Tour Chora Castle in Kythira

Written by Greek Boston in About Kythira, Greece, Greek Travel Guide Comments Off on Tour Chora Castle in Kythira

Chora Castle in Kythira, Greece, has been one of the most strategic points of the southern Aegean since the late 12th. The castle is called the “Eye of the Greek Seas” because it oversees the Cetan, Ionian and Aegean seas. The restoration projects of Chora Castle prove it’s still essential to the island. Visiting and exploring Chora Castle is a great way to spend the day.

Access to Castle

Chora Castle in Kythira, Greece, is open daily and easily accessible through an asphalt road that ends at the entrance. After arriving, you’ll follow a stone-cobbled path around the courtyard and to the castle. You can see a fantastic view of Kapsali, Crete and Chytra from the southeast side of the castle. The recent restoration and promotion of the castle show its place in history.

History of Castle

Chora Castle in Kythira, Greece, started construction in the late 12th century, and its first phase finished in the early 13th century. Different military leaders wanted the castle for its strategic location, but the final construction was in 1503 under the Venetians. There was a Foreman until 1502, but the Venetians put an administrative center in its place. The wall with the Venetian emblem and coats of arms was near the tunnel from the entrance. You can’t make them out anymore since the French destroyed them in 1797. Before the conquerors went to the castle, 200 people were living there.

Layout of Castle

Near the entrance to Chora Castle, you can see the tunnel where the coat of arms was. Left of the entrance is the prison, and further up the right side is the Venetian reservoir, showing off its beautiful architecture. Near the center of the castle are a few dilapidated two-storey houses. After a 30-minute walk from the old homes, you’ll arrive at the gunpowder magazine. Next to the magazine is the oldest of the four churches in the castle, the church of Pantokratoras. The castle headquarters is near the front of a church, and the churches hold many old murals.

The biggest church in the castle is Panagia Myrtidiotissa, which finished construction in 1580. The church of “Panaghia Orfani” is next to it and holds the heirlooms of Mirtidiotissa.

Outside the Castle

Chora Castle in Kythira, Greece, has a courtyard between the inner and outer walls on the north side. The courtyard holds more houses and churches. The cannons outside the castle are from different eras of construction, including the English, the Russo-Turkish and the Venetian periods. An icon displayed in the church has two miracles written at the bottom. Pirates threatened the ship carrying metal for the icon’s dress, and lightning struck the castle near the gunpowder magazine but missed. The miracle-working icon was at the church for nearly two centuries.

There is much to see when visiting Chora Castle in Kythira, Greece. Much of the castle is still accessible and has many buildings and murals available. The castle is the monument with the most characteristics on the island due to its long history and multiple construction phases.

Categorized in: About Kythira, Greece, Greek Travel Guide

This post was written by Greek Boston