The iconic fortress of Paxos
At the top of the islet of Saint Nicholas, which serves as a natural breakwater for the harbour of Gaios, stands one of Paxos’s historic landmarks. Saint Nicholas Castle began to be built in 1423 by Baron Adam II San Ippolito, in order to protect the inhabitants from pirate raids. Its history is linked to a striking legend, as it is said that its reconstruction in 1510 was based on plans by Leonardo da Vinci.
Today, you can still make out the sturdy walls, the stone cisterns and the powder magazine, all elements that testify to the fortress’s strategic importance in controlling the Ionian Sea.
Beyond its defensive role, the islet of Saint Nicholas is also a place of remarkable spirituality and natural beauty. Within the settlement inside the walls stand the picturesque chapels of Saint Nicholas and Saint John, surrounded by dense vegetation and centuries-old pine trees. Completing the scene is a traditional windmill, standing as a witness to the rural life of the past.
A walk around the castle offers a sense of tranquillity, with its distance from the bustling waterfront of Gaios creating the ideal setting for a relaxed stroll and an introduction to the island’s history.
Very close by lies the islet of Panagia, home to the historic monastery of Panagia of Vellianites, which dates from the 16th century. Should you be there on 15 August, you will experience one of the finest festivals in the Ionian Islands, gathering large numbers of worshippers and visitors. The reverent transfer of the icon of Panagia of Vellianites by small boats from Gaios to the islet offers a unique spectacle, linking the maritime tradition of Paxos with its spiritual heritage.
