Platamon Castle, Medieval castle and archaeological site near Mount Olympus, Greece
Platamon Castle rises on a rocky hill above the Aegean Sea with thick stone walls and irregularly spaced towers forming its main structure. The fortress spreads across multiple levels with a central keep at its heart, commanding views over the sea and surrounding landscape.
The fortress began as a Byzantine settlement and became a Crusader stronghold after 1204 when Boniface of Montferrat brought the region under Latin control. The castle subsequently changed hands among different powers and eventually lost its strategic importance over time.
The small chapel of Agia Paraskevi sits within the fortification, reflecting how religious life was woven into daily existence here. Walking through the grounds, visitors notice how structures from different periods stand alongside one another, telling a story of continuous occupation.
Reaching the summit requires climbing over uneven stone paths with some steep sections and rough terrain throughout the site. Sturdy footwear and water are essential, especially during warmer months when the exposure offers little shade.
The castle contains an underground water storage system carved into the bedrock that enabled residents to survive extended sieges. These hidden cisterns reveal the engineering skill of the fortress builders.
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