BOURTZI
Bourtzi is the most famous monument of Nafplio. The Venetian castle is founded on the Saint Theodore’s island, which lies in the middle of the port of the Argolida capital.
Bourtzi was built during the first Venetian rule, 1389 – 1540. New fortifications were added during the second Venetian rule (a tower with a yard and a bastion). Morosini occupied it again in 1686 and massacred the turkish garrison.
From Bourtzi to the waterfront across the sea at nights there used to hang a chain that blocked the harbour. That's the reason that Nauplion used to be called Porto Catena, the Chain port, during the venetian Empire.
In the years of the Revolution, it was called Kastelli or Thalassopyrgos (Seacastle). Bourtzi was handed over to the Greeks on June 18, 1822 during the siege of the city. From that time it played an important part in the siege, as its guns shot at the castles of Itch- Kale and Palamidi.
Later became the residence of executioners and condemnations in death penalty of Palamidi.
The Goķernment found refuge in the venetian castle for a whi1e in 1826 during the ciķi1 war.
In the decade of 1950, the castle functioned as a hotel. Then entertained a lot of famous personalities.
Nowadays, everyone can visit Bourtzi with the boats which at summertime doing this tourist route.
PLACE :
BOURTZI
ABOUT
BOURTZI
