The three Venetian castles highlight the island’s rich history and cultural past. During the Venetian period, which lasted from 1207 to 1797, for about 590 years. Among other things, the Venetians built a system of castles and fortifications in various parts of the island to protect the area from enemy and pirate attacks, as well as to consolidate their power in the Aegean.
In Kythera there are a number of structures and historical monuments that have withstood the test of time, and today they now serve as a tourist attraction. You can mark the following castles on the map of Kythira and visit them during your stay on the island. By visiting these castles, you will have the opportunity to delve deeper into the history and cultural heritage of Kythera and enjoy their unique architectural and natural beauties.
Castle of Chora
The castle of Chora, located in the southern part of the town of Chora, is built on an elevated position, dominates over Chora, the capital of the island, and has a panoramic view of three seas, the Myrtoos, the Cretan and the Ionian. It dates from the 13th century, with its current form due to a reconstruction in 1503. The castle is large in area and is divided into the inner and outer Burgos. It has walls, bastions, towers, and two entrances, the Porta tou Liotrivio and the Porta tis Megali Skala. Inside you will find picturesque alleys, ruined buildings, a large system of water tanks, and the church of Panagia Myrtidiotissa, the patron saint of the island. Also today, the Folklore Museum of Kythira’s Emblems operates inside the castle.
Castle Kato Chora of Mylopotamos
In the picturesque village of Mylopotamos, located in the center-west of Kythira, in the traditional and preserved settlement of Kato Chora, there is the Venetian castle of Kato Chora, built on a steep hill overlooking the Ionian Sea. It was built in the 13th century and features walls, towers, and an impressive central gate with the Venetian lion adorning it. Inside the castle we will see many two-story houses, and Byzantine churches, in relatively good condition that create a unique setting that cultivates the imagination and creates images from other times. It is worth visiting the church of Agios Dimitrios, built on the ruins of an older church. The sunset from the western ramparts of the castle is considered one of the most beautiful on the island.
Castlelo of Avlemonas
The Castle of Avlemonas is located at the entrance of the homonymous village in the center east of Kythera. It was built in the 16th century to protect the port from pirates, and to control the strategic sea area. It has walls, bastions, and a lighthouse. Today, the fort is in ruins, but the view from there is breathtaking.
The Venetian castles in Kythira are important monuments of the island’s history and culture. It is worth visiting them to get to know the glorious past of the place, and to get lost in the picturesque alleys and the magnificent view.
