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Angelokastro

Angelokastro is a 13th-century hilltop fortress with breath-taking views near Paleokastritsa on the Greek island of Corfu in the Ionian Islands.

Angelokastro, 13th-century hilltop fortress on CorfuAngelokastro
Photo by Dr.K.

This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license.

The location of this 13th century fortress is what makes it unmissable, on top of a headland which rendered it impregnable and which provides breath-taking views. On a good day you can even make out the Old Fortress right across the island in Corfu Town, and the two castles used to signal each other in times of danger.

Angelokastro Early History

The early history of the castle isn't known for certain, but it is named after Michael II Angelos Komnenos, the Despot of Epirus, who ruled Corfu in the 13th century. It was he who completed the building of the castle, which was probably originally started as a defence against the raids of Genoese pirates. 

Angelokastro as Refuge

In 1571, when the island was under Venetian rule, there was one of several attempted (and abortive) invasion attempts by the Turks, during which the local villagers sought refuge in the castle. The Turks were eventually fought off, and just as Corfu was the only part of Greece never to fall to the Turks, the walls of Angelokastro were never breached either.

Top Tip

Take binoculars to enjoy the views, especially if the day is clear and you might be able to see Corfu Town.

Angelokastro Today

There is not a great deal remaining of those walls today, as time and neglect have done what no invading army could do. There is a well-preserved cistern, some cells and a chapel on the highest point.

Getting to Angelokastro

All of these are reached in a 30-minute walk from the car park. To reach the castle head north from Paleokastritsa, and look for the left turning to the village of Kríni from the main road. If you want more of a challenge you can walk from Paleokastritsa and it takes about three hours. It’s a steep climb, and allow another two hours to get back down again.

Top Tip

It is a bit of a trek up from the car park, and access is not easy for the disabled or infirm.

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