Listed 100 (total found 222) sub titles with search on: Sights Castles, fortresses & fortifications for wider area of: "GREECE Country EUROPE" .
AETOS (Village) ETOLOAKARNANIA
AGIA MARINA (Small town) LEROS
AGIA ROUMELI (Village) SFAKIA
On the west side of the south end of Samaria Gorge, on top of a hill,
are the remains of a Turkish castle.
AGIA VARVARA (Village) AKTIO - VONITSA
The castle of Griva, which is a small distance from the bridge of
Lefkas, where the road from
Vonitsa to Lefkada
is intersected by the road to Plagia.
During the Turkish domination there was a mosque in the area, which is why the
place was called "Tekes".
This text (extract) is cited August 2003 from the Municipality
of Kekropia tourist pamphlet.
AGIOS ACHILIOS (Small island) PRESPES
It was built in 1018 by the Byzantine emperor Vassilios II.
AGIOS EFSTRATIOS (Island) NORTH AEGEAN
We have got no evidence about the period of time the castle was built
- besides Agios Ephstratios has never been the object of systematic archaeological
research. Except the lower parts of the wall, the reservoir of the water-supply
and a trench in the east are still extant. The natives attributed it to Genoese
and moreover to them they attributed the well which existed near today's school
- Chora's well, as they used to call it. It was about a monumental construction
with pillar all around and with a stone basin for the animals' watering.
This text (extract) is cited May 2003 from the Prefecture
of Lesvos & Lemnos
Provincial Government tourist pamphlet.
AGIOS IOANNIS (Beach) ASTYPALEA
AGIOS VASSILIOS (Village) NIKOS KAZANTZAKIS
ALIVERI (Small town) EVIA
On a rock hill, south of Aliveri, in a conspicuous and fortified place
stands, perhaps, the oldest Frankish castle in Evia.
We do not know much about the medieval history of the castle but there is a legend
that a gold emblem of the Franks lies hidden in the castle and that who ever finds
it will be very fortunate.
In the summer of 1823, the Rizokastro was occupied by the Greeks,
led by Kriezotis but in November 1823 it was re-occupied by the Turks.
The strong walls of the enciente (the northern walls are in better
condition) are preserved. In the inner fort one can find the impressive ruins
of a tall, four-sided tower. There are also the ruins of other buildings as well
as cisterns for their water supply.
This text is cited May 2003 from the Prefecture
of Evia tourist pamphlet (1997).
AMORGOS (Village) AMORGOS
Venetian Castle - Hora the capital of Amorgos, is a small town hidden behind the mountains, At its south-eastern edge the hill is crowded with the old wind mills. The "Kastro" -castle rock rises out of the village, as a guardian of Hora, over the years since the Venetian occupancy. The historic rock with a height of 210 feet wedges for more than fifteen centuries the church of Kera Leousa (our Lady of mercy), the oldest one in Chora, A narrow stone staircase in the rock, leads to the small St. George Church from which the entrance to the fortress with its preserved low gate is. Around the rock's base,
spread the old stone buildings and forty churches of very interesting architecture.
ANAKTOROUPOLIS (Castle) KAVALA
The castle of Anaktoroupolis
is one of the most important archaeological sites in the Prefecture of Kavala.
It commands the headland of Vrasidas, in the vicinity of Nea Peramos, next to
the hill of the ancient city.
The castle is located at the bay of Eleutherai, to the west of Kavala,
which was an important harbour in the North Aegean during the Byzantine period.
Anaktoroupolis first appeared in the 9th century as an episcopal see and actually
succeeded ancient Oisyme. The fortification of the city, which is dated to the
12th century, according to an inscription on clay built in the walls, is preserved
in good condition. The city ceased to exist in the 14-15th centuries with the
expansion of the Ottomans.
In the period 1974-1983, trial trenches were opened inside the castle
and in 1989 a small single-aisled Byzantine church was excavated near the SE tower.
Also uncovered were a later narthex, successive shaft graves to the east and south
of the church, and a four-sided cistern
Consolidation work is carried out from time to time at the "mantle"
of the walls, while the castle is systematically cleared every year.
ANDROS (Small town) KYKLADES
It was built in 1207 and all the building work lasted for 26 years. You can see it just at the end of the peninsula of Hora - Andros town opposite the square of "the Unknown sailor".The little island on which the imposing Venetian castle is built , is connected by Hora with a little stony arch.
The castle used to be a fort to protect Hora in the past. However , its greater part was destroyed during the second world war.
ANTIMACHIA (Small town) KOS
It is located 4km to the SE of the village of Antimachia.
