Kastrologos

Castles of Greece
 

Katochi, Missolonghi, Aetolia-Akarnania,West Greece

Koulia of kyra-Vassiliki

or Tower of Katochi  
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Location:
On a low hill at the center of Katochi, in Mesologi area, Western Greece
Region > Prefecture: Greek Map
West Greece
Aetolia-Akarnania
Municipality > Town:
City of Missolonghi
• Katochi
Altitude:
Elevation ≈ 30 m 
Time of Construction   Origin
14th century  
Late-BYZANTINE
H 
Castle Type   Condition
Tower  
Average
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The "koulia" (Turkish for "tower") of Kyra Vasiliki is a medieval tower on a hill at the center of the town of Katochi by Acheloos river and near Messologi.

Despite its name that implies a relatively recent origin, it is a Byzantine fort.

The tower was probably built by the Byzantines of the Despotate of Epirus in the 14th century, after the Franks were forced to leave the area. Its role was to control the passage of the river at this point.

In 1830, the young Greek State gave the tower to the legendary Kyra-Vassiliki, wife of Ali pasha. She lived there until her death in 1834.


First entry in Kastrologos:    July 2013




Road map to Koulia of kyra-Vassiliki

Access
Approach to the monument:
The tower is inside the town of Katochi, north of Mesologi. Head for the town’s church. The tower is next to it.
Entrance:
Free access to the perimeter


Other castles around
Aggelokastro
Dramagestos Castle
Tower of Kleisoura
Fort of Mesolonghi
Tower of Taxiarches Monastery
Tower of Aï-Giannis monastery