Eidek Castle in Bourtzi

Eidek Castle offers a great view of the entrance to Bourtzi Island’s cove. Now in ruins, the castle was built by the German military official, K. G. Eidek in 1827. Sadly, the Chapel of St. Constantine, which had previously occupied the site, was demolished in order to allow the completion of the castle. The castle was later used by Miaoulis during the civil conflict with Kapodistrias, which led to the destruction of part of the Greek fleet. It was last used by the German Navy during the World War II occupation and, after the war, by the Greek Navy as an ammunition depot. Today the uninhabited islet has been declared an archaeological site and the castle a listed monument. It can be reached by boat or, for strong swimmers, by swimming from the shore.