ARMOLIA (Village) CHIOS
The Castle is is large and striking. It is built at the hilltop and
maintains an altitude of 220meters; this is one of the highest altitudes evident
in the southern region of Chios.
Its position is such that one can visually inspect the Kalamoti
and Armolia plains as well as the Komi
seashores.
The Apolichnon Castle is one of the most well-preserved castles on
the island whilst its size and numerous interior rooms cannot help but be impressive.
A Genoan, Nicholas Ioustiniani, built the oblong shaped Castle in
1440. The walls were twice as thick and they had small defense towers. Its interior
exhibited water dams and 62 rooms.
As we stroll through the Castle, we can see the remaining ruins of
the rooms, remnants of the defense towers with the loopholes found on the east
and west sides. They also appear within a large area of the well-maintained south
wall that is also relatively high.
There is a defense wall, shorter in height, located outside the interior
wall at a relatively large distance. It was obviously constructed to impede invaders,
since they were afforded easy access from the flat slope and the absence of this
wall.
The north side, on the other hand, is much more difficult to access
due to the rocky cliff. There are large arch-shaped windows on the northeast tower,
which may have been utilized for entry with rope ladders, as was common practice
in those days.
(text: Giannis Makridakis)
This text is cited December 2003 from the Prefecture
of Chios tourist pamphlet (2003).
ARTA (Town) EPIRUS
Tel: +30 26810 24636
Fax: +30 26810 79821
The
castle of Arta was built in the middle of the 13th century, during the reign of the Despot of Epirus Michael II Komnenos Doukas (1230-1268). Here were the palaces of the ruler and the administrative headquarters of the Despotate of Epirus, one of the two Byzantine states established after the fall of the Byzantine Empire to the Latin Crusaders in 1204.
The castle was built on a low hill in the northeastern part of Arta, and in fact its enclosure wall is founded on the ancient fortification of the city. The massive walls were reinforced on three sides with a total of 18
towers, while the east side had as natural limit and defense shield the riverside of Arachthos, which was much closer to the walls at that time than it is today. The defensive character of the castle was strengthened in the Ottoman period, when it was the seat of the Turkish governor of the city. The tall
clock tower, built as a natural extension of the walls, was erected in 1875.
In the southwestern corner of the castle is formed an internal fortress, which the Turks called "Uc Kale" (acropolis) and the locals "Kastraki" (small castle). The inner wall surrounding the fort, the labyrinthine entrance, the crypts and the confined vaulted rooms indicate that this area was the ultimate refuge from invaders and it is also suggested that from the mid-14th century the court of the reigning family had also been transferred here. The palace of Komninoi-Doukes no longer exists today, while some scant architectural remains and decorative features are the only evidence that Kastraki was its likely location. During the Turkish occupation the area functioned as a prison until the liberation of Arta in 1881. It is said that during the Revolution of 1821, the Turks imprisoned in Kastraki General Makriyannis with his fellow fighters.
Today, the center of the main fort occupies the building of the Xenia hotel, while in Kastraki operates since 1987 the municipal outdoor theater, which hosts important cultural events of the city.
Though its turbulent history did not leave it unscathed, the castle still stands proudly in the most prominent part of the city, in spite of conquerors and time. The medieval castle, along with the Byzantine churches of Arta, comprise one of the most important monumental complexes preserved today in Greece, indisputable witnesses of the last gleam of Byzantium in its twilight years.
References: Prefectural Unit of Arta Website
ASKLIPIOS (Village) NOTIA RODOS
Above the village of Asklipios, after a 15 minute walk, visitors will
find the ruins of a medieval Crusader castle. After an impressive entrance, there
is little to see inside the castle except for good views over the countryside
but care needs to be taken for uncovered wells. As the story goes, there was at
one time a tunnel from one of the houses to the castle so that villagers could
secretly gain refuge from raiding pirates.
This text is cited Oct 2002 from the Rodos Hotels Association URL below.
ASSOS (Village) KEFALLONIA
The construction of the castle of Assos started in 1585, when local
ambassadors asked the Venetians to build a second castle for the better protection
of the island.
The area was chosen because the peninsula is extremelly precipitous
so it’s not easy to be conquired by sea after a naval attack. Assos became the
capital of the northern part of the island and the castle is a typical masterpiece
of the Renaissance.
The aim to establish residents failed due to its far-off position.
A century later, in 1684, the Venetians reconquired Lefkas
and the castle lost its strategical importance. It operated until 1943 as an agricultural
prison.
Today, one can still see the ruins of the walls, the house of the
Venetian chief-master, military buildings and St Marco's church. The Ministry
of Culture works for the protection and conservation of the castle which for centuries
hulks over the Ionian sea, offering a magnificent view to all directions.
