Zarafona Castle

Sparta, Greece

Zarafona Castle is a good sample of late medieval fortification architecture. It is in relatively good condition According to an inscription found on the west external wall, the castle was constructed in the period that the Despotate of Moreas was governed by Theodoros II Paleologos (1407-1448). Therefore it was a construction of the first half of the 15th century, part of the effort of the Byzantines to confront the Ottoman threat.

The castle has an almost trapezoid layout and covers an area of 745 square meters. There are 3 towers, two at the west wind and two at the east. The walls are divided in 5 straight parts of vertical walls.

The central tower is much higher than the other buildings and the walls. It has 3 levels. The ground-floor houses a cistern.

Address

Sparta, Greece

See all sites in Sparta

Details

Founded: 15th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Greece

More Information

www.kastra.eu

Rating

4.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby

Monemvasia (56,4 km)
Archaeological Museum of Nafplion (56,7 km)
Palamidi Fortress (56,4 km)
St. Nicholas Church (24,3 km)
Despot's Palace (24,4 km)
Acronauplia (56,5 km)
Church of Our Lady Evangelistria (24,2 km)
Agia Sophia Church (24,4 km)
Hagia Sophia Church (56,1 km)

User Reviews

ΝΙΚΟΛΑΟΣ ΒΛΑΧΟΣ (5 months ago)

Jim Kar (9 months ago)
The castle is magnificent, the place where it is built is strategic and the view will compensate you. It's really a shame that it's falling apart, it deserves to be repaired and highlighted... With on-off motorbikes that we visited we arrived relatively comfortably, There is no signpost, you will rely on Gps to get there, it's very close from the village of Kallithea via a dirt road. If you're in the area, it's worth a visit.

Ioannis Giouzelis (9 months ago)
The castle is magnificent. The whole atmosphere and view is magical. On the downside... poor access, no signage and no maintenance at the castle.

Cata Ruiz (12 months ago)
This castle is so worth the stop!! Here are a few warnings -- the road to get there is rough. We did it in a VW Polo and barely made it. There are a lot of wasps and tall grass with thorns. But honestly, so cool! We had it all to ourselves and it was the highlight of our entire trip!! Just make sure you have the right car and right shoe attire!

Ελένη Καρακίτσου (2 years ago)

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Kakesbeck Castle

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.