Agios Georgios Castle, Kefalonia, Greece

The Venetian Castle of Saint George in Kefalonia is located 7 km southeast of Argostoli, above the village Peratata. It has a polygonal shape and covers an area of 16,000 sq. m. This castle was originally built in the 12th century by the Byzantines but it was mostly the Venetians who gave it its present form. In fact, its external walls were built in 1504 by the Venetians.

The castle is ruined today and only a few buildings survive. It was not only the time and wars that caused its damages. This castle also suffered a lot from the earthquake that hit Kefalonia in 1956. At the time of its glory, inside the Castle, there were residences, public buildings, storehouses with food and guns, churches, hospitals, prisons, cisterns of water and generally an organized town. In fact, this Castle was the capital of Kefalonia before Argostoli was made the new capital in 1757. Close to a small square in the castle, you will also see the ruins of the Catholic Church of Saint Nicholas.

References:

greeka.com

User Reviews

Michael Shoop (5 months ago)
Medieval fortress worth walking through - I recommend coming in the morning to avoid the mid afternoon sun. ☀️

Sebastien Bodart (6 months ago)
Nice castle, worth it for the view mostly as a large part of the castle is in ruins. Very worth the visit however. Make sure to wear shoes for the long plants and small hike.

john saltray (6 months ago)
Lovely historical ruins site. Like 3 euros for a ticket. Careful of the wasps. Beautiful views from up high. Oh and a lovely restaurant at the (entrance /) exit. Beautiful flowers everywhere.

George Muscat (7 months ago)
Probably not the premier castle on Kefalonia, but it is exceptionally easy to access by car. So if you can walk the few kilometres up hill to the Castle of Assos, this is an alternative. Definitely worth a visit if you have the time. Interesting history of Kefalonia.

Julie Prince (7 months ago)
While visiting the castle drop into the cafe/restaurant at the side of the castle, the food is amazing, all home cooked and family run, extremely pleasant staff and very jolly, the service is excellent. Every time we come to the island, we call here. The views are spectacular.

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