Castles in North Aegean

Historic Fortresses of the North Aegean

This collection features the defensive architecture of the North Aegean, spanning the Byzantine, Genoese, and Ottoman eras. Highlights include the massive Castle of Mytilene, one of the largest in the Mediterranean, and the well-preserved Molivos Castle. On Chios, Apolichnon and Volissos castles showcase Genoese fortifications designed to protect the island's valuable mastic trade. The list also includes the Hellenistic Drakano Tower on Ikaria, a rare example of ancient circular defensive masonry used to monitor sea lanes.

Historic Fortresses of the North Aegean — Map

Mike Peel / CC BY-SA 4.0

A

Molivos Castle

The dominant of Molyvos offers wonderful views and is also an interesting place for history lovers.

Perry / All rights reserved

B

Castle of Mytilene

The Castle of Mytilene, also Fortress of Mytilene, is located in Mytilene on the Greek island of Lesbos, North Aegean.

Man77 / Public domain

C

Icaria

Icaria, also spelled Ikaria, is a Greek island in the Aegean Sea, 10 nautical miles southwest of Samos.

D

Apolichnon Castle

A Genoese fortress built in 1440 on a hill near Armolia. It served as a strategic observation post to protect the surrounding mastic-producing villages.

E

Kastro Bolissou

Originally a Byzantine fortification attributed to General Belisarius, this castle was reconstructed by the Genoese Giustiniani family in the 15th century. It features a trapezoidal layout with six defensive towers.

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North Aegean Essentials Museums & Galleries Coastal Escapes