Province:
Messinia
Destination type:
Archaeological site
About
Kyparissia castle: Kyparissia Castle, also known as Arcadia Castle or Castle of Arcadia, is located in the town of Kyparissia in the southwestern part of the Peloponnese peninsula in Greece. The castle is situated on a hill overlooking the modern town and the Ionian Sea.
The origins of Kyparissia Castle date back to the Byzantine period, but it underwent significant modifications during the Frankish and Venetian occupations in the Middle Ages. The castle was strategically important due to its commanding position overlooking the surrounding area, providing a vantage point for monitoring and defending the region.
The castle consists of a large outer wall with several towers and a fortified inner citadel. Within the walls, there are remains of various structures such as houses, cisterns, and churches, indicating that the castle was once a bustling medieval settlement.
Over the centuries, Kyparissia Castle has undergone numerous sieges and battles, including attacks by the Ottoman Empire. Despite its turbulent history, the castle has survived, albeit in a state of partial ruin. Today, it stands as a prominent historical landmark and a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the Ionian Sea.