Angelokastro

Corfu, Greece

Angelokastro is a Byzantine castle on the island of Corfu. It is located at the top of the highest peak of the island's shoreline in the northwest coast near Palaiokastritsa and built on particularly precipitous and rocky terrain. It stands 305 m on a steep cliff above the sea and surveys the City of Corfu and the mountains of mainland Greece to the southeast and a wide area of Corfu toward the northeast and northwest.

Angelokastro is one of the most important fortified complexes of Corfu. It was an acropolis which surveyed the region all the way to the southern Adriatic and presented a formidable strategic vantage point to the occupant of the castle.

Angelokastro formed a defensive triangle with the castles of Gardiki and Kassiopi, which covered Corfu's defences to the south, northwest and northeast.

The castle never fell, despite frequent sieges and attempts at conquering it through the centuries, and played a decisive role in defending the island against pirate incursions and during three sieges of Corfu by the Ottomans, significantly contributing to their defeat.

During invasions it helped shelter the local peasant population. The villagers also fought against the invaders playing an active role in the defence of the castle.

The exact period of the building of the castle is not known, but it has often been attributed to the reigns of Michael I Komnenos and his son Michael II Komnenos. The first documentary evidence for the fortress dates to 1272, when Giordano di San Felice took possession of it for Charles of Anjou, who had seized Corfu from Manfred, King of Sicily in 1267.

From 1387 to the end of the 16th century, Angelokastro was the official capital of Corfu and the seat of the Provveditore Generale del Levante, governor of the Ionian islands and commander of the Venetian fleet, which was stationed in Corfu.

The governor of the castle (the castellan) was normally appointed by the City council of Corfu and was chosen amongst the noblemen of the island.

Angelokastro is considered one of the most imposing architectural remains in the Ionian Islands.

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Corfu, Greece
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Founded: 13th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Greece

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4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Mark Dann (5 months ago)
Amazing viewpoint! A short 10-15 minute walk up a rocky track and some steps. Well worth the €3 per adult entrance fee, not one for small children (8-9+). Cafe at the bottom if some of your party aren’t able to make the climb.
Matthias Klausing (5 months ago)
Amazing views from the place. One of my highlights of Corfu. You walk up a quite steep way but you will be awarded with some spectacular views of the islands. There are two little churches in the castle. One underground and one building on top.
Patrik Rosanics (6 months ago)
It’s a nice hike up the hill, takes maximum 10 minutes. There’s some information about the history of the ruins, and some amazing views. That’s it in a nutshell, nothing more, nothing less.
gavin green (6 months ago)
If you are interested in this kind of attraction, then this place is a must. There isn’t much in the way of explanation about the site but Google it first and you can learn the history of it. Only 3€ to get in we’ll worth the price, but if you’re as unhealthy as me go on a cooler day or take plenty of water and have a couple of rests on the walk up. Also the views from the top are spectacular.
ipekpınar çalık (6 months ago)
Definitely a must-see place in Corfu! To reach the castle, you have to climb almost 200 stairs, but it's worth it. The entrance fee is 3 euros for an adult. The view from the castle is breathtaking.
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