Castle of Skiathos, Medieval fortress on northern peninsula, Skiathos, Greece
Castle of Skiathos sits on a rocky peninsula protected by steep cliffs on three sides, creating a natural defensive position. The only entrance faces south, where stone walls and a wooden drawbridge controlled access to the interior.
Islanders built this fortress around 1360 as protection against Turkish pirates threatening the region. It served as the main settlement until Greece gained independence, when residents moved to the lowlands.
The fortress held multiple churches that reveal how central faith was to life in this medieval community. Despite limited space on the rocky hilltop, religious buildings shaped daily routines and social organization.
A marked hiking path leads from Skiathos Town to the fortress, taking roughly two hours to complete the climb. The terrain is steep with rocky sections, so sturdy footwear and plenty of water are necessary for the walk.
At its peak under Ottoman rule, several hundred to over a thousand residents crowded into this hilltop fortress despite severe space constraints. The community even included a mosque and an elaborate system of water cisterns for survival in this remote location.
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