Greece is traditionally associated with ancient temples, archaeological finds, picturesque villages and perfect warm sea. But did you know that there are about 800 castles scattered across the mainland and islands of the country? Visit the most interesting and beautiful castles in Greece and discover the Venetian and Ottoman periods of local history while admiring majestic landscapes and breathtaking seascapes.
Chlemoutsi Castle
Chlemoutsi is a preserved medieval castle of the Francocracy era, in the vicinity of the modern port of Kyllini in Greece. It wasbuilt on the coast of the Ionian Sea in the west of Elis in the period from 1220 to 1223 by Prince Geoffroy I de Villehardouin. The fortress played an important role in the Principality of Achaea, being the “key to Hellas”. The castle is located opposite the island of Zakynthos, in an inaccessible and fortified place.
Castles in Greece: Arta Castle
Built in the 13th century, the castle was both a fortress, a prison and a hotel. Today it is a cultural center where summer events are held. Explore the surrounding landscape and admire the clock tower façade in one of Greece’s lesser visited attractions!
Bourtzi Castle
The imposing island fort of Bourtzi off the coast of Nafplio was home to executioners for decades after it ceased to serve military purposes. Bourtzi, which means tower in Turkish, was built by the Venetians who were captured by the Turks, and now is a part of Greece.
Castles in Greece: Castle of Chalkis
One of the main attractions of Chalkis is undoubtedly the so-called Karababa Castle, which got its name during the reign of the Ottoman Empire. The grandiose fortification, also known as the Castle of Chalkis, is located on the top of the Furka hill, towering over the Evripos Strait from the side of the mainland. There is an assumption that long time ago the ancient city of Kanitos was located here.
Ioannina Castle
This is one of the oldest Byzantine castles in Greece that has survived to this day. Ioannina Castle was built in 528 by Emperor Justinian to strengthen the Byzantine state. Here you will see the old town of Ioannina, with museums, mosques and dungeons. But the most important thing is that the history and traditions of centuries come to life here.
Castles in Greece: Kalamata Castle
This old castle, or rather its ruins, is a pretty good example of medieval fortification architecture and is an important historical monument. Despite its significance, in the 18th century the outpost was abandoned and eventually turned into ruins.
Kavala Castle
The massive walls of the ancient building amaze the imagination of everyone who is lucky enough to visit this place. Tourists are also attracted to other parts of the castle – a training ground (east), a bastion (southeast) and two square towers (north). The castle was prominent during the Greek War of Independence in 1821 and was used by the military as a prison for revolutionaries.
Castles in Greece: Koroni castle
Koroni Castle is one of the finest examples of Venetian fortification architecture and one of the few castles with houses and churches inside. Koroni rises above Cape Akritas on the south side of the Messinian Gulf. The castle was built by the Venetians in the 13th century and rebuilt by the Turks in the 16th century.
Leros Castle
The ancient fortress of Leros is a large-scale and beautiful defensive structure that has defended the island from invaders more than once. Built on the site of a much older Acropolis, it was once a religious and intellectual cultural center with a fortress and a church. The castle was conquered by the Knights of St. John and then by the Ottomans.
Castles in Greece: Castle of Nafpaktos
One of the most beautiful and well built fortifications in Greece, which combines the uniqueness of a mountain fortress and city fortifications with a port castle. Built on a hill, it attracted the attention of numerous conquerors and pirates who used it as a transshipment base. The fortress owes its present appearance to the Venetians.
