Bourtzi Tower of Karystos

Karystos, Greece, Greece

---

Bourtzi Tower of Karystos is a small seaside fortress located on the waterfront of Karystos, on the island of Evia (Euboea).

Built by the Venetians, likely in the 13th or 14th century, it was designed to defend the town and its harbor from pirate raids and naval attacks arriving from the Aegean Sea. Constructed from stone and marble, the two-story tower features defensive elements such as loopholes and machicolations, from which defenders could repel attackers.

Its strategic position made it an important part of Karystos’s coastal defenses for centuries. Today, Bourtzi Tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Karystos. Preserved almost intact, it serves as a cultural venue for exhibitions and events, while also offering visitors a glimpse into the town’s Venetian and medieval past.