Last updated on October 23rd, 2020 at 06:11 pm
Angelokastro (Angel’s Castle) in Paleokastritsa
Angelokastro was the westernmost outpost of the Byzantine Empire and the Despotate of Epirus to which Corfu belonged until 1267 AD, it is near the village of Krini north of Paleokastritsa next to a monastery.
Built in the early 12th century AD by the Despot of Epirus Duke Michael-Angelos Komnenos the second, therefore the name Angel’s Castle, and in its prime, in an emergency, it could protect the entire population of the region, about 4000 people.
Inside the castle, two large water tanks and the churches of the Holy Archangels and Agia Kiriaki are preserved.
The church of the Archangels was built in 1784 on the site of an older church.
Agia Kiriaki was built inside a small cave and has 18th-century paintings.
Angelokastro(Angel`s castle) saw many sieges but never fell except once to the Venetians after a six-month siege in 1386.
In 1537 only 8 soldiers of his guard with the help of the residents were needed in order to repel the attack of Barbarossa.
The Turks tried again and failed to conquer the Castle in 1571.
The villages around got their names from the soldiers who took pieces of land to settle on when they retired.
Examples are Makris-Makrades, Vistonas-Vistonas, Doukas-Doukades, Aspiotis-Aspiotades, Kabbadias-Kabbadades, etc.
Today the castle is still standing at the top of the rock and it is a strong tourist attraction, a well-preserved piece of history for this magnificent island.
More sights and Monuments in Corfu
Corfu Town Hall: The San Giacomo Theatre
San Giacomo building has retained its beauty and has become the home of the Town Hall. It is located at the intersection of Eugene M. Voulgareos and M.Theotoki streets.… Read More
Esplanade (Spianada) Square and Liston in Corfu
The Esplanade or Spianada is the central square of Corfu and a meeting place for residents and visitors, it is the largest square in the Balkans and one of the largest in Europe… Read More
The Palace of St. Michael and St. George
During the era of the British rule in Corfu, High Commissioner Sir Frederick Adams in 1819 decided to build the Palace of Saint Michael and George… Read More
Angelokastro: The Castle Next to Paleokastritsa
Angelokastro was the westernmost outpost of the Byzantine Empire and the Despotate of Epirus to which Corfu belonged until 1267 AD, it is near the village of Krini north of Paleokastritsa.… Read More
Mouse Island (Pontikonisi) – The Top Scenery of Corfu
Everybody knows the picturesque Mouse island or Pontikonisi as the locals call it, at the entrance of Gulf of Halikiopoulos… Read More
Mon Repos Palace in Paleopolis Corfu
Mon Repos Palace is a neoclassical building at the east of Paleopolis, the Corfu ancient city. Built at 1830 by the British Commissioner Sir Frederick Adam in the beginning of the peninsula of Kanoni opposite the... Read More
Corfu New Fortress: The Venetian Fortification
Another example of the high capacity of Venetians in fortification, and an architectural marvel of art built by the Venetians and with the physical labor of the inhabitants from 1576 until 1645… Read More
Old Fortress in Corfu & The Old British Hospital
This was originally a natural promontory offering in its rocks protection for the residents of the 5th century AD when the ancient city of Corfu was moved here after the destruction of the ancient city... Read More
The Bell Tower of Annunziata in Corfu
Annunziata, a monument of pan-European significance. At the intersection of Evgeniou Voulgareos and Vrahliotis streets in Corfu, is the Annunziata, a church devoted to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary as well as to Santa... Read More
Achilleion: The Palace of Sisi in Corfu Greece
10 km south of the city and three kms north of the village of Benitses on the edge of the village of Gastouri sits the beautiful Achilleion(Achillion) Palace. It was built by Empress Elizabeth of Austria... Read More
Ancient Corfu Sites of Paleopolis
If you fancy a journey in your imagination explore the site of the ancient city of Corfu, known as Paleopolis (Old City). It was discovered after archaeological excavations during the last century. The city was founded in the... Read More
Museums in Corfu: Archaeological, Byzantine, Banknotes
Due to rich historical and cultural heritage, the museums in Corfu are many and offer a wide variety of exhibits from Neolithic times to the present, there are also cultural museums dedicated to the rich intellectual... Read More
Corfu – Aqueduct of Commissioner Frederick Adam in Benitses
On an island like Corfu, with huge rainfall and rich and inexhaustible water table, one would expect that the water supply of the city of Corfu with plenty of good quality water would be an... Read More
Ruins of Roman Villa with Baths in Benitses
Roman remains are not something many visitors associate with Corfu, but traveling around you can get glimpses which show you that their occupation was definitely not a quick holiday stop! Many conquerors have left their... Read More
Leave a Comment