Mylopotamos Castle in Kythira was built by the Venetians in 1566. The carved lion of Saint Markos, a symbol of Venetian domination, still adorns the central gate of the castle. The lion holds a book with the inscription: PAX TIBI MARCE EVANGELISTA MEUS, MDLXV ('Peace to you Evangelist Marco, 1565'). Obviously there was an older settlement there, since at least the 14th century, that gradually was developed and after the destruction of other parts of the island in 1537, it became more impoortant and was rebuilt. The position controls the west coast of Kythira and the Ionian sea, but the primary usage of the fortification was rather the protection of the local population.
Narrow streets and semi-ruined two-storey houses mostly with flat roofs, travel the visitors back in time. The ground floor of the houses used to serve as warehouses while access to the upper floor was through an external stone staircase. Inside the castle there are the remains of nine single-aisle churches of the 16th-17th century decorated with Byzantine and post-Byzantine frescos.
References:Kakesbeck is one of the largest medieval fortifications in Münsterland and the oldest castle in Lüdinghausen. The imposingly grown complex originated in 1120 as a motte, a small hilltop tower castle. After numerous changes of ownership, the castle was extended onto two islands, but it was not until the 14th century that it underwent significant alterations and extensions under the von Oer family. The estate experienced its heyday in the middle of the 18th century, when it covered an area of almost one square kilometre and consisted of five further outer castles in addition to the core castle, which were secured by ramparts and moats.
The well-maintained condition of the castle today is thanks to the late Wilfried Grewing, the former lord of the castle. The foundation named after him has been particularly committed to preserving the property since 2020.