According to researchers, the Castle of Kyparissia was built by Frankish people on the site of a previous Byzantine fortress.
The Byzantines had built four bulwarks at the four corners of the castle, but only one is preserved today, which is named Ioustinianos, after the great Byzantine emperor. The Franks attacked the Castle in the 13th century and kept it under their control for two centuries. As it is built on a hill overlooking the whole town and bay of Kyparissia, this Castle was a watch outpost for enemies and pirates.
In 1460, the Castle of Kyparissia was conquered by the Turks, until the 1820s, when the Greek War of Independence set the town free. However, due to the battles that have occurred, the Castle has been greatly damaged. Most of the bulwarks, the walls, the cisterns, and the storehouses have been destroyed either by attacks or from the gradual decay.
In 1970, there was an effort by the Greek government to restore the Castle. A small open-air theatre was built, which now hosts occasionally a number of cultural events, such as musical concerts, poetry nights and ancient tragedies. In summer, there is a refreshment stand where you can enjoy a cool drink while you see the great view of the surrounding area.
References:Sigmaringen Castle was first mentioned in the year 1077 in the chronicles of Petershausen monastery. The oldest parts of the castle are concealed beneath the alterations made during the 17th and the 19th centuries. The secret of the earliest settlement built on this defendable rock will never be fully revealed: large-scale excavation work would be necessary, which the extensive land development renders impossible. Judging from the many Roman remains unearthed in the area around Sigmaringen, the 12th century keep known as the 'Roman Tower' could be traced back to a Roman predecessor.
The castle remains that have been preserved (gate, great hall and keep) date back to the Staufer period around 1200. The castle remains were integrated into subsequent buildings. The foundations of the castle buildings are to a large extent identical to the surrounding castle wall.
These remains give us a good idea of how the castle might have looked during the 12th century.