
Castle of Grivas (Tekes)
A small fascinating castle overlooking the far more formidable Santa Maura fortress built by the Venetians. The castle was built atop a 17th century monastery by Ali Pasha in 1806 to facilitate Ali’s attack against the island of Lefkas. His plans were canceled in July 1807, when the French occupied the Ionian islands, after a treaty with the Russians. Some years later the castle was turned over to the Grivas family, to which it owes its name. In May 1821, during the Greek Revolution, it was captured by the Greeks. The W and N sides of the castle are protected by water and the main gate is on the east side.
Grivas castle stands on top of a rocky peak surrounded by marshland as you drive along the 42 towards Lefkas and has a unique view to the Ionian Sea, the Ambracian gulf and the island of Lefkas (Lefkada). Unfortunately, the place is neglected. The monument is easily accessible but the main rooms on the east side are ruins. A magazine stands in the middle of the courtyard and there are many casemates under the wall walks. A small parking area is available at the base and there is no entry fee to visit it.
GPS Coordinates 38.84776, 20.73973