Paralio Astros Castle

Μετάφραση Greek Version

Paralio Astros Castle

The castle of Paralio Astros dominates the south summit of the hill called "Nissi". It is a Medieval castle, often referred to as the Castle of the Zafeiropoulos, due to the three Zapheiropoulos brothers, wealthy merchants living abroad, who returned back home to fight against the Turks during the Greek Revolution. The three brothers built their houses inside the castle. Two of the houses are now half-ruined and the third is totally ruined. Apart from the three houses, ruins of other buildings of unknown era and use are preserved.

The castle was built in 1256 AD. by Gillaume de Villardhuin and served as the residence of the Venetian Governor. The castle was called Castello della Estella, meaning Castle of the Star, due to the asteroid shape of the peninsula on which it was built. During the Turkish occupation, the castle was remodeled as a strong defensive complex. It has a rectangular shape and a large part of the enceinte and one of the defensive towers are preserved today. Reconstruction works have taken place on the NW gate, the staircase, the main gate and in parts of the castle's wall. The castle can be visited all year round and it offers amazing views.