Island fortress Bourtzi

In 1473, after the expulsion of Mahmud Pasha's troops, the Venetians erected fortifications on a small island, designed by architect Antonio Gambello, and equipped them with artillery guns. In the center of the fortress they built a tower in the shape of an irregular hexagon, with covered cannons on both sides of the lower level. The tower had three floors and a large cistern was built in the basement for water supply. A small bay was created in the northeast for safe access to the fortress. There was a narrow passage between the sea fortress and the pier, which was closed by a chain to protect the port from enemy ships. In 1826, the Greek government took refuge in the fortress of Burdzi, when Greece was in a state of civil war. Burdzi functioned as a fortress until 1865. Then it was the residence of the executioners who executed the death row inmates of Palamidi prison. In 1935, the fortress was converted into a hotel as a luxury private hotel where celebrities stayed until 1970. You can get to the fortress by boat, which leave every 30 minutes, the ticket costs 5 euro round trip, entrance to the fortress costs 5 euro. During the summer period, boats leave daily from 09:00 to 20:00 (approximately until October). From the end of October and during the winter period from about 9:15 to 16:00.