Castle of Chios, Medieval fortress and archaeological site in Chios, Greece
The Castle of Chios is a fortress on the northern side of Chios port with an irregular pentagon shape and eight preserved bastions. The fortification encloses a residential neighborhood where about 650 people still live today.
The fortress originated in the 10th century under Byzantine rule and was later controlled by Genoa from 1346 to 1566. The Ottomans then took control and kept the structure for centuries.
The Ioustiniani Palace near the main gate displays archaeological finds and art that tell stories about the region's past. Visitors can see how people have preserved and presented objects that matter to their community.
The site has multiple entrances, including the Porta Maggiore gate and the Portello entrance to the northwest. Visitors should wear flat shoes and be prepared to navigate stairs and uneven ground.
A sunken cistern called Kria Vrisi from the Genoese period still functions as a water storage system within the castle grounds. This underground structure shows how builders solved the challenge of reliable water supply in a fortress.
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