A medieval tower in the seaside village of Rovies in northern Evia. It was built by the Franks in the 13th century and was used later by Venetians, Turks and Greeks.

History

According to some sources, the tower was built by the ruler of the Principality of Achaea William II Villearduin between 1255-1258. In that period, the prince had a dispute with the barons of Evia claiming half of the Terzero del Rio (the territory of northern Evia) which belonged to his wife.

After the 4th crusade and the fall of Constantinople (1204) the Franks had occupied Evia and divided the island in 3 parts (each named “terzero” meaning one third). In the case of Evia, the “Franks” were Lombards from Verona.

In the 14th and 15th century, Rovies like the rest of Evia was under the control of the Venetians. In 1470 Evia was conquered by the Ottomans and the tower of Rovies -initially merely a watchtower- became the house of the local landlord. In 1832 the Turkish owner sold it to the Greek Apostolos Doumas (together with the whole area around Rovies). Doumas wanted it to look more like a 19th century mansion and built the other buildings that are attached to the main tower.

New changes occurred in 1930s when, after an earthquake, part of the east wall fell down and the owner supported the building with concrete slabs.

So today, after many centuries of maintenance and treatment, the tower is still standing but it doesn't look much like a Frankish tower from the 13th century.

Sources