Paleochori, Pangaio, Kavala,East Macedonia & Thrace
Vranokastro
| Location: |
| On a hill above the village Paleochori close to Kavala, East Macedonia |
| Region > Prefecture: |  |
| East Macedonia & Thrace Kavala | |
| Municipality > Town: | |
| City of Pangaio • Paleochori | |
| Altitude: | |
|
Elevation ≈ 305 m (Relative Height≈140 m) |
| Time of Construction | Origin | |
| 4th century BC | BYZANTINE  |
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| Castle Type | Condition | |
| Castle |
Not Good
|
The Name of the Castle
The name of the castle comes from the Byzantine general Alexios Vranas who, in the 12th century reactivated the castle. Before that was known as the castle of Alexander the Great because of its ancient Macedonian origin.
History
The castle was built by the Macedonians for the protection of the gold mines in the region. When the gold ran out, the castle declined. In the Roman period it was a unsignificant military outpost.
In 1185, in response to raids by the Serbs, the Byzantines decided to activate several abandoned castles in East Macedonia, including this one.
The castle remained avctive until 1383 when the Turks, who were storming the Balkans, captured it and destroyed it. According to the tradition, the siege of the castle lasted 40 years.
| First entry in Kastrologos: | November 2012 | Last addition of photo/video: | April 2024 |
Sources
- Video by the user Cat Nik Βυζαντινό κάστρο Παλαιοχωρίου, Βρανόκαστρο, Παγγαίο όρος
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| Access |
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| Approach to the monument: |
| From Kavala, follow the old NR to Eleftheroupolis. Turn right to "Serres-Nikisiana". After 5 km turn and enter to Palaiochori. Go towards the mountain (asking, no road-signs). When the road ends, a 40 min walk to the top is necessary. |
| Entrance: |
| Free Entrance |
| Other castles around |
|---|
| Apollonia tower |
| Byzantine walls of Drama |
| Castle of Heliokomi |
| Paliokastro of Kariani |
| Acropolis of Filippi |
| Castle of Nea Peramos |
| Castle of Proti |
| Castle of Rodolivos |
