The small islet named the Bourtzi can be found resting in the harbour of Nafplion. The fortress was first designed as a fortified stronghold in the 1400's by architect Antonio Gambelo, who was from Bergamo. He had canons placed around the fortress to protect the entrance to the Nafplion harbour from all sides.
After the venetians the Turks took over turning the Bourtzi into a prison to hold convicts awaiting execution and of course the executioners themselves who were thought to be bad luck and weren’t welcome on the mainland. A strong chain pulley was attached from the harbour to the castle where food and supplies where transferred. Remnants of the chain holdings are still visible.
In more recent times the fortress has been used as a variety of tourist attractions including a casino and a hotel.
Small taxi-boats will carry you over for a visit to the Bourtzi leaving and returning frequently from the harbour front.