The Gold Book of Nafplio | Page 11

BOURTZI The with a boat in just 5’. The duration of stay is 20 minutes, however, the guided tour is limited to a walk along the walls, just to imagine what used to exist there once (you won’t find any information leaflets or signs narrating its story), and of course, to take amazing photos with Nafplio and Palamidi in the background. In short, in the past this tiny island-fortress used to host a byzantine temple devoted to St. Theodoros, until 1473, when Castello dello Soglio was built by the Italian engineer Antonio Gambello. Bourtzi was the first prison of Kolokot- ronis (one of the most popular heroes of the Greek War of Independence), while it also hosted the Greek government and the place where the hangmen of Palamidi used to stay. Afterwards, it became center of the Tourism Organisation and a luxury hotel during 1960-1973. (Boat available every 30΄ up to 1 hours. Return ticket. €4,5, Μ. +30 69720 15296). 11