Castles and forts in Greece

Greek Castles and Forts

This collection features 15 significant historical fortifications across Greece, ranging from the iconic Acropolis of Athens to Venetian strongholds in Crete and Corfu. The selection includes the UNESCO-listed Byzantine capital of Mystras, the Crusader castle of Platamonas, and various Frankish and Ottoman ruins. These sites showcase diverse architectural influences and strategic defensive designs, reflecting the complex history of the Mediterranean from antiquity through the medieval period.

Jebulon / CC0

Acropolis

Ancient citadel featuring iconic Greek temples and ruins, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Jebulon / CC0

Koules

The Koules or Castello a Mare is a fortress located at the entrance of the old port of Heraklion, Crete, Greece.

Lukáš Nevosád / CC-BY-SA

Fortezza Fortress

The Fortezza is the citadel of the city of Rethymno in Crete, Greece. It was built by the Venetians in the 16th century, and was captured by…

Dr.K. / CC BY-SA 3.0

Angelokastro Castle

Angelokastro is a Byzantine castle on the island of Corfu,Greece. It is located at the top of the highest peak of the island's shoreline in…

Joanbanjo / CC BY-SA 3.0

Old Fortress

The Old Fortress of Corfu is a Venetian fortress in the city of Corfu.

Κλέαρχος Π. Καπούτσης / Attribution

Skaros

Climb this rocky hill which used to be a fortress in the past and enjoy a panoramic view of Santorini and the Aegean Sea.

Μυρμηγκάκι / Attribution

Akrotiri Castle

Damaged in the 1956 earthquake, this castle used to be a powerful fort for the Gozzadini family until it fell to the Turks in 1617.

Norbert Nagel, Mörfelden-Walldorf,… / CC BY-SA 3.0

Castle of Monolithos

Monolithos is a Greek village on the island of Rhodes, South Aegean region, belonging to the municipal unit of Attavyros.

//www.kastra.eu / CC BY-SA 4.0

Castle of Palaiokastro

Venetian fortress built in the 16th century on a coastal hill near Heraklion. It stands on the site of an ancient acropolis and houses the small church of Agios Markos within its ruins.

Haneburger / CC0

Platamonas Castle

The Platamon Castle, an important part of the history of Pieria, is a Crusader castle in Macedonia, Greece and is located southeast of…

Mystras

A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring a well-preserved late-Byzantine city. The complex includes a hilltop citadel, the Palace of the Despots, and several monasteries decorated with 14th-century frescoes.

Tower of Sanoudos

A 13th-century Venetian structure and the last remaining tower of the original ducal palace in Naxos. It was established by Marco Sanudo, the first Duke of the Archipelago.

Tigani Castle

Situated on a rocky promontory in the Mani Peninsula, these Byzantine ruins date back to the 6th century. The site features remnants of massive perimeter walls and a large water cistern.

Castle of Zarnata

A strategic fortification in the Mani region, featuring 17th-century walls built over ancient foundations. The enclosure contains a prominent tower and the Byzantine-style church of Zoodochos Pigi.