It was built by Antonio Gambello, an
Italian architect from
Bergamo in 1471, although the construction was completed by the engineer Brancaleone. This fortress was constructed by the Venetians after the departure of
Mahmut Pasha in 1473, and equipped with cannons. In 1502, the Venetians changed the fortifications on the southwest side into an independent rampart and erected an artificial mound of boulders to which they attached a chain. The chain was then connected to the city to prevent hostile ships from entering the harbour. After the
Treaty of Karlowitz (1699), the Venetians erected a sturdy tower and bastions with cannons on the islet, thus creating the well-known fortress that dominates the entrance to the port of Nafplio today. During the
Greek revolution of 1821, the castle was captured by 200 armed soldiers. The castle was then used to bombard Nafplion and managed to thwart the resupply of the besieged Turks from an English ship. The castle has been since restored as a tourist attraction for the city of
Nafplio. ==See also==