the nafplio fortress was inaugurated
Yesterday, Friday, the project “The Fortress Bourtzi in Nafplio – Restoration and reuse (2014-2021)” was inaugurated by the Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni.
The fortress of Bourtzi is a monument of great importance and one of the most important fortifications in Greece. It was built during the First Venetian occupation, at the end of the 15th century, when Vittore Pasqualigo was the provost of Nafplio. The project was commissioned to the architect Antonio Gambello and started in June 1471 and was completed a few years later.
“The Ministry of Culture’s project included extensive maintenance and restoration of all the original parts of the fortress. In addition, repair and reconstruction was carried out on all functional parts of the fortress’ interior and exterior (floors, walls, staircases, frames, railings, paintings, highlight lighting) and radical renovation of all networks (water supply, sewerage, electrical installation, heating, cooling, telecommunications).”
During the Venetian occupation it was known as the “fortress of the rock” or “of the sea” (Castello dello scoglio or Castello a mare). Later, during the period of the Revolution, the names “thalassopyrgos” or “Kasteli” were used. The name “Bourtzi”, by which it is still known today, was established during the Turkish occupation. The purpose of its construction was to protect the entrance of the port of Nafplio.
The fortress served the defence of the city for 350 years, during which it underwent several repairs and modifications. During the Greek Revolution, he played an important role in the liberation of Nafplio. From 1833 to 1913 it was used as the residence of the executioner, who carried out the executions with guillotine in Palamidi. When the executions stopped, the fortress was abandoned.
