Castle of Astypalaia, Medieval fortress in Chora, Greece
The Castle of Astypalaia is a medieval fortress on a hilltop in Chora, built using local stone rich in iron oxide. Its walls form a solid structure with a single entry passage on the southwest side that is covered by a vault.
The fortress was built in 1413 by Giovanni Querini as part of Venice's network of defenses protecting the islands. It was constructed on the site of an ancient acropolis, joining old and new defense strategies in one location.
Two churches stand inside the walls, reflecting different periods of religious life that visitors encounter while walking through. These houses of worship show how faith shaped daily life within the fortress across centuries.
The site is open year-round and free to enter, allowing visitors to explore without restrictions or scheduling concerns. Be prepared for uneven ground and steep paths, as the fortress sits on a hillside with variable terrain.
Around the main fortress stand reinforced house structures called xokastra that formed a second protective ring. These dwellings were not simply homes but also served as defensive elements for the entire complex.
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