Kelefa Castle

East Mani, Greece

The castle of Kelefa is located about halfway between the current village of Kelefa and the Bay of Oitylo. It was built in 1679 by the Ottomans, in order to contain the Inner Mani region. Some years later, in 1685, the Maniots besieged the castle. They sent messengers to Venice so the Doge could send a fleet to help them capture the castle. The Venetians were currently at war with the Ottomans so they agreed and sent a fleet under Francesco Morosini. As soon the fleets bearing the symbol of St Mark the Ottoman garrison surrendered. A year later the Ottomans returned with a strong force and laid siege to the castle but were driven back. Along with the rest of the Peloponnese, the castle remained in Venetian hands for about 30 years, but in 1715 the Ottomans recaptured the Peloponnese. Around 1780 the Ottomans abandoned the castle, which became derelict.

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Kelefa, East Mani, Greece
See all sites in East Mani

Details

Founded: 1679
Category: Castles and fortifications in Greece

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

George Syros (5 months ago)
This Ottoman construct was hastily built and poorly designed with masonry that is surprisingly thin for the age of gunpowder. It could be argued that it was sufficient for dealing with the often insurgent yet ill equipped for siegecraft local population who were defiant to the Ottoman rule front day 1. As can be seen in Pylos, the Ottomans could build massive and effective defensive works when they needed to. As a rather recently built fortification, there is enough left to be seen for the entertainment of most visitors. Though unattended, it is quite easily accessible and rather manageable to walk along the eastern wall near the road. Getting deeper within is far more difficult, with scattered rocks hidden under endless reeds and bushes that make every step a troublesome affair. All in all, it is a nice and impressive site for a brief visit along the eastern wall.
Linda Hoyle (12 months ago)
Beautiful views. We visited in April. The path was easy to walk and we went along the top of the fort.
Mary Kikikis (2 years ago)
Dramatically located ruined castle, providing marvelous view. Open to explore, but full of thick prickly plants making access difficult in summer. Kastro Kelefas was built in 1679 by the Ottomans, captured in 1685 by the Maniots, with assistance from Venice. The castle remained in Venetian hands for about 30 years; in 1715 the Ottomans recaptured the Peloponnese. Around 1780 the Ottomans abandoned the castle, which became derelict.
Zoltan Toth (3 years ago)
Walked up the road from the beach. We saw a turtle on our way. The fort is not well maintained, so watch your steps. Good view from the bastion.
Olga Gillavgud (6 years ago)
It is not suitable to visit with kids, but views are spectacular from the tower in middle. If you want to explore you need to wear trousers and trainers as a lot of prickly plants.
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