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Open Daily 9:00am-17:00pm
Greece is dotted with castles, towers, forts, fortresses, and citadels that were built over the centuries to fight off potential invaders. Many of these structures still stand proudly in their glory recounting the country’s profound history. Many of these fortifications are open to visitors providing an insight into the country’s rich past. Byzantine, Venetian, Frankish and Ottoman castles and towers still bear the scars of ancient battles and carry the stories of knights and brave soldiers. Most of those strongholds were built from stone atop hillsides to look out over the surrounding areas and seas. There are more than 1,200 castles scattered on the mainland and islands, though the exact number is unknown. They can be found in every corner of Greece. Some of them are among the best-preserved castles in Europe while others lie in ruins, however all of them have their own story to tell. Whether visiting a remarkably well-preserved castle or exploring a medieval tower or citadel, these Greek defensive structures are a marvel to see. Here are the most spectacular castles and towers you can find in Greece.
How many castles are there in Greece?
In Greece, there are more than 1.200 medieval castles, fortresses and towers.
What is the biggest castle in Greece?
The castle of Mytilene, located on the Greek island of Lesvos is the third largest castle in the Mediterranean and the largest in Greece, covering an area of 60 acres.
What are Greek castles called?
The Greek word for the castle is κάστρο (kastro), derived directly from the “castrum”. It Is a generic term describing all kinds of fortifications after antiquity until the 17th century.
