Halki Castle, Halki, Greece

Halki Castle is located on the hill of St. Nicholas over the old village of Halki. It was built by the Knights of St. John in the 14th-15th century over the ancient Hellenistic citadel. From there they were able to control the sea routes, the harbor and the Trachean peninsula. Inside the castle are the ruins of the medieval church of St. Nicholas. At the gate the emblem of the Grand Master of the knights Pierre d’Aubusson (1476-1503) is engraved.

Today, the castle is accessed through a paved path from where the view is just fascinating. The back side of the hill is rough and its slopes lead to the sea. At the foot of the castle, there are three small chapels dedicated to Virgin Mary, to Saint Nicolas, and to the Holy Trinity.

References:

kastra.eu

User Reviews

Κωνσταντίνος Καλογεράς (3 years ago)
I decided to give my opinion based on the view from the road. I didn't go up the castle but from other reviews I read, I had the impression it would be fairly easy to go up the castle. But this picture clearly shows it's not all that easy. Anyway if you are in shape, and again based on photos I saw, it's worth the walk.

Michaela Sharman (thehungrytravellers.blog) (4 years ago)
Steep climb through the old town to the Kastro but it is so worth it, Great to clamber amongst this site and the views are jus amazing

lb lokabandhu (6 years ago)
Amazing views and wonderful solitude! Come up when the full moon is rising over the sea, or the sun is setting...

Alex Birkett (7 years ago)
Very nice to see the restorations made after years of neglect. Would be nice if there were a few more info boards with some history and interpretations in the chapel and in the castle itself as there isn't much to explain what is what when you're up there. Either way, it's a must for early morning and sunset views.

Hannah Burnett (7 years ago)
Great views. Signposts up to the castle as well as a proper path. There are notice boards with some historic information on in Greek and English.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Following Hadrian

Historic Site of the week

Walls of Constantinople

The Walls of Constantinople are a series of defensive stone walls that have surrounded and protected the city of Constantinople (today Istanbul) since its founding as the new capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great. With numerous additions and modifications during their history, they were the last great fortification system of antiquity, and one of the most complex and elaborate systems ever built. They were also the largest and strongest fortification in both the ancient and medieval world.

Initially built by Constantine the Great, the walls surrounded the new city on all sides, protecting it against attack from both sea and land. As the city grew, the famous double line of the Theodosian Walls was built in the 5th century. Although the other sections of the walls were less elaborate, they were, when well-manned, almost impregnable for any medieval besieger.

Halki Castle

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historic Site of the week

Walls of Constantinople