Riniasa Castle, Medieval Byzantine fortress in Riza, Greece
Riniasa Castle is a Byzantine fortress built on a hilltop near Preveza, constructed with precisely cut stone blocks. The structures sit roughly 185 meters above sea level and command views over the surrounding landscape and sea from this elevated position.
The castle was built in the late 13th century by Thomas I Komnenos Doukas, the Despot of Epirus, and originally bore the name Thomocastro. The fortress played an important role in controlling maritime and land routes through the region.
The fortress represents a prime example of Late-Byzantine military architecture and served as a control point for both maritime and land trade routes.
The site is free to visit and can be reached via the National Road Preveza-Igoumenitsa with signs pointing toward Riza beach. The area is open to walk around but is best visited in dry weather and with proper footwear.
In 1803, the castle became the location of a notable event when Despo Botsi and her family chose self-immolation to avoid capture by enemy forces.
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