Avlemonas Castle, Kythira, Greece

On realizing the strategic position of Kythira in Avlemonas, the Venetians in 1547 built a tower, with the purpose of protecting the area. In 1565, a rectangular, which was later expanded in a polygonal shape, Venetian Castle was built on top of that rock. The sparing use of detail, together with the concentration of pronounced features had produced boldness and simplicity in its style, which is a typical characteristic of castles of that period.

Castello is the fortress of Saint Francis. The lion of Agios Markos built on top of the main entrance is characterized as holding the gospel. Its gate also depicts the characteristic symbols of the Venetian Empire. Foreign invaders and pirates assaulted the castle many times over the course of time. The shelling of English warships damaged the castle enabling the English to capture the island of Kythira. Some of the canons used by the Venetians still exist in the castle, while among the buildings that survive until our days there is a number of Byzantine churches, two-floor houses, and a building with the sun watch.

The castle is an ideal place to have a nice walk. For the tourists visiting Avlemonas, the ruins of the Venetian Castle and the surrounding traditional and modern houses are a visual delight. Other sites of interest in the area are the Churches of Agia Moni and Agios Georgios Vounou, as well as the settlement of Paleopoli.

References:

greeka.com

Castles and fortifications in Greece

User Reviews

Laura Porro (8 months ago)
The door is locked but if you go round the back there is an open floor-level window to get in. Very nice remains of a Venetian fortress!

Elvira Portugall (3 years ago)
Open 24 hours But only from the outside. door locked. An open window, the 'suppliers' entrance

manos psathas (3 years ago)
The Castle was built by the Venetians in 1565 with the obvious purpose of protecting the harbor, which at that time was the most important port of Kythira. It is not open to visitors.

Rui Santo (4 years ago)
Very nice small fortress, from Venetian times. You can walk around the castle and enter from the back.

Akis Tratsis (6 years ago)
A mini fort situated on the waters edge. Unfortunately it is officially closed for the public but of you walk around the back you can actually get in.

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