CASTLES

Paliopyrgos at Vatera

Small Castle build in 1355 – 1375 A.C., on top of a small hill, west of Vrissa, probably by an important dignitary/ land holder of the Gateluzan Period. It is considered very likely to be the only physical evidence of the old Byzantine Vrissa.

There is a build-in slab in one of the walls engraved with the Gateluzan coat of arms. When the castle was constructed the four bottom corners of the castle were intentionally removed. This was done, so that the castle would eventually fall, if taken over by the enemy. Ironically the castle walls remain upright today.

Visiting Paliopyrgos today is easy. If you take a country walk from Vatera to Almiropotamos, cross the bridge and follow the river to the right, you will arrive at a location where you need to cross the river at a shallow point. After a short walk around the hill veering to the right and uphill, the old “kalderimi” path will lead you staight up to Paliopirgos. (click on the photos for a larger view) 

 
The Castle of Mytilene

It is build on top of the pine-glad hill, in the area of the northern port at Epano Skala. It is one of the largest Mediterranean Castles. Ancient materials were used in the construction which started around 483-565 AD and was completed during the years of the rule of the Genoese family of Gatelouzi (1355-1462).

In 1373 small towers were build inside the castle by Francisco A’ Gatelouzo. In 1384, an earthquake destroyed it and it had to be reconstructed. Later it was fortified with new ramparts, dikes and cannons, until the Turks took control of the Castle in 1462.

The palace of the Gatelouzi still stands, a square stone tower with an inlaid slab.  The shapes on the slab show the coat of arms of the Gatelouzi and scenes from Roman duels. On the outer gate of the castle, there is the coat of arms of the Palaeologi, the Byzantine Emperors.

During the years of Ottoman rule, a seminary was build – the building is still preserved today – and other additional works were made. Under the castle there is a system of tunnels, which offered shelter to women and children during the war and a water cistern (capacity 4.000 cubic m.) These days the castle is used for cultural events.  

The Castle of Molyvos

The castle stands on the top of a pine-clad hill and it is among the best preserved in the Eastern Mediterranean. Its construction had started in the Byzantine era on the ruins of ancient walls, as a defence structure against anticipated raids by Franks and Turks and was completed in 1373 by the Genoese Francisco Gatelouzo.

Later the Ottomans extended the fortifications. It’s well build from red and brown trachyte rock, with strong walls and inlaid slabs carrying inscriptions, coats of arms and other marks. The castle is divided in several levels. The main gate is made of heavy wood and is covered with metal slabs. These days it is used for cultural events.

The Castle of Sigri

 It’s a small stone build castle, constructed during the period of the Turkish occupation (1757) by the vice admiral of the vice admiral of the Ottoman fleet, Souleiman Pasha for the protection of the port against pirates. It offers a wonderful view of the Aegean Sea and no doubt it was constructed at this site, for the very same reason.

The castle is square and has towers in its corners. It has two double gates, east and west, which are covered with iron and a top-pointed arch (typical of Arabic architecture) made of alternating red and white stones. Similar are the arches of the rooms used by the guards. Turkish inscriptions and decorations can be seen throughout the castle. Generally it is in very good condition.