ASTROS (Port) ARCADIA
Tel: +30 27550 22901
The castle located on the south summit of the hill called "Nissi" was built in
the Medieval period and was later remodelled as a strong defensive complex. In
the 18th century, the three Zapheiropoulos brothers, merchants living abroad,
returned to their home town to fight for the Greek revolution and built their
houses inside the caslte.
The most important monuments on the site are:
The Castle: It is rectangular in plan, with careless wall masonry. A large part of the enceinte
and one of the defensive towers are preserved today.
Panos Zapheiropoulos residence (inside the Castle): The rectangular building is erected on the ruins of an earlier building, of unknown date. The interior was divided by wooden
partition walls.
Constantinos Zapheiropoulos residence: It contains four compartments attached to the south wall of the castle and had auxiliary rooms, a latrine, and cisterns.
Ioannes Zapheiropoulos residence: It is preserved in bad condition but the whole structure is similar to Constantinos Zapheiropoulos' residence. Ruins of many more buildings of unknown
function and date are preserved inside the castle.
ASTYPALEA (Port) DODEKANISSOS
The Venetian Castle, with its two whitewashed churches, stands proudly
at the top of the peninsula proclaiming the onset of the development of the settlement.
As the centuries progressed little white houses began to appear outside
the walls of the Castle, which covered the hill and reached the port of Pera
Yalos joining together to form a mosaic of our island’s history.
The portrait of Chora with its white body and ocean blue heart, leaves the visitor speechless because of its beauty and harmony. The Castle takes up all the plateau at the top of the hill. That densely
built group of houses there made up the Middle Ages settlement. Today, only a
few of the houses have survived, the out sidewalls of which make up the walls
of the Castle. Only on the south side there is a strong battle tower, which is
known by the name "Serai". Inside the Castle, among the scattered columns
and the carved stones, two beautiful churches, Panagia of Castro (the Holy Virgin
of the Castle) and Agios Giorgios (Saint George) stand.
This text (extract) is cited November 2003 from the Municipality
of Astypalea tourist pamphlet (1999).
CHALKI (Island) DODEKANISSOS
Photo Album in URL, information in Greek only.
CHALKIDA (Town) EVIA
On the Viotian coast of Evia, opposite Chalkida, on a hill which overlooks
the channel of Evripus, with a wonderful view of the northern
and southern Gulf of Evia,
one can find the castle of Karababas.
The castle which stands today, was built by the Turks, during the
Venetian-Turkish war which broke out in 1684. the designer was the Venetian renegade
Gerolimos Galopo. Its architectural style is therefore European, although some
parts remind one of a Turkish castle.
In the summer of 1688, the Venetians and their allies besieged Chalkida
but the Turkish fort of arababa played a decisive role in their failure and ultimate
withdrawal.
The fort which has an irregular shape, occupies the top of the hill.
It has three ramparts and a large tower. From the eastern rampart
one has a breath taking view of Chalkida. With its cannons it controlled the channel
of Evripus, the sea walls of Chalkida with its tower. At some, of its points,
some large marble monoliths, parts of ancient columns, have been built into the
walls. Two other ramparts guard the northern and southern sides of the walls.
Inside the only building that remains standing today is the church
of the Prophet Ilias, built in 1895.
The most important fortification is the seven-sided western tower
which stands a little higher than the walls and ramparts.
Inside the tower there is vaulted corridor around the outer wall.
There follows a second seven-sided inner wall and another domed corridor. In the
centre of the seven-sided wall there is a water cistern. The corridors communicate
through arches. The whole construction of the tower gives one the impression of
a labyrinth. No other castle in Greece
has this kind of architectural style.
This text is cited May 2003 from the Prefecture
of Evia tourist pamphlet (1997).
CHANIA (Town) CRETE
The fort still known with its Turkish name, Firca (Firka = barracks) was built in order to protect the entrance of the harbour. A thick chain from Firca to the base of the light-house closed the harbour in case of siege. The fort was the headquarters of the Military Commander of the city. The inside area was divided into barracks and ammunition warehouses. The buildings of the west wing have two-floors with dome covered rooms. Over the door of the first floor there is the following inscription : "ALOYSIUS BRAGADEUS PROVISOR CYDONIAE M. DCXX". In the centre of the court, there is a large water reservoir, where the water running from the roofs was collected. In the period of the Turkish occupation and until fairly recently, Firca was used as military barracks and a prison. The flag of the Unification of Crete to Greece was symbolically raised on the corner watch-tower on 1st December 1913.
This text is cited Sep 2002 from the Municipality of Chania URL below, which contains images.
