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Top 10 castles to visit in Greece
The top ten castles to visit in Greece will help you unwrap the country’s history and most definitely give you a culture trip. Cumulatively, there are about 800 castles scattered across Greece and each has a magnificent story. Some of them being amongst the best preserved in Europe, we will dive into the top ten castles that put Greece in the cultural position of glory it holds. Each of them will give you different experiences ancient ruins, historic sites, landmarks, sacred and religious sites.
1. The Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights, Rhodes
Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes By Jorge Láscar Wikimedia Commons
Rhodes stands home to several palaces and fortresses having been invaded by many nations and realms. The stunning medieval Old Town of Rhodes is acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It abodes several wonders, one of them the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes, a remarkable medieval fortress built in the 14th century by the Knights of St John meant to be a residence for the local governor, the Turks used it as a fortress.
The Kingdom of Italy took over in 1912, and they rebuilt the palace to converting it to a holiday residence for King Victor Emmanuel II. Later, it was also used as such by Benito Mussolini.
2. Castle of Skyros
Castle of Skyros by Lunar sea n Wikimedia Commons
Located in the Sporades, giving amazing views of the land and the sea, the castle of Skyros is set on the peak of Skyros town. This castle has a long, turbulent history as its roots begin in the Byzantine period. The structure contains uncomplicated architecture, though it is not as well preserved as other castles in Greece. Today, it has a few ruins of some of the fortifications and includes the monastery of Agios Georgios, founded in the 10th century.
3.Castle of Molyvos
Molyvos By Mike Peel Wikimedia Commons
This castle is located in Mithymna, Lesvos, Greece. It also goes by the name Castle Mithymna. It is also the second most renowned and important fortress belonging to the Lesvos island. Its current shape is due to the work done by the Genoans during the 14th century the Ottomans included more recent features. This castle sits proudly on the peak of a hill, giving evidence that it sits on an ancient acropolis dating back to 5th century BC.
The Byzantines built a fortress in its place and the Genoans started the works for the reconstruction of the castle in 1373.
4. Castle of Nafplio
Castle of Nafplio By Ken Russell Salvador Wikimedia Commons
Identified as one of the most beautiful castles in Greece, this majestic castle is located in Peloponnese, which belonged to the Venetian period. It was built in 1714 over three years it is known as Palamidi, the Castle of Nafplio, an immense, well- preserved construction, probably the supreme example of the Greek Venetian fortifications.
Adorned with a typical Baroque style, it sits on a 216-meter high hill. Giving obvious strategic advantages since the castle controls the city of Nafplion, as well as the port, the Fortress of Acronapflia and the entrance to the Gulf of Argolis.
The Turks seized the fortress in 1715 and the Greeks reconquered it in 1822
5. Castle of Astypalea
Astypalaia By Gf uip Wikimedia Commons
The Venetian Castle of Astypalea, also identified as the Venetian Castle of Querini. It overlooks the stunning main city of the island from the pinnacle of the hill. It is made of darker stones that stand out against the whitewashed houses around the fortification.
The history of the castle is related to the struggle for power among Venetian, Byzantine and Ottoman rulers. The building was constructed by Giovanni Querini, a noble Venetian who governed Astypalea after the siege of Constantinople in 1204.
The Venetians ruled from the castle for over 300 years, each ruler added different modifications to the magnificent structure. Every one of them left stone emblems with their family coat of arms. The castle of Astypalea has been partially rebuilt after an earthquake hit the island in 1956.
The medieval settlement winds up the mountain, offering a picturesque view of the Chora of Astypalea.
6. Castle of Nafpaktos
View from the Castle of Nafpaktos By Chrisfondili Wikimedia Commons
The Castle of Nafpaktos also known as the castle of Lepanto is an ideal example of the Greek architecture and one of the most well-kept castles in Greece. The entrance to the Gulf of Nafpaktos was turned into the frontline of one of the most important battles in history. The primary walls of the building date back to ancient times, and what remains till date can be seen in the western region of the castle. The castle has a circular wall which encircles the hill from both sides and offers an incredible view!
7. Castle of Ioannina
Castle of Ioannina GreeceBy Annatsach Wikimedia Commons
Overlooking the Pamvotis Lake, the castle of Ioannina is located on a 480-meter hill in Epirus. The current structure dates back to the Ottoman period, while it also has a few fundamentals which belong to an early Byzantine fortification.
8. Castle of Kalamata
Castle of Kalamata By Koppi2 Wikimedia Commons
On a rocky hill on the northwest side of the city, sits the Castle of Kalamata. There is evidence of an ancient acropolis present on the hill. Inside the castle, there is a church dating back to the 6th century AD made for the worship of The Virgin Mary. The statue of the Virgin Mary inside the church became known as Kalamata meaning ‘stunning eyes’, a phrase that later became kalamata, giving the name to the church, the castle and the city.
9. Mystras Castle
Mystras castle By Tomisti Wikimedia Commons
Located near Sparta is Mystras is an abandoned town, at the slopes of Mount Taygetos, in Peloponnese. A Frankish noble named Geoffroi de Villehardouin built a medieval castle in 1249. He was also famous for conquering Peloponnese but it was quickly reclaimed by the Greeks. The result has abridged the gap between the Greek and Frankish cultures, giving origin to unique art which had a fusion of both the cultures. Now, the city is listed under the UNESCO adding prestige to its culture.
10. Castle of Methoni
Methoni Castle Mesenia Greece By Maju603 Wikimedia Commons
Built in the 13th century by the Venetians, this castle is one of the most beautiful castles in Greece and it sits on a rocky peninsula encased by water in the picturesque town of Methoni, Messinia. Having an arched stone bridge which connects the castle to the shore, makes this castle by far one of the most unique castles in Greece.
