Skiathos Town Bourtzi: Historic Skiathos Cultural Centre - A Gem

ElisabethMay 16, 20202 min read

The ancient fortress of Skiathos called BOURTZI is located on a small peninsula, which divides the Ports into two distinct locations, the Old Port and the New commercial Port.

Skiathos Town Bourtzi: Historic Skiathos Cultural Centre - A Gem

With its panoramic view of the open sea, the modern day Bourtzi Café invites us to linger in the shadow of its pine trees, while sipping coffee or cocktails and watching the comings and goings of ferries, sailboats, yachts and colourful kaikis.

The Bourtzi Café's friendly, attentive personnel serves a large choice of excellent meals, fresh tasty snacks, cocktails and sweets.

Another feature making the Bourtzi very special, is its location. Just above the crystal clear waters, right here, in the middle of Skiathos town. After strolling through the old town’s alleys, take the few steps down from the Bourtzi Café to the rock below, and cool off with a dip, without even having to go to a beach. Many locals working in banks, shops and offices enjoy their lunch break here, before going back to work.

History: In 1207, the Venetian Ghizi brothers took over the island and built the small fortress, calling it Bourtzi. It was designed to protect the population against marauding pirates.

In the mid-14th century, as the pirate attacks worsened, the capital was transferred to a castle, or “Kastro", located strategically high up on a cliff overlooking the Aegean in the northern most part of the island,.

In 1660, the Bourtzi was destroyed by the famous British-American Admiral Morosini. Today you can see the Kastro ruins, along with the ruins of several churches and its water reservoir tanks.

After the liberation from the Turks, the first quarantine of the island was opened in Bourtzi, while in 1906 in the centre of the peninsula, a primary school was built, donated by Andreas Syggrou.

Today, the Bourtzi serves as the official venue for civil weddings. It is also the Cultural Center of Skiathos, with a stage for summer performances, ranging from art exhibits, music and traditional folk dancing events to theatre shows.

For Reservations please call: +30 24270 23900 email: info@bourtzi.gr

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