The Firkas Bastion is at the western end of the outer harbour. It now houses the Naval Museum. The Venetians used it as a prison for Greeks condemned to death. Eleftherios Venizelos and King Constantine officially raised the Greek flag here in 1913. During the summer months, the Firkas is host to a local Cretan dance group that gives public performances. Plays and concerts are also performed here.
This text is cited Nov 2002 from the Crete TOURnet URL below, which contains images.
CHARAKAS (Village) ASTEROUSSIOI
In the village of Harakas there are remains of a Venetian castle on
a 35-metre hill. From the castle there is a wonderful view of the Mesara Plain.
CHARAKTI (Settlement) KEFALLONIA
There are remnants of an ancient caslte.
CHIOS (Town) NORTH AEGEAN
CHORA KALYMNOY (Small town) KALYMNOS
CORFU (Town) IONIAN ISLANDS
Tel: +30 26610 48310-1, 48120, 47914
Fax: +30 26610 47951
The new fortress, otherwise known as the fortress of Saint Mark, was built by
the Venetians in 1576. The British and the French added new sections to it. Its
two gateways are of particular interest.
DIDYMOTICHO (Town) EVROS
EPISKOPI (Village) KALAMOS
The Kastro of Kalamos, the so-called Castle-Monastery, is near Episkopi. Only
sections of its tall, stone walls remain, with their beautiful inner arches which
become embrasures for weapons on the outside. Abandonment, earthquakes and the
attrition of time have been relentless with the 'kastromonastiro.' Very little
is known about this impressive monument today, although the Kastro has now been
included in a restoration programme. It is said that the mother of the 1821 fighter
Karaiskakis is buried within the castle. On the other side of the island is Porto
Leone, a charming, little bay so named by the Venetians who first drew up the
maps of the area.
This extract is cited April 2004 from the Prefecture of Lefkada URL below, which contains images
EXOMVOURGO (Municipality) TINOS
The highest mountain of Tinos (640m) is the location the Venetians chose for their castle in 1207. They surrounded this stronghold by two enormous buttress-walls. It is the most strategic spot on the island. In 1901, a huge marble cross was erected on its summit. The cross was destroyed in 1915, and restored in 1931.
FONIAS BEACH (Beach) SAMOTHRAKI
FRANGOKASTELLO (Castle) SFAKIA
Tel: +30 28210 56119, 53033
Fax: +30 28210 56118
The Venetian fortress
was erected by the rulers of the island in 1371, in order to protect the small bay from the pirates. However it was barely used for
defensive purposes during the Venetian era and on the eve of the Turkish attack, it was actually abandoned. In 1828 the Cretan
rebels occupied the fortress and during the siege that followed, its towers were destroyed.
The fortified castle is a typical example of the Venetian defence architecture with a rectangular shape with
towers on each side.
Over the gate, one sees a relief with the Lion of St Marcus and the Venetian crowns. The buildings in the interior, as well as the
battlements, were constructed during the ottoman occupation; at the same time many repairs were carried out. Underneath the fortress,
there are the ruins of the church of St Marcus.
According to tradition, during the second half of May and with a specific weather, shadows of the armed cretan warriors,
who lost their lives there, seem to march towards the fortress. The locals call them "Drosoulites". Near the fortress, is the church of
St Niketas of 1371, where there are traces of an Early Christian basilica. The works of restoration and consolidation were carried out by
the 13th Ephorate οf Byzantine Antiquities.
The exterior of the Venetian fortress (1371) has survived in excellent condition although the interior is in ruins. It has a square design with a tower at each corner. Above the gate is the emblem of Venice, the lion of St. Mark. The Venetians built the castle to deter pirate raids and to bring some order to this area. The castle is associated with some fierce battles. In 1828, a small band of Greeks, headed by Hatzi Michali Daliani, occupied the castle in an attempt to spread the War of Independence to Crete. He and his small band of rebels were massacred by the much larger Turkish force on the plain of Frangokastello. Their martyrdom became the subject of heroic legends and songs. The local legend says that on or around the anniversary of this battle (17 May), you can see the ghosts of Daliani and his army. They appear in the early morning, marching from the castle. These spirits are called "dhrosoulites" or "dew shadows" by the locals.
This text is cited Nov 2002 from the Crete TOURnet URL below, which contains images.
FYLA (Small town) CHALKIDA
It is built on the top of a steep, rocky hill in the Lilandian
plain and is visible over the whole area.
