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Fortress of Aegosthena
Last Update: Aug 2009
Panoramic view of the castle with the basilica of St George
Buildings of the castle
One of the most well-preserved castles of the antiquity
View of the castle
The five-aisled basilica of St George (5th cent AD)
Part of the walls of the castle
Fortress of Aegosthena - Photo Gallery
Fortress of Aegosthena - Overview
The fortress of Aegosthena dates from the 4th-3rd century B.C. and
is considered to be the best preserved ancient castle. Due to its position on
the borders of Attica, it changed hands several times between the Athenians and
the Megarians. It belonged to the Achaean League and, for a while, to the League
of the Boeotians. Near the gate of the north section are located the ruins of
a five-aisled basilica with a mosaic floor, dated to the 5th century A.D. To the
Medieval period date a series of cells on the acropolis, undoubtedly the remains
of a monastery, as well as a small church which still functions today, dedicated
to St. George.
The only systematic excavation on the site was that of the basilica,
conducted by A. Orlandos in 1954. A restricted rescue excavation was carried out
by the Ephorate at the Gate (of the north section) in order to protect it and
completely reveal it. The contour of the walls and the towers are regularly cleared
of the accumulated earth.
A study has been prepared for the restoration of the NE tower, which
has suffered the most serious damage, especially by earthquakes. Preparations
for the restoration (numbering and putting in order the stone blocks) has been
carried out on the east side of the wall and the east towers.
The most important monuments of the site are:
The fortification wall
which is preserved on the east and north sides of the acropolis.
Sixteen of the towers of the fortification have survived.
Early Christian basilica. Foundations of a five-aisled basilica of the
early Christian period.
Remains of a monastery. A small church and ruined cells of a monastery
are preserved on the acropolis, dated to the Medieval period.
Executives & Departments
- Archaeological service:, Tel.: 210 3219776, 210 3211646, Fax: 210 3218883, Email:
 3rd Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, 1 Aiolou & Pelopidam Sts, Athens
Principals / HQ / participations...
- As a monument is administered by:
- Excavations / Surveys conducted by:
Activities / facilities / services / specialization
Archaeological site
Art & culture
Visiting Information | • Free admission • Site always open | Ancient city | | Ancient monuments | • Tower • Walls • Fortress / Classical period, 480-323 BC |
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