Ionian Castles
The Best Ionian Islands Castles
Medieval castles and monasteries, mythical buildings and museums all point to the culture and rich history of the Ionian islands. In Corfu impress the Old and the New Fortress, Achilleos built by Empress Sisi, Mon Repos. Exceptional are the museums of the city and mainly the Asian Art at the Michael and George Palace, the Archaeological, the Municipal Art Gallery, etc. Famous are the Philharmonic of Corfu, but also the Easter on the island with the typical custom of the boots and the passing of the image of the patron saint of Saint Spyridon.
In Lefkada you will find one of the most prestigious medieval buildings in Greece and the most important attraction of the island: elevated at the entrance of the city of Lefkada from the 14th century, the impressive castle of Agia Mavra awaits you to discover it – while in the streets you will admire remarkable churches of the 17th and 18th centuries.
At a distance of 37 nautical miles from Zakynthos are Strofades, islands that “host” an impressive monastery of the 13th-century fortress form.
Previous
Next
Medieval castles and monasteries, mythical buildings and museums all point to the culture and rich history of the Ionian islands. In Corfu impress the Old and the New Fortress, Achilleos built by Empress Sisi, Mon Repos. Exceptional are the museums of the city and mainly the Asian Art at the Michael and George Palace, the Archaeological, the Municipal Art Gallery, etc. Famous are the Philharmonic of Corfu, but also the Easter on the island with the typical custom of the boots and the passing of the image of the patron saint of Saint Spyridon.
In Lefkada you will find one of the most prestigious medieval buildings in Greece and the most important attraction of the island: elevated at the entrance of the city of Lefkada from the 14th century, the impressive castle of Agia Mavra awaits you to discover it – while in the streets you will admire remarkable churches of the 17th and 18th centuries.
At a distance of 37 nautical miles from Zakynthos are Strofades, islands that “host” an impressive monastery of the 13th-century fortress form.
The village of Assos with its Venetian castle, full of pine and cypress trees, the very city of Corfu, with the characteristic alleyways, Liston and Spianada, the largest square in the Balkans, is full of impressive buildings built by the Venetians, the French and British conquerors.
The most famous attraction of the Paxi island, the castle of Agios Nikolaos on the homonymous islet near the harbor of Gaios, has been declared a preserved monument. It began to be built in 1423 and was rebuilt in 1510 by the Venetians, according to Leonardo da Vinci’s plan still in the Archives of Venice.
Below are some of the most impressive castles in Greece you can admire.
Assos - Άσσος
Point for More
The Assos Castle is a Venetian fortification on Cephalonia island in western Greece. The castle of Assos is a fine example of military architecture of the island of Cephalonia. British general Charles James Napier described is as 'stronger than Gibraltar'. Today the castle is open daily with no entry fee.
Direction
Corfu Old Fortress
Point for More
The Old Fortress of Corfuis a Venetian fortress in the city of Corfu. The fortress covers the promontory which initially contained the old town of Corfu that had emerged during Byzantine times. Following the Gothic invasion and until the 13th century, the medieval town of Corfu developed within the boundaries of the peninsula which today is occupied by the Old Fortress. In the early 15th century the Venetians started replacing the old Byzantine fortifications.
Direction
Gardiki - Κάστρο Γαρδικίου
Point for More
Gardiki Castle is a 13th-century Byzantine castle on the southwestern coast of Corfu. It was built by a ruler of the Despotate of Epirus and was one of three castles which defended the island before the Venetian era (1401–1797).
Direction
Agios Andrews - Άγιος Ανδρέας
Point for More
St Andrew's Castle is the largest of the six castles that are preserved in the Preveza area. The castle has three construction phases, which are identical with three different historical periods of Preveza. The first phase of the castle is related to the tradition of Preveza in 1701 by the Venetians . The second phase is the second, Venetian occupation of the city (1718-1797) and the improvements the Venetians made in the castle.
The third phase is characterized by the presence of Ali Pasha in Preveza.
Direction
Angelokastro - Αγγελόκαστρο
Point for More
Angelokastro is a Byzantine castle on the island of Corfu. Angelokastro is one of the most important fortified complexes of Corfu. It was an acropolis which surveyed the region all the way to the southern Adriatic. Angelokastro formed a defensive triangle with the castles of Gardiki and Kassiopi, which covered Corfu's defences to the south, northwest and northeast. The exact period of the building of the castle is not known, but it has often been attributed to the reigns of Michael I Komnenos.
Direction
Kassiopi - Κάστρο Κασσιώπης
Point for More
Kassiopi Castle was one of three Byzantine-period castles that defended the island before the Venetian era (1386–1797). In 1081 Count Bohemund of Taranto conquered the castle at the start of the first Norman invasion of Greece. In 1084 the fortress fell into the hands of Alexios I Komnenos after he defeated the Norman fleet following three naval battles in the Corfu Channel. In 1267 the Angevins took over the castle and in 1386 the castle fell to the Venetians.
Direction
Parga - Πάργα
Point for More
Kassiopi Castle was one of three Byzantine-period castles that defended the island before the Venetian era (1386–1797). In 1081 Count Bohemund of Taranto conquered the castle at the start of the first Norman invasion of Greece. In 1084 the fortress fell into the hands of Alexios I Komnenos after he defeated the Norman fleet following three naval battles in the Corfu Channel. In 1267 the Angevins took over the castle and in 1386 the castle fell to the Venetians.
Direction
Neo Frourio - Νέο Φρούριο
Point for More
The New Fortress of Corfu is a Venetian fortress built on the hill of St. Mark in Corfu in stages. The original architect of the fort was the military engineer Ferrante Vitelli. The current buildings which exist within the fortress were built by the British during their rule of the island (1815–63).
Direction
Five Wells - Πέντε Πηγάδια
Point for More
The two castles at the site Pente Pigadia are located in the area of Kleisoura, prefecture of Preveza. They were built close to each other; the posterior one dates back to the beginning of the 19th century, a few years after the first one. Both castles controlled the pass of Kleisoura, a junction point from Ioannina to Arta and the ports of the Amvrakikos bay.
Direction
Pleuron Castle
Point for More
Ruins of the fortifications of Nea Plevrona, also known as Kyra Rini castle.
Direction
Santa Maura - Σάντα Μάουρα
Point for More
The original building of the castle of Agia Mavra was constructed in 1300 by the Sicilian Ioannis Orsini with the main aim of protecting the new capital of the island, which was transferred on Lefkada from the town of Kaligoni. or a period of time, the whole island of Lefkada was named the Castle of Agia Mavra. In the 16th century Venetians took over the rule of the island. In 1487, the island has been overtaken by the Ottomans.
Direction
Vonitsa Castle - Κάστρο Βόνιτσας
Point for More
Vonitsa, is located on the southern coast of the Amvrakikos Gulf, some ten miles to the east of Preveza. Because of its commanding view over the gulf and over a small natural harbor, the hill of Vonitsa was fortified by the Byzantines and after them by the Venetians and the Ottomans.
Direction
