Argolic Gulf

The Argolic Gulf cuts into the eastern Peloponnese, with Nafplio at its northwestern end and Spetses near its entrance. Mountains shelter its waters from the strong summer winds. In Nafplio's harbor, the Venetians fortified the islet of Bourtzi and linked it to the town with a chain to bar hostile ships. During the Greek War of Independence, insurgents captured the fort and used it to bombard the town and obstruct supplies to its Ottoman defenders.