Castle of Parikia, Medieval castle in Parikia, Greece
The Castle of Parikia sits on a hilltop above the main port, with ancient marble columns and stone blocks built into its defensive walls. The structures spread across the hill, creating a layered complex of connected defensive elements.
The fortress was founded in 1260 by Duke Angelo Sanudo on the ruins of five ancient temples, including a 6th-century temple dedicated to Athena. The overlapping construction marks when medieval rule arrived on the island.
Four small churches sit within the castle walls, mixing Venetian and Greek Orthodox building styles that visitors can see side by side. Walking through the ruins shows how different traditions shaped the place over time.
A walking path from the town market leads up to the site, starting from central Parikia and rising steadily. Wear comfortable shoes for the steep climb and uneven ground underfoot.
A landslide in 1771 collapsed the northern and western walls of the fortress. Fragments from the ancient temples are still visible among the fallen stones today.
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