<p>Bourtzi Castle rises from the azure waters of the Saronic Gulf as a striking testament to Venetian military architecture, occupying its own small islet just off the coast of Nafplio in the Peloponnese. Built in 1471 by the Venetian architect Antonio Gambello under the direction of the Venetian Doge Pasquale Malipiero, this sea fortress was designed to protect the city from naval attacks during Venice's occupation of the region. The castle's distinctive hexagonal structure is surrounded by massive stone walls that emerge directly from the water, with various defensive elements including crenellated battlements, gun ports for cannons, and strategic sentry posts. Originally connected to the mainland by chains that could be raised to block enemy ships from entering the harbor, Bourtzi (meaning "tower" in Turkish) later served as the residence of the executioner of condemned prisoners from the Palamidi fortress. Following Greek independence, the fortress was transformed into a hotel until the 1970s and now serves as a cultural attraction accessible by small boats from Nafplio's harbor. The castle's isolated position provides spectacular panoramic views of Nafplio's colorful Venetian buildings, the imposing Palamidi fortress on the hillside, and the surrounding mountains meeting the sea. Illuminated at night, Bourtzi creates a magical silhouette against the evening sky, cementing its position as one of Greece's most picturesque and photographed historic fortifications.</p>
