Nauplion, the first capital of modern Greece, is a Peloponnesian seaport town that has expanded up the hillsides near the north end of the Argolic Gulf. Now this historic port is the gateway to Mycenae, one of antiquity's most powerful city-states once ruled by Agamemnon, conqueror of Troy. With its marble pavements, looming castles and incredible architecture, Nauplion is one of the most elegant towns in Greece.
Bourtzi is a small island situated at the entrance of the port, 450 meters from the land. It was fortified by the Venetians in 1473 and served for preventing the enemy entering the port. It served as a fortress until 1865. It then transformed into residence of the hangmen who executed the convicts in Palamidi. It also operated as a hotel at a time.
In our days it is one of the city's attractions.