Nestani, Tripoli, Arcadia,Peloponnese
Tower of Nestani
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photo Amfitreidis, 2019
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photo Amfitreidis, 2019
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view from SE - Amfitreidis, 2019
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view from SE - Amfitreidis, 2019
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the castle of Nestani from the tower - Amfitreidis, 2019
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photo Amfitreidis, 2019
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view from the highway - Google Street
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view from the toll-post - Sep 2020
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Sep 2020
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fortification momuments around Nestani
THE END
| Location: |
| On a rocky hill, 1.5km SW of Nestani in Arcadia close to the NR Corinth-Tripolis before the toll station |
| Region > Prefecture: |  |
| Peloponnese Arcadia | |
| Municipality > Town: | |
| City of Tripoli • Nestani | |
| Altitude: | |
|
Elevation ≈ 665 m (Relative Height≈20 m) |
| Time of Construction | Origin | |
| Perhaps early 14th c. | Late-BYZANTINE  |
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| Castle Type | Condition | |
| Tower |
Rather Poor
|
Ruins of a medieval tower on a small rocky hill next to the National Road Corinth-Tripolis (E65), on the 146th kilometer, just before the toll station (heading to Tripolis).
History
We do not know the history of the tower, The difficult location and its relatively small size indicate that it was not a tower-house, while the type of construction shows that it was not Frankish.
It must have been a Byzantine military outpost guarding the narrow passage from Argolis to Arcadia.
Most probably, it was related and cooperating with the castle of Nestani atop the nearby impressive rock of Nestani, which was built around the end of the 13th century by the Byzantines of Mystras. Maybe the tower belongs to the same period.
Structure, Fortification & Buildings
The tower is square measuring 3.5✖3.5m. Its eastern side is in relatively better condition and is preserved to a height up to 4m. So the tower is visible from the highway. On this eastern side there is a big opening which certainly was the elevated entrance. The tower was initially higher, but not very much. It must have had at least two levels.
The walls are made of semi-processed stones with mortar and tile fragments between them.
| First entry in Kastrologos: | May 2020 |
Sources
- Research, photographs (2-7) and info by Sakis Lemonakis and his blog ΑΜΦΙΤΡΕΙΔΗΣ
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| Access |
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| Approach to the monument: |
| Exit the NR in Nestani exit. At 3.5km pass a tunnel under the highway, after which turn right. The hill is in 300m. |
| Entrance: |
| The hike up is difficult and dangerous. and need caution. |
