Zarafona Castle

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

Established
15th century