An important step for the strengthening of the cultural identity and extroversion of Nafplio is the decision of the municipality to include two emblematic sites of the city in recognized European networks of cultural routes.
In particular, it was decided to include the Nafplio Cemetery in the European Cemeteries Route, as well as the Kolokotronis Park in the European Route of Historical Gardens.
The Nafplio Cemetery, with its long history and the strong artistic value of its funerary monuments, is considered suitable to join the Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe (ASCE). As the authorities point out, this is a place that combines historical, natural and aesthetic value, meeting the criteria for participation in innovative national and European programs.
According to the data, 35 funerary monuments of the Cemetery have already been classified as declared monuments, an element that strengthens its position in the context of cemetery tourism.
ASCE, which was founded in 2001 in Bologna, Italy, is the management body of this Cultural Route and has more than 200 members from 120 cities in 22 European countries. It is a non-profit organization with European and international reach, which promotes the preservation of cemeteries as an integral part of Europe’s cultural heritage.
Kolokotronis Park, on the other hand, has already been recognized as a cultural heritage monument and, according to the Municipal Committee, has all the characteristics to be included in the Cultural Route of Historic Gardens of Europe. This route is managed by the homonymous association based in Spain, which has members in six countries: Germany, Georgia, Spain, Italy, Poland and Portugal.
Participation in this European network, as underlined, will open new horizons of international visibility for the historical park. At the same time, it is expected to strengthen its participation in educational and tourist activities, through the exchange of good practices and the cultivation of dialogue, always centered on sustainable development.
This double inclusion is considered to have a multiplier effect on the cultural potential of Nafplio, strengthening the city’s footprint at a European level.
