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Castle of Platamonas
Platamon Castle is a Middle Byzantine fortress dating back to the 10th century AD, strategically positioned southeast of Mount Olympus. Overlooking the exit of the Tempi Valley, the castle played a crucial role in controlling the route between Macedonia, Thessaly, and Southern Greece.
Historical Significance
The castle stands on the site of the ancient city of Heracleia. The name “Platamon” first appeared in an imperial decree of 1198, though it is believed that a Byzantine fortress existed there as early as the 10th century.
Following the fall of Constantinople during the 4th Crusade (1204), Platamon came under the rule of Boniface of Montferrat, King of Thessaloniki, who granted it to Lombard knight Rolando Piska. Piska rebuilt the castle over the existing ruins, reinforcing its defenses.
The Byzantines reclaimed the castle in 1218, when it was captured by Theodoros Angelos, Despot of Epirus. Later, after the Battle of Pelagonia (1259), it fell under the control of Michael VIII Palaiologos of Nicaea, who later became the Byzantine Emperor.
In 1385, the Ottomans captured Platamon Castle, recognizing its strategic importance and maintaining it as a key military outpost. Although Venetians briefly seized the castle between 1425 and 1427, the Ottomans regained control, holding it until the early 20th century.
During World War II (April 1941), a New Zealand unit attempted to defend the castle but was forced to retreat after heavy German bombardment.
Architectural & Fortification Features of Platamon Castle
Platamon Castle showcases the three key characteristics of medieval fortresses: the outer enclosure, the inner enclosure, which serves as the acropolis, and the central tower. The castle’s polygonal-shaped outer wall is reinforced by three enclosures and remains in remarkable condition. The spacious outer enclosure features its entrance on the southeastern side, where the remains of an old fore-wall can also be seen.
The castle walls reach a height of 9.5 meters to the right of the entrance and 7.5 meters to the left, with a thickness ranging from 1.2 to 2 meters. On the northeastern side, the grand central tower stands tall as the primary defensive stronghold, measuring 16 meters in height and 2 meters in thickness. For security reasons, its entrance was originally built 2 meters above ground level.
Above the two gates, there was once an additional watchtower, now in ruins. Within the castle grounds, the Church of Agia Paraskevi still stands—the only surviving one out of the five churches that once existed here. During the Ottoman period, this church was converted into a mosque.
Getting to Platamon Castle
Platamon Castle is located at the 490th kilometer of the E75 Athens–Thessaloniki National Highway. A parking area is available 100 meters from the castle’s entrance. The castle is conveniently situated 4.8 km (7 minutes) from Platamonas, 17.8 km (20 minutes) from Litochoro, and 4.4 km (12 minutes) from the traditional village of Agios Panteleimonas.
Explore Platamon Castle, a historical marvel with breathtaking views and a rich medieval past!
