Remains of a fortification on the hill of the peninsula “Nisi” above the Mikro (Small) Theater of Epidaurus. Actually, this was the acropolis of ancient Epidaurus which in the Early-Byzantine period was partly modified to a castle.

History

There are no historical references for the medieval phase of the fortification of Epidaurus. However, the form of construction and the wall-type of the church indicate that it must have been built around the end of the 6th century or in the 7th century A.D., a period in which the raids by Slavs and Avars created new needs for defense.

Structure, Fortification & Buildings

The medieval castle covers only part of the area of the ancient acropolis but it was large and well built (for the standards of that period). The perimeter of its walls was 500m encircling an area of 13,400 sq.m.

The remains of 3 towers have been spotted. The curtain wall was, in some parts, 2m thick.The building materials came from the ancient site.

The main building inside the castle is a church (in ruins) dated between 7th and 10th centuries. A modern chapel (“Panagitsa”) has been built nearby.

Sources