Castle or Knights’ Castle

The medieval castle of Halki is built on the site of an ancient acropolis, approximately 3 km out of Halki’s main town. The castle is on the top of the hill known as Palaiokastro or Ai Nikolas, above the old city of Chorio and is visible from the town and as you arrive on the boat. The medieval castle covers an area of approximately 2,200 sq. m. and is reinforced with towers.  

History

During the Hospitaller period (1309-1522 AD), important fortification works were carried out under the supervision of the Grand Master and engineer of the Order of the Knights of St. John, Pierre d’ Aubusson (1476-1503), as is documented by his coat of arms built into the north section of the defensive wall. Decrees of the Grand Masters Giovanni Battista degli Orsinni (1474) and Pierre d’ Aubusson (1479) reveal that during the expected Ottoman attacks the castle was not a safe refuge for the inhabitants of Halki and they were ordered to seek refuge in Rhodes, which possibly led to the partial desertion of the island. During the period of the Ottoman rule, the fortress was used as an observation post. It is attested that in 1658 the locals transmitted signals warning the garrison of Rhodes of the imminent attack by the Venetian Admiral Francesco Morosini. Over the years, the small size of the castle and the limited number of experienced defenders led gradually to the final abandonment of the castle. As a consequence, the castle was finally abandoned in 1493 and passed over to Turks in 1522.

Inside the castle is the church of St. Nicholas. The church is one of the most important monuments on the island from the Hospitaller period with successive building phases. It is a single-aisled church with a vaulted roof. The wall paintings in its interior are dated to the 15^th century. The depiction of a saint on a monolithic pillar placed upside down in the foundation of the structure dates from the earliest building phase to the 13^th century. The church and parts of the wall in the north side of the castle are preserved in good condition. From the ancient acropolis, the gate stones and the lintel of the main entrance, the secondary gate on the south side and some other parts that have been incorporated as spolia in the later constructions are preserved as well.

Extensive maintenance and renovation works were carried out in 2004. The renovations on the medieval castle were excellent and give prominence to the monument. Overall, this is a great old castle well laid out with signage and boards.

Access

The climb from the old village to the castle is a bit steep, not easy sometimes especially because of the heat but the views on the way up are outstanding with a breathtaking panoramic view of Halki's port and Trachia. From up there, you enjoy astonishing, breathtaking views that just blows you away. If you are in Chalki, hiking to the castle is a must do, if you can. If you do not want to walk up, there is a bus at some part of the day.  If going by bus the bus drops you off at Chorio and you walk through the abandoned village, past the church which is still used for ceremonies, and on up the pathway to the castle at the top. If you choose to walk up to the castle, make sure you take clothes to cover you from the sun, a hat and plenty of water! From Emborio the walk will take no more than 90 minutes there and 60 minutes back.

Tip: Do not the miss the ancient thrones of Zeus and Ekati just below the castle on the part of the ancient castle's site.