The natural and historical landmark of the port
Taking just a few steps from the port of Skiathos reveals Bourtzi, a small, green peninsula that separates the old port from the new port. In medieval times there was a Venetian fortress known as the ‘Kastelli of Agios Georgios’ (Castle of St George) located at this site. Today, visitors can still see the ruins of the walls, the towers, and the old water tank.
This particular fort is dominated by a school building constructed in 1906. It hosts the Museum of Naval & Cultural Tradition of Skiathos, which opened in 2015. The museum’s permanent collection includes more than 600 exhibits: shipbuilding tools, local shipyard designs, nautical charts, and navigational instruments. If you’re in search of more modern maritime history, look for the corner dedicated to the ‘Katsonis’ submarine, which was sunk in the waters of Skiathos in 1943.
Bourtzi has always been the “guardian of the port”, offering seafarers safe anchorage and a strategic point of observation of the Aegean sea routes. Currently, beyond its historical character, it has evolved into a cultural centre and recreation area, where concerts, theatrical performances, and exhibitions take place during the summer, under the pine trees. Educational activities and cultural programmes for children and adults are also hosted here, promoting knowledge about the local maritime tradition through experiential activities.
If you love sunsets, Bourtzi offers one of the most photogenic images of the island, with the backdrop of Hora and anchored caiques (small fishing boats).
This particular fort is dominated by a school building constructed in 1906. It hosts the Museum of Naval & Cultural Tradition of Skiathos, which opened in 2015. The museum’s permanent collection includes more than 600 exhibits: shipbuilding tools, local shipyard designs, nautical charts, and navigational instruments. If you’re in search of more modern maritime history, look for the corner dedicated to the ‘Katsonis’ submarine, which was sunk in the waters of Skiathos in 1943.
Bourtzi has always been the “guardian of the port”, offering seafarers safe anchorage and a strategic point of observation of the Aegean sea routes. Currently, beyond its historical character, it has evolved into a cultural centre and recreation area, where concerts, theatrical performances, and exhibitions take place during the summer, under the pine trees. Educational activities and cultural programmes for children and adults are also hosted here, promoting knowledge about the local maritime tradition through experiential activities.
If you love sunsets, Bourtzi offers one of the most photogenic images of the island, with the backdrop of Hora and anchored caiques (small fishing boats).
