Angelokastro

Corfu, Greece

Angelokastro is a Byzantine castle on the island of Corfu. It is located at the top of the highest peak of the island's shoreline in the northwest coast near Palaiokastritsa and built on particularly precipitous and rocky terrain. It stands 305 m on a steep cliff above the sea and surveys the City of Corfu and the mountains of mainland Greece to the southeast and a wide area of Corfu toward the northeast and northwest.

Angelokastro is one of the most important fortified complexes of Corfu. It was an acropolis which surveyed the region all the way to the southern Adriatic and presented a formidable strategic vantage point to the occupant of the castle.

Angelokastro formed a defensive triangle with the castles of Gardiki and Kassiopi, which covered Corfu's defences to the south, northwest and northeast.

The castle never fell, despite frequent sieges and attempts at conquering it through the centuries, and played a decisive role in defending the island against pirate incursions and during three sieges of Corfu by the Ottomans, significantly contributing to their defeat.

During invasions it helped shelter the local peasant population. The villagers also fought against the invaders playing an active role in the defence of the castle.

The exact period of the building of the castle is not known, but it has often been attributed to the reigns of Michael I Komnenos and his son Michael II Komnenos. The first documentary evidence for the fortress dates to 1272, when Giordano di San Felice took possession of it for Charles of Anjou, who had seized Corfu from Manfred, King of Sicily in 1267.

From 1387 to the end of the 16th century, Angelokastro was the official capital of Corfu and the seat of the Provveditore Generale del Levante, governor of the Ionian islands and commander of the Venetian fleet, which was stationed in Corfu.

The governor of the castle (the castellan) was normally appointed by the City council of Corfu and was chosen amongst the noblemen of the island.

Angelokastro is considered one of the most imposing architectural remains in the Ionian Islands.

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Corfu, Greece
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Founded: 13th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Greece

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4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Howard Mahon (5 months ago)
We went in November, in the afternoon and it wasn’t very busy at all all. The first gate was closed, but it seems the locals walk around this and then you can go into the castle, amazing views. The church was closed , and there was a small carpark at the bottom and it’s 5 to 10 minute walk if that to the first gate
George Syros (5 months ago)
This place is a spectacular viewpoint on its own. The sheer cliffs rise sharp, high above the water, and offer a magnificent view of the Adriatic Sea. This view, though priceless in its recreational purposes, is also invaluable for military objectives. The Byzantines did not fail to acknowledge this and went forth to fortify the position. In this act, they created a superb observatory as well as an impregnable fortress. The cliffs are nigh impossible to climb from most directions, even with sophisticated equipment. Only the eastern side is somewhat accessible, but even this is via a narrow path winding along a steep slope. Don't miss a chance to visit this place. The ascent may seem exhausting, but it is quite manageable, and the photos you will take will be most memorable. Much more so, the images of endless blue from atop the massive cliffs will quite surely leave a lasting impression that will always be available in your mind's eye.
Lessandro Reyniers (7 months ago)
Was there end of the season (end of September) so not much people. Hike up my 7 month pregnant wife was able to do it without much effort. Once up it does give a nice overview off the area. It is more a ruin though some parts like the entrance gate have been restored.
Daniel (7 months ago)
A must see in Corfu, wow what an incredible Castle with rich history, it's a little tough to walk up, takes under 10 minutes but is fairly steep, but if you have any injuries may be difficult. It's well worth it, what a view
Valts Iesalnieks (8 months ago)
You can see this castle from far distance. It's very majestic. Climb upstairs is not that hard and long. View is totally spectacular. Just imagine how these kind of castles were built, very impressive. Totally recommend to visit.
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