Agios Georgios Castle, Kefalonia, Greece

The Venetian Castle of Saint George in Kefalonia is located 7 km southeast of Argostoli, above the village Peratata. It has a polygonal shape and covers an area of 16,000 sq. m. This castle was originally built in the 12th century by the Byzantines but it was mostly the Venetians who gave it its present form. In fact, its external walls were built in 1504 by the Venetians.

The castle is ruined today and only a few buildings survive. It was not only the time and wars that caused its damages. This castle also suffered a lot from the earthquake that hit Kefalonia in 1956. At the time of its glory, inside the Castle, there were residences, public buildings, storehouses with food and guns, churches, hospitals, prisons, cisterns of water and generally an organized town. In fact, this Castle was the capital of Kefalonia before Argostoli was made the new capital in 1757. Close to a small square in the castle, you will also see the ruins of the Catholic Church of Saint Nicholas.

References:

greeka.com

User Reviews

Rick Ebberson (6 months ago)
Fantastic views from this castle, worth the 3 Euro entry fee alone. Spent around an hour exploring the ruins. Top quality cafe/restaurant right outside.

Ana Maria (6 months ago)
Castle has a great view of the island. 3€ for the entrance. Could use some historical reference points to explain the buildings and areas as opposed to an old photocopy of a map that is given at the entrance. Would recommend avoiding visiting during lunch hours in the summer as there’s very little shades. Street Parking is available in the small town about 150m away.

Demetri's World (7 months ago)
Magnificent olde fortress to visit. The size and beauty of it is overwhelming and the views... oh my ? Okay, it isn't as complete as our Brtish forts but use your flipping imagination. Fantastic Venetian fortress with a lot more history behind it.

Nicolehrm (9 months ago)
The castle was great to see and for wandering around. The view is stunning. In June the opening time was till 3.45 pm.

Geynor Hawksworth (10 months ago)
Of interest, not much in the way of historical facts on offer €3 entry fee full of school tours when we visited fantastic for panoramic phot opportunities

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