Bourtzi Fortress
Description
The Sea Castle of the Winds: Where Venetian Architecture Permanently Sails the Waters of the Saronic Gulf
The Bourtzi Sea Fortress (Kasteli) is the most photogenic, poetic, and recognizable cultural landmark of Nafplio. It is situated at the entrance to the city’s harbor on the small islet of Agioi Theodoroi, offering a direct line of sight to the Old Town, Palamidi, and Akronafplia. The fortress’s most striking feature is its very nature as an island structure: it is not a conventional land-based castle, but a stone maritime fortification that appears to float upon the waves, making a visit a unique experience—where the approach by boat serves as the initial, deeply romantic part of the journey.
- Architectural and Artistic Character: A brilliant fortification concept designed for maritime control. Designed in 1473 by the renowned Italian architect Antonio Gambello, the fortress was built to fit perfectly onto the contours of the small rocky islet. An imposing, three-story hexagonal tower occupies its center, flanked by lower bastions featuring embrasures for cannons. To protect it from enemy ships, the Venetians submerged massive boulders—creating underwater barriers—around the islet, rendering the waters shallow and impassable to anyone unfamiliar with the safe passage.
- Suitable for: Travelers seeking iconic landmarks, couples, photographers, and lovers of the sea breeze. Families and children , as the short sea crossing offers a sense of adventure. The fortress preserves the memory of its turbulent history; having served as a bastion for the Venetians and Ottomans, it was transformed in the 19th century into a residence for the executioners of Palamidi (who were unwelcome in the town due to their profession). In more recent times, Bourtzi operated as a luxury hotel and restaurant, while following its recent, exemplary restoration by the Ministry of Culture, it now serves as a monument open to visitors and a venue for cultural events.
- Facilities: A recently renovated, functional, and spotless space. It features basic information signage, restrooms, and a shop, while its interior corridors offer a beautiful tour of the old water cisterns and the tower chambers. Due to the castle's stone steps and narrow passageways, the interior tour requires caution, although the ground floor is easily accessible.
- Access: Exclusively by sea and highly atmospheric. Bourtzi is just a few minutes away from the Nafplio waterfront. Access is provided by small boats (*lantzes*) that run continuous daily trips from the harbor (near Filellinon Square). The crossing takes about 5 minutes, offering the best possible vantage point for photographing the town of Nafplio and Palamidi Fortress from the sea.
Information