s liberation in 1829 the port still remained an important transportation and commercial centre that gave live to the city. Transportation to the shore of Achaia, Psathopyrgos and Patras were made by small boat. Also for many years the transportation with the prefecture capital Mesologgi, was made with small boats from Nafpaktos to Patra and from there to Kryoneri – Galata and then through local roads one could reach Mesologgi.
At the outer harbour of Nafpaktos large ships arrived with goods which were transported to the villages of Nafpaktos. These activities gave life to the port and the surrounding area, Stenopazaro. Many families lived off of the port, sailors, marine workers, cart operators and other professionals. This situation lasted until the middle of the 20th century, and more specifically 1947, when the ferry Rio – Antirrio was created. Then Nafpaktos began to lose two of her main sectors of economic life. The port commercial activity and the transit trade which are now easier facilitated by the increased use of cars.
Today the small picturesque port accepts daily dozens of small cruise and sailing ships with European travellers especially during the summer months.
At the port of Nafpaktos, there is a statue of the Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes, who took part in the Battle of Lepanto in 1571. In fact, he lost his left hand in this battle.
At the North side of the Port Square one can see a group of imposing buildings that attract attention and interest of anyone who sees it for the first time. It is the “Botsari Tower”. The Tower was built in two phases, within the 15th and 16th century and was many times used as the residence of the local governors. Immediately after the liberation of Nafpaktos in 1829 the building came into the possession of the Soulioti general Notis Botsaris. Today the tower belongs to the “Dimitrios and Egli re Foundation” and hosts a year-round exhibition of replica paintings, maps and designs related to the Battle of Lepanto (1571 A.D.). At the Dimos Farmakis Square, in city centre, one will come across with traditional cafes and restaurants. Next to the square one will locate a private museum, the “Farmakis – 1821’s Artefacts Museum” with valuable exhibits of the liberation struggle of the Farmakis family.
One of the several architectural landmarks of the city, recognizable by all Naupaktians, is the clock-tower, built in 1914 on one of the bastions of the second landing of the fortress by the Metropolitan bishop Serapheim Domboitis. The site is ideal for enjoying the view over the Corinthian Gulf.
Above the port there is a paved street with two-storeyed buildings, where formerly lay the city marketplace, known also as “Stenopazaro” (=narrow market). Nowadays many old shops and taverns have been transformed into cafeterias and restaurants with local delicacies. A walk in the Stenopazaro is a tourist attraction, whereas at the end of the street is situated the mansion of the politician and writer George Athanassiades-Novas, originating from Naupaktos; the mansion is striking due to the beautiful gardens that surround it.
The most improtant Ottoman mosque of Naupaktos is situated close to the eastern jetty of the Venetian port. It was built right after the conquest of the city by Sultan Beyazid II Veli and his name “Fethiye Camii” means the “mosque of the Conquest”. The entrance to the mosque is located at the centre of the north side, leading to present-day Phormionos street through a stone staircase. The initial construction of the portico was rectangular with a single, slant roof, which allowed the drum of the dome to be seen from afar. This transformation probably took place during the so-called Second Venetian Occupation, when the mosque was used as a salt-warehouse, as attested also by the traveler Ludwig Salvator in 1874. p>
Antirrio played an important role in the Byzantine and post Byzantine era due to its strategic position. Antirrio followed Nafpaktos’ fate, when it was surrendered in 1499 during the first year of the Venetian Turkish war. It was then that Soultan Vagiatzit II realized the strategic significance of the «strait» and secured the entrance with the construction of two forts on both capes (Rio of Moria and Rio of Roumeli), on ancient foundations. The channel of Rion was named during the 17th century as Dardanelia of Nafpaktos, Antirrio was also named as Kasteli of Roumelis, while the opposite Rio Kasteli of Moria for their powerful position. Today, the medieval castle has been restored by the Ministry of Culture and it is used for cultural events during the summer months.
MEDITERRANEAN DIET
Looking after yourself
It is essential for dialysis patients to have the right amount of protein, calories, fluids, vitamins and minerals each day. To strive towards being healthy and happy dialysis patients, they would need to: eat the right kind and right amount of food on a daily basis.
Mediterranean diet is associated with a significantly lower risk of chronic kidney disease. The Mediterranean diet mainly consists of plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts. Red meats, processed foods and sweets are limited.
Vegetables, bread and whole-grain cereals, potatoes, beans, nuts and seeds. Extra virgin olive oil (cold pressed) as an important monounsaturated fat source. ΤEggs, Dairy products, fish and poultry are consumed in low-to-moderate amounts.
A healthy and balanced diet can help improve your general health and reduce risk of developing further problems.
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