A medieval love story is associated with the castle. It belonged to
the feudal lord Merito dalle Carceri but it was conquered by the legendary knight
Likarius at the beginning of the Frankish occupation in the 13th century A.D.
and handed over to the Emperor of Byzantium Michael the seventh.Likarius deserted
the Frankish army for the sake of the beautiful widow, Feliza, and using the castle
as his base, on behalf of Byzantium, he successively occupied the Frankish castles
of Evia. When the Turks occupied
Evia in 1470, they destroyed parts of the walls to weaken its defence.
The northern and western parts of the walls are better-preserved.
As you go through the entrance on the northern side you will see the impressive
ruins of a large building which was the mansion of the lord. The mansion was two-storeyed
and there still remain on the second floor, the slits for the windows which are
vaulted and decorated with ceramic tiles in the Byzantine style. Next to the mansion
there are ruins of other buildings which served the various other purposes of
the castle.
This text is cited May 2003 from the Prefecture
of Evia tourist pamphlet (1997).
GERAKI (Small town) LACONIA
Tel: +30 27310 71329
The
castle is built on a low hill, at the southwest slopes of mount Parnon, near
the village of Geraki. It was founded in 1209 by the Frankish baron Guy de Nivelet
and remained under Frankish occupation until 1259. After the Franks were defeated
in the battle of Pelagonia in 1259, the castle was given over to the Greeks in
1262 and supported the Despotate of Mystras (1262-1460).
The church of St. George and remains of urban buildings are preserved inside the
castle, while ruins of buildings and churches have survived outside the fortified
area. At the end of the 17th century the castle was captured by the Venetians,
in 1715 was occupied by the Turks, and was finally abandoned at the end of the
18th century.
For many years the 5th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities has been conducting restoration
work on the monuments of Geraki. Work has been almost completed for the churches
and is currently progressing on the fortification walls and the secular buildings.
The wall paintings of the churches have also been restored. A large Early Christian
basilica was excavated by A. Xyngopoulos in the outskirts of the village of Geraki,
to the SW of the church of St. Athanassios. The apse of a second Early Christian
basilica has been located under the apse of the church of Saint Sozon.
The most important monuments on the site are:
Castle and remains of urban buildings inside and outside the fortification.
Monuments inside the castle are:
Church of St.
George. Three-aisled basilica with a narthex, decorated with wall paintings
dated to the 14th century.
Church of Our Lady Zoodochos Pighi (the Life-giving Source). Aisleless
church with wall paintings dated to the 15th century.
Church of St.
Paraskevi. Cross-vaulted church, decorated with wall paintings of the 15th
century.
"Pera Ecclesies" (Far Churches). Church of Prophet Elijah, aisleless, with
wall paintings dating from the 15th century; church of the Epiphany, cross-vaulted,
with wall paintings dating from the 13th century; church of the Taxiarches (the
Archangels), cross-vaulted, with wall paitnings dated to the 15th century.
Monuments in the modern settlement:
Church of Evangelistria (Our Lady of the Annunciation). Aisleless, cross-in-square
church, decorated with wall paintings of the 12-13th centuries.
Church of Saint
Sozon. Domed, four-column, cross-in-square church, probably built in the 12th
century. The interior is decorated with wall paintings dated to the 13th century.
Church of St. Athanassios. Domed, four-column, cross-in-square church,
probably built in the 12th century. The interior is decorated with wall paintings
dated to the 13th century.
Church of St. Nicholas. Two-aisled church, decorated with wall paintings
dating from the end of the 13th century.
Church of St. John Chrysostomos. Aisleless church with two layers of wall
paintings, dated to the end of the 13th-beginning of the 14th century, and the
middle of the 15th century.
GLYPPIA (Ancient small town) LEONIDION
HERAKLIA (Island) KYKLADES
These are the remains of a castle of Hellenistic Period (323 b.c-316 b.c.). Also
found are the ruins of the temple of Zeus and that of the Goddess of Luck. It
was a settlement until 1930.
HERAKLIO (Town) CRETE
Tel: +30 2810 288394, 288484, 399206, 399266
Fax: +30 2810 288484
The original name of the
fortress
was «Roca al mare»; it was built by the Venetians, before the construction of the new walls. It was destroyed by the great
earthquake of 1303 and took its final shape between 1523 and 1540. During the ottoman occupation, it served as a prison,
in whose dungeons perished many revolutionists.
A typical example of the Venetian defensive architecture,
the fortress was built for the protection of the harbour breakwater
and consists the termination of the city walls.
The building comprises massive walls and two floors.
The ground floor has a vaulted roof with large skylights.
Thick walls divide the entire place in 26 lodgings, used as the residences of the Castellan, the captains and the officials, as well as warehouses.
The superstructure and the minaret
- from the latter only the base is preserved today - are additions of the Ottoman era.
Today the monument attracts many visitors and is among the most well known archaeological sites of Crete.
