Chlemoutsi Castle

Elis, Greece

Chlemoutsi (Greek: Χλεμούτσι or Χλουμούτσι Chloumoútsi), also known as Clermont, is a medieval castle in the northwest of the Elis regional unit in the Peloponnese peninsula of southern Greece, in the Kastro-Kyllini municipality.

It was built in the early 1220s by the Crusader rulers of the Principality of Achaea as their main stronghold and is perhaps the finest fortification of the early period of Frankish rule in Greece preserved in the country today. The castle is located on a small plateau 226 metres above sea level and comprises a central hexagonal keep built around an inner courtyard and containing two-storeyed halls along its entire length, and complemented by an outer wall enclosing an outer yard on its western side. The castle is largely preserved in its original 13th-century state, with only minor later modifications for the installation of artillery.

Located near the Principality's capital of Andravida and the chief port of Glarentza, Chlemoutsi played a central role in the Principality's history but was never actually besieged. After coming under Byzantine rule in 1427, it was captured in 1460 by the Ottoman Empire, along with the rest of the Byzantine Despotate of the Morea. In Ottoman times, minor additions were made to provide platforms for artillery, but the castle progressively lost its significance and was completely deserted by the late 18th century. In 1825, during the Greek War of Independence, part of its outer wall was demolished to prevent the Greek rebels from using it. Today it is a preserved monument open to the public.

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Address

Kastro-Kyllini, Elis, Greece
See all sites in Elis

Details

Founded: 1220s
Category: Castles and fortifications in Greece

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Nino Dreverman (8 months ago)
Large castle with a little museum, the castle is actively being restored which is nice to see. Students are free, otherwise the entrance fee is minimal (2 euros per person I think). Worth a visit if you are around.
Charley Byrne (12 months ago)
Beautiful views and we'll restored castle with small museum, only 4 euros for entry. Parking on site. More interactive experiences or a gift shop would make it 5 star.
Margaret Wiscombes (16 months ago)
If you're fed up with rocks inna field, visit this castle from Crusade times (13th C). Fabulous views from the battlements and interesting great halls. Village under the castle is full of interesting little tavernas.
Emma Baker (18 months ago)
This is an amazing find. Beautifully and carefully restored. We were greeted at the entrance by a guide (no extra charge), who proceeded to explain the history and to point out features. It was €4 entrance and magnificent with stunning views all around and out to Kefalonia and Zachynthos. We’ll worth a visit!
Ponas Plansetas (2 years ago)
This castle was not far from our hotel so we visited it first. 10 o'clock wasn't crowded, just a few people. Tickets cost 4eur. There are museum-like rooms, but there are not many things to see. On the roof you will get a nice panorama. Should be careful when climbing upstairs, the stairs are slippery and steep. On the day we were visiting, half of the castle was closed due to restoration work.
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