A strategic fortress of Ermionida
Perched on the summit of an imposing rock, nearly 300m above the Thermisia lagoon, the namesake castle was not built at this specific point by chance: from here, the salt pans of the area and the sea passages were controlled, a fact that during medieval times made it one of the strongest fortresses of Ermionida.
The first written references appear in 1347. The castle passed successively through the hands of Franks, Byzantine despots and Venetians, while in 1537 it was surrendered to the Ottomans. In the 17th century, it came under the control of the Venetians again, who blew it up in 1715 to prevent it from returning to the hands of the Ottomans.
Since then, the fortress has remained silent, but not without myths. Folk tradition speaks of the young princess who preferred to fall from the ramparts rather than surrender, giving it the nickname "Castle of Oria".
Today, sections of the walls with battlements, a vaulted cistern, remains of buildings and the traces of a small church on the acropolis are preserved. The view towards the lagoon and the Argolic Gulf is captivating, especially in the light of the sunset.
Combine your visit with a walk through the coastal settlements of the area (Plepi, Achladitsa, Iliokastro) and make a stop at the Thermisia lagoon to gaze and take photographs.
The first written references appear in 1347. The castle passed successively through the hands of Franks, Byzantine despots and Venetians, while in 1537 it was surrendered to the Ottomans. In the 17th century, it came under the control of the Venetians again, who blew it up in 1715 to prevent it from returning to the hands of the Ottomans.
Since then, the fortress has remained silent, but not without myths. Folk tradition speaks of the young princess who preferred to fall from the ramparts rather than surrender, giving it the nickname "Castle of Oria".
Today, sections of the walls with battlements, a vaulted cistern, remains of buildings and the traces of a small church on the acropolis are preserved. The view towards the lagoon and the Argolic Gulf is captivating, especially in the light of the sunset.
Combine your visit with a walk through the coastal settlements of the area (Plepi, Achladitsa, Iliokastro) and make a stop at the Thermisia lagoon to gaze and take photographs.
