Inhabited since antiquity and ruled by Byzantines, Franks, Venetians and Turks, Nafplio’s history is just as colourful and varied as its many charming buildings. It was the Venetians who undoubtedly left the most impressionable mark, seen in the city’s architecture and layout. They were also responsible for the construction of the Palamidi Fortress, which later fell to the Turks. Nafplio is brightest moment came in 1821 when Ioannis Kapodistrias the first leader of the recently-liberated Greek Republic declared the city as the country’s capital. He was later assassinated outside the St. Spyridon church that still exists in the city today, as well as a memorial statue dedicated to him in Constitution Square.