It also houses cultural events and exhibitions, while a small theatre has been fromed in the second floor.
A Venetian seaside fortress situated at the entrance of the old harbour. It was built by the Venetians, before the construction of the new Venetian fortification, in order to protect the pier and the port. It took its last shape in the years between 1523 - 1540 replacing another construction destroyed by an earthquake. It has been continuously repaired due to the violent waves of the sea that always used to cause damages to its stonework and foundation. It was built with big blocks of stone and it consisted of two floors. On the ground floor there exist 26 rooms that were used to house captains or to store food and ammunition. On the upper floor there are battlements for placing canons. The upper parts of the castle and the existing base of the minaret are Turkish changes. On the outside of the main sides of the castle, there are relief plaques that stand out with the lion of St. Mark, the symbol of Venice. During the Turkish period in the dark and humid rooms of the castle, the Turks used to torture and imprison the Cretan revolutionaries. Today, the castle is open to visitors and during the summer period it is used for various cultural activities (art exhibitions, music, theatre).
This text is cited Jan 2003 from the Municipality of Heraklion URL below, which contains image.
IERAPETRA (Town) LASSITHI
The Venetians built the fortress and harbour and in 1626, they enlarged and reinforced it. Recently, the castle was restored by the city.
IGOUMENITSA (Town) THESPROTIA
Tel: +30 26650 23616
IMERI GRAMVOUSSA (Island) CHANIA
ITHAKI (Port) IONIAN ISLANDS
There are two Venetian Castles at the entrance of the natural harbour.
KALAMATA (Town) MESSINIA
It is situated behind the north part of the church of the Candlemas of our Saviour and it is believed that it's where the Acropolis of the homeric (1580-1120 B.C) and classical Faron (palace of Ortilohos and later Diokles) was. The medieval castle was built by Godefredo Villeardouino in 1205 A.D. and underwent many alterations inconstruction and additions by its subsequent lords; the Byzantines of Mystras, the Turks and the Eneti of Morozini. The entrance is dominated by the lion of St. Mark, a sample of the Eneti era, while in and around the castle have been found ostraka (fragments) and remains of the Mycaenean and Roman years as well as tombs of the hellenistic and roman era. On the north side there is a small byzantine temple and it has been speculated that it was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary the Kalomata, after which, according to some, Kalamata was named.
This text is cited March 2003 from the Messenia Prefecture Tourism Promotion Commission URL below, which contains image.
KALYMNOS (Town) DODEKANISSOS
The mountain top Fortress at Hora, the island's ancient capital. This
was established as a fortress in the Byzantine period and was occupied until the
18th century. Now, just nine chapels remain standing. Open Monday - Sunday 08.00
- 20.00.
The ruins of the Church of Christ of Jerusalem, located between Hora
and Panormos, are on one of the oldest sites in Kalymnos. The church was built
on the site of the ancient Temple of Apollo, god of light and music and the defining
deity of Kalymnos. His lyre remains to this day the island's proud symbol.
The Citadel of the Knights is on a steep rock just inland from Pothia.
It was built by the Knights of St John and the chapel of the Virgin, within its
walls, is on the site of an ancient temple. The citadel overlooks three ruined
windmills and has great views of both Pothia and the central part of the island.
The monastery of St Panteleimon at Panormos is situated in pine forests
on a steep mountainside. Its tiny yet charming church, dedicated to the healing
saint, is built into the rock but has no door. Three times a door was installed
and three times, as the story goes, the door was blown away with force because
the saint wanted a clear view out to sea and the burial place of his mother.
This text is cited Febr 2004 from the Municipality of Kalymnos URL below, which contains images.
KARDAMYLA (Small town) CHIOS
Medieval fortification design for the purpose of defense. It comprised
the Acropolis of Kardamila. It is traditionally said that the Castle was named
after an old woman from Kardamila who dared to climb the mountain through the
brusque rocks in order to save herself from pirates. Today, two towers have been
saved, which unite the walls. The east tower is semicircular while the west tower
is spherical. The whole compound is situated upon the southern side of the wide,
flat terrain of the mountain. There are cliffs on all the other sides of the mountain;
therefore defensive walls were not necessary.
One version of the tradition states that the west tower was interconnected
to the Koulala well through a tunnel from which water was irrigated to those imprisoned.
The Koulala well was built from the stone in the area and dates back
to the Genoan period (1346-1566). The stone steps are tangent to its walls and
they descent to the foot of the mountain.
There are also bastions in the area, that is, the armed positions
for warriors from the Kardamilian Volunteer Force. These of course were utilized
during the freedom wars of 1912.
