Ruins of the fortress Paleokastro (Paleokastro) description and photos - Greece: Ios Island (Topic)

Ruins of the Paleokastro fortress description and photos - Greece: Ios Island. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The name in English is Paleokastro.

Photo and description

Among the most interesting places on the Greek island of Ios, which are definitely worth a visit, the Venetian fortress Paleokastro or the "old castle", or rather its ruins, lying on the top of a picturesque steep hill on the east coast of the island (between the settlements of Feodoti and Psakhi). Today it is perhaps one of the most famous landmarks of the island of Ios, as well as an important historical monument.

The fortress was built in 1397 during the reign of Marcus Crispi on the ruins of an older structure (some architectural fragments that have survived to our days, dating back to the 10th century) in order to provide reliable protection to the inhabitants of Ios in case of an attack on the island of ill-wishers. The location was chosen very well, as it provided a good overview, which practically ruled out the possibility of a "surprise attack".

Unfortunately, to this day, only ruins remain of the once impressive structure, which, nevertheless, give a fairly good idea of its monumentality and the basic principles of fortification architecture of the Middle Ages.

On the territory of the old castle, you will also see the small snow-white church of Panagia Paleokastritissa, where every year on August 8, the inhabitants of the island arrange festivities in honor of the Virgin Mary. However, it is worth climbing the hill for the fantastic panoramic views of the island and the Aegean Sea opening from its top.

Despite the fact that a convenient paved path leads to the top of the hill, it is still worth taking care of the appropriate shoes, and also about drinking water supply and sun protection,

We also recommend reading Annenskie fortifications description and photos - Russia - Leningrad region: Vyborg

Topic: Ruins of the fortress Paleokastro (Paleokastro) description and photos - Greece: Ios Island.