Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Germany
Belgium
Spain
France
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Luxembourg
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Castle · Náuplia, Peloponeso
Castelo de Bourtzi
Small Venetian fortress on an islet in the middle of the port of Náuplia, begun in 1471, which has served as a prison, the executioner's house and a hotel. It is reached by boat from the pier.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Castelo de Bourtzi
Bourtzi occupies almost an entire islet at the entrance to the port of Náuplia, about 400 metres from the pier. The Venetians began the work in 1471, with architect Antonio Gambello, to protect the port: a chain stretched from the islet to the shore closed the passage of ships, which gave the city the Italian name Porto della Catena. The Ottomans enlarged the fortress and gave it the name that stuck, from the Turkish burç, meaning tower.
After independence, the Bourtzi served as a prison and, from 1865, as the residence of the city's executioner, who carried out the sentences for those condemned at the Palamidi. In the 1930s it was converted into a hotel with a restaurant, and it operated like that until 1970. That hotel role was retained in the most recent restoration, which returned the fortress to visitors.
Inside there is a hexagonal central tower with vaulted rooms, a cistern that collects rainwater, the west bastion with seven semicircular rooms now used for exhibitions, and the east bastion with a shop. The old southern casemates house a café. In summer the Bourtzi hosts concerts and cultural events.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 1 hour to 1½ hours, including the few‑minute boat crossing each way.
Best time
In the late afternoon the light hits the town and the Palamidi as seen from the islet. Boats leave from the pier near praça Filellinon when there are enough people, more frequently from May to September; check at the pier whether the interior visit is open that day.
How to get there
Small boats depart from the old town's pier, near praça Filellinon, and take a few minutes to reach the islet. There is no fixed timetable: they depart according to demand, with more departures in summer.
Tip
Even without going inside, it's worth taking a boat around the islet. Bring cash for the boatman. At night the fortress is lit up and is one of the city's images when viewed from the pier.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Castelo de Bourtzi
How do you get to the Bourtzi?
By boat, from the old town quay near Filellinon square. The crossing takes a few minutes and boats depart as demand requires, more frequently in summer.
Can you visit the Bourtzi inside?
Yes. After a long restoration, the fortress reopened to visitors, with the central tower, bastions and an exhibition area. Check at the quay whether it is open that day.
Why is the fortress in the middle of the water?
To close off the harbour. A chain stretched from the islet to the mainland prevented enemy ships from entering, and the fortress controlled passage with cannons.