Near by the centre and the port of Chios next to the main square you can find one of Chios’ most important and interesting ornaments – the Castle (Kastro) of Chios, also called Fortress of Chios Island (Frourion tis Chiou). Because of this and the fact that it is just beautiful in the region of the old castle, everybody, tourist and inhabitant, enjoys visiting and watching the charming castle.

We know that the castle is existent since the Hellenistic era (end of 4th c. B.C. – 30 B.C). Findings from archaeological excavations proof that.  Always since that time the castle has been inhabited, despite the fact that multiple attacks and invasions plagued it throughout its long history. Today there is a community of around 650 people living.

The Castle consists of land- and sea-walls, which altogether form an irregular pentagon protected by strong towers built along its entire length. Eight of these towers – some of them are almost intact – still defend proudly the Castle. But unfortunately the eastern section of the castle suffered heavy destruction in modern years, as a result of the construction of the new harbor. And the damage is irreversible.

Integrated in the masonry of the land wall and in one of its towers there are three marble slabs bearing the coat of arms of the Genoese family of Giustiniani – rulers of Chios from 1346 to 1566.

A deep moat filled with water surrounded theland walls, thus it secluded the Castle from the areas outside the walls. It was an effective system of defense and protection against potential danger.  Nowadays, the moat is a dry ditch, whereas the two stone bridges that provided the means of contact with the walled town have been covered with soil.

In the Castle area you can find three churches – St George, St Nicholas and St George the Kehrí. St George is the main church, “the cathedral” of the Castle.

The Castle also houses two Ottoman baths (Hamáms); today the smaller one is a private property, whereas the larger has been recently restored and is used to host an array of cultural exhibitions.

Take some hours for a nice walk through the old city and the castle of Chios. And enjoy the Castle’s flare full of history and culture. In the main corner of the castle you can sit and drink a coffee. There are even some little shops which you can’t miss!

So enjoy your stay and take some history with you from a visit in the Castle of Chios!

 

For more details about the castle’s history visit this webpage: http://www.chioscastle.gr/.