Mt. Grias played a significant role during the battle to free the
island. The Kardamilians were able to force the Turks outside their borders. They
took command of the hill by conquering political authorities, thereby reigning
in their victory in the “Battle of Grias”.
The Turks were forced to march to the village of Pityios
since they believed it was the only village on the island that was not within
range of the sea. The warship, “Makedonia”, however, had reached the
Kardamila port and bombed Pityios
with 67 cannon-balls, upon receiving signals from soldiers located on Grias, opposite
Karfoto. This attack was the determining factor in the war's end soon thereafter.
The battle from Makedonia delivered a serious blow to the Turks' morale since
they were forced to surrender on December 22, 1912 s a result of the front-line
attacks made by the Greek army.
Since then, Chios
came under Greek rule.
(text: Giannis Makridakis)
This text is cited December 2003 from the Prefecture
of Chios tourist pamphlet (2003).
KARYSTOS (Town) EVIA
This is the most remarkable medieval fortification in the whole Evia.
It dominates the whole area on a hill among the villages of Miloi,
Kalivia and Grampia.
It ws built immediately after the Frankish occupation in the 1204, to house Ravano
Dalle Carceri. A whole city was gradually built round the castle as the inhabitants
of the area were in the habit of living near the castle so as to be safe from
pirates and any other kind of invasion.
During the Middle Ages, it changed hands many times (Venetians, Franks,
Byzantium) and in the summer of 1470 it fell into the hands of the Turks. A short
time before the revolution of 1821, the Turks built walls around the town which
spread outside the castle.
During the revolution there were many bloody battles in this area.
After the liberation, the town was abandoned because the inhabitants of Karistos
sought access to the sea.
From the historic castle of Karistos we can still see the foundation,
some towers and ramparts, its remarkable domed reservoirs and the ruins of Turkish
baths.
The Romans called the castle Castelo Rosso, meaning the Red Castle
because of its red stone walls.
Its walls are high and impressive. The main gate is facing south and
is invisible from the outside. To the west of the main gate, one can find the
ruins of a one-time imposing two-storey building which was probably the dwelling
place of the Lord of the castle. To the north, east and south-west, the walls
end in square, polygonal or round ramparts.
On the northern side of the castle, there is the inner fortress, the
last defence line of the castle. Inside the fortress the church of Prophet Ilias
was built and under the church floor, the Large reservoir of the fortress is hidden.
Finally, near the church of Prophet Ilias one can find the ruins of an austere-looking
church which was probably the church of Saint John of the Franks.
This text is cited May 2003 from the Prefecture
of Evia tourist pamphlet (1997).
KASTRO (Village) ILIA
Tel: +30 26230 95920
Fax: +30 26230 95033
Chlemoutsi
(Chateau Clermont, Castel Tornese) is built on the summit of a hill
with an extensive view to the plain of Elis and the Ionian Sea. It was established by the Prince Geoffrey I
Villehardouin in 1220-1223 and it became the strongest fortress of the Frankish principate of Achaia. After the
end of Frankish domination, Chlemoutsi gradually lost its importance. It remained though in continuous use,
under Greek, Venetian or Turkish domination, until the Greek War of Independence. The castle underwent
small scale works only by the Turks. Thus, it preserved its strong Frankish character almost intact and today
it forms a striking example of fortress architecture
of the Frankish era in Peloponnese.
The castle consists of
two enclosures.
The inner enclosure,
which included the residence of the castellan or the Prince, the chapel and residence for the garrison, is built on
the highest point of the hill and it has the shape of an irregular hexagon
made up of a continuous row of halls around a vast
central courtyard.
In the outer enclosure, extending north
and west, exist remains of buildings, of cisterns and of a Turkish mosque. In the buildings of both enclosures
exist remains of numerous fireplaces. The western architectural features are predominant in the castle, like the
depressed or slightly pointed arches
chosen for the openings and the ovoid vaults
which cover the halls of the inner enclosure.
KASTRO (Settlement) KEFALLINIA
Tel: +30 26710 28300, 28835, 22248, 24466
Fax: +30 26710 28349
KAVALA (Town) MAKEDONIA EAST & THRACE
KISSAMOS (Town) CHANIA
The name Kastelli came from the Venetian castle that was in the town
but the town's formal name is Kissamos. The bombing of World War II mostly destroyed
the castle.
This text is cited Oct 2002 from the Crete TOURnet URL below, which contains images.
