A few hundred metres offshore, the picturesque Bourtzi Castle is one of Nafplio's most recognisable landmarks. Originally the port of Ancient Mycenae and Argos, Nafplio came under Venetian rule in 1388. Despite the Venetian's attempts to fortify the town they also constructed the hilltop Palamidi Fortress), Nafplio fell into the hands of the Turks in 1715.