Gardiki Castle

Gardiki is a 13th-century castle with an octagonal layout and eight rectangular towers rising from a hilltop in southwestern Corfu. The site preserves fragments of frescoed walls in its towers and displays the defensive architectural design typical of Byzantine military strongholds.

The castle was constructed during the Byzantine period as part of a larger defensive network protecting the island of Corfu. It served as a strategic stronghold alongside other fortifications to guard against raids and invasions from the sea.

The name Gardiki refers to a fortified garden space, reflecting its original purpose as a settlement with managed resources and defensive features. Today, visitors can see how the stone structures were arranged to support daily life within the fortified walls.

The site is best reached on foot from Agios Matheos village by following marked paths that lead to the hilltop. Visitors should prepare for uneven terrain and uphill walking, so sturdy footwear and allowing time for the climb are recommended.

Ancient fountain structures were incorporated into the castle walls, revealing how different historical periods were connected at this location. This reuse of older building elements shows that people had occupied and valued this hilltop for many centuries.