Parga Castle, Medieval fortress on a hill in Parga, Greece.
Parga Castle spreads across a rocky peninsula with eight defensive towers and thick stone walls built on multiple levels. The fortress commands the bay and offers expansive views from its positions overlooking the Ionian Sea and the settlement below.
Venetian builders constructed the current fortress in the 16th century after repeated pirate attacks and invasions had destroyed earlier fortifications. This new structure was designed to better defend against mounting threats from the sea and Ottoman territorial advances.
The entrance displays the carved Lion of Venice and double-headed eagles, symbols that reflect different rulers who held power here. These stone inscriptions show how many civilizations shaped this hilltop fortress over time.
The climb to the fortress is steep and requires good footwear and some endurance from downtown. A cafe on the grounds offers refreshment, and early morning or late afternoon visits are best to avoid the strongest heat.
A hidden stone staircase descends directly from inside the fortress to the sea, serving as an escape route during sieges. This concealed passage reveals how the defenders engineered survival into the very structure of the walls.
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