Skiathos Bourtzi

Location: Town

Bourtzi is a small verdant peninsula separating the old from the new port of Skiathos. Many centuries ago, it used to be fortified, but little remains to be seen except some vestiges of the walls. Nevertheless, Bourtzi is today, one of the loveliest recreational areas in Skiathos Town.

The castle is believed to have been built by the noble Gizi family who ruled the island after 1207, when, during the Fourth Crusade, Skiathos was occupied by the Venetians. The remaining ruins are not enough to shed light on its original size and structure, but it was certainly surrounded by crenelated walls, while the main gate was flanked by two round towers, whose bases could be discerned till the mid-20th century. Within the enceinte, there used to be a chapel dedicated to Saint George, which is why the fort was often referred to as the Castello of Saint George.

As Bourtzi Castle proved insufficient for the island’s defense against the constant pirate raids, it was eventually abandoned in the late 14th century, when its inhabitants moved to the inland, to the more secure Castle of Skiathos. Bourtzi was later seized by Heiredin Barbarossa, who occupied the island in 1538, while its final destruction came in 1660 when the Venetian admiral Francesco Morosini besieged it. Even though it was never rebuilt, Bourtzi Castle played a key role in 1823, when the island’s residents used it to fend off a major attack by the Turkish Topal Pasha.

After the establishment of the Greek State, the Bourtzi peninsula housed the island’s first quarantine station (lazaretto), and, as of 1906, a primary school funded by the Greek politician Andreas Syggros. Nowadays, the neoclassical building of the primary school has been converted into a cultural center comprising the Museum of Naval and Cultural Tradition of Skiathos, as well as a stage for summer performances ranging from concerts and folk dancing events to theatrical performances and art exhibitions.

Moreover, on the northwestern side of the peninsula, there is an amazing viewpoint with commanding views of the Old Port, with its picturesque fishing boats and pleasure crafts. Visitors will also find a small restaurant, where they can enjoy delicious local recipes while taking in the gorgeous views.