KOCHYLOS (Village) ANDROS
Pano Kastro (Upper Castle) or Faneromeni Castle or The Old Lady's Castle was the strongest and largest city in Andros island during the middle-ages. It was built by Venetians on top a spectacular plateau north of Ormos, at a height of 600m. It could protect around 1000 (or more) people and it was considered to be impregnable, thanks to the high rocks and the strong wall surrounding it. Its history is unknown and this is the probable reason for the myths associated with it. According to the most known, the Ottomans, who could not conquer it, send there an old lady with her pregnant daughter to ask for help. Instead, the same night the old lady opened the gate and the Ottomans who finally went inside, slaughtered all the people. Later, the old lady, having regretted for what she did, climbed on a high peak and committed suicide, jumping towards the sea. So, her memory remained imprinted in two sights of the area: "the Old Lady's Castle" and "the Old Lady's Jump" (Grias Pidima), a nice beach nearby. Nowadays it is accessible through a path starting from Kochylou village and somebody can see ruins of houses, churches, cisterns and Faneromeni church. Above all, there is the magnificent view of the Aegean Sea and an impressive landscape.
This text is cited Feb 2003 from the Municipality of Korthi URL below, which contains image.
KORONI (Small town) MESSINIA
The castle of Koroni is erected in the south part of the city of Koroni.
In the classical years it was a simple, plain fort but it later became a byzantine
fort, which was conquered by the Franks(the French) of the 4th crusade in 1205.
With the treaty of the island of Sapientza (1209) it was given to Venetians, which
they turned into a fort for their port in order to promote their commercial products.
In August 1500, it is coquered by the Turks and many residers flee
for Zakynthos, Kefallonia and later for Lower Italy.
In 1532, the emperor of German and Spain, Charles the 5th, wanting
to create a distraction and provoke the sultan Souleiman the Magnificent, he
sends armed forces to the Peloponnese with the admiral Andrea Doria.
Doria's expedition was a failure and he had to leave Methoni in
1534 taking 2000 refugees from Koroni who settled in Lower Italy. The Venetians
come back (1685-1715) with Frank Morozini.
In 1715, the Turks come back and stay until 1828 turkish families
settle in the castle and both social and financial decay starts, which is completed
with the bombardment of Orlof (1770).
In 1828, it is liberated and given to the Greek goverment by the
French general Maizon with Nikitaras as commandant.
This castle is ruined today but, the old-calendar convent of holy
John the Baptist, the ruined Byzantine temple of St. Sophia, the church of St.
Haralambos and the «RESALTO», a place to honour the Greek fighters who tried
to conquer the castle in 1824, are preserved.
In addition, the hewn tombs, Venectian reservoirs, Turkish baths
and the magnificent «domes» are preserved. In every corner of the castle there
is a «dome», that is, a gunpowder storehouse or bizihanes, while the best «dome»
was blown up the Germans in 1944 during their withdrawal.
This text is cited Jan 2003 from the Messenia Prefecture Tourism Promotion Commission URL below, which contains image.
KOS (Town) DODEKANISSOS
It is situated in the
entrance of the Kos harbour
on a place where, in antiquity, there was an island, communicating with the inland through a brigde, that's still preserved
today (the bridge of the Phoenicians' street).
It is formed of two
defensive precincts.
The interior one has four circular towers in the corners; the southeastern tower forms part of the
exterior precinct,
which is larger than the first, with massive bastions on the four corners, battlements and gunports. The two precincts are separated
by a large moat and communicate with a drawbridge.
The castle
was built of local stone as well as
parts of ancient buildings
(columns, architraves, bases etc.) from the ruins of the ancient city.
On the upper part of its masorry, one can see many blazons.
Over the main gate
one sees an hellenistic frieze
with masks and garlands. On the gates' ceiling (central gate, Carmadino gate) there are basalt columns placed obliquely, which come
probably from the early christian basilica of Limen.
From travellers' descriptions, we know that the interior precinct was built a little before the end of the 14th century when the
sultan Bayazit I was attacking the city. The oldest remaining part of the castle is the circular tower to the left of the draw bridge, through
which the two precincts communicate, and bears the blazons of two Grand Masters: De Lastic (1437 - 1454) and de Milly (1454 - 1461).
The exterior precinct is posterior to the interior, its construction began in 1495 by the Grand Master D' Aubusson, continued by D' Amboise
and completed by Del Carretto in 1514.
On the northen side, between the two precincts, there was a warehouse made by the knights; it was restored during the
Italian occupation and today it is used as a museum, where one can see altars, sculpures and inscriptions.
KOTZINOS (Port) LEMNOS (LIMNOS)
During 1207-1214 the powerful Venetian family of Navigajiosi built
the fortification - ruins of which are still visible - is the only one in Hellenic
land found not on a natural hill, but on an artificial one.
This text (extract) is cited June 2003 from the Lemnos
Provincial Government tourist pamphlet (1997).
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