Kastrologos

Castles of Greece
 

Kallithea, Evrotas, Laconia,Peloponnese

Castle of Zarafona

  
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Location:
On a hill south of Kallithea (or Zarafona), Laconia, Peloponnese
Region > Prefecture: Greek Map
Peloponnese
Laconia
Municipality > Town:
City of Evrotas
• Kallithea
Altitude:
Elevation ≈ 743 m 
(Relative Height≈80 m)
Time of Construction   Origin
Early 15th century  
Late-BYZANTINE
H 
Castle Type   Condition
Castle  
Not Good
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A good sample of late medieval fortification architecture in the middle of nowhere. It is in relativeky good condition.


History

According to an inscription found on the west external wall, the castle was constructed in the period that the Despotate of Moreas was governed by Theodoros II Paleologos (1407-1448). Therefore it was a construction of the first half of the 15th century, part of the effort of the Byzantines to confront the Ottoman threat.


Structure, Fortification & Buildings

The castle has an almost trapezoid layout and covers an area of 745 sq.m. There are 3 towers, two at the west wind and two at the east. The walls are divided in 5 straight parts of vertical walls.

The central tower is much higher than the other buildings and the walls. It has 3 levels. The ground-floor houses a cistern.


First entry in Kastrologos:    November 2012
Last addition of photo/video:  June 2019

Sources

  • Ν. Ι. Skagkos INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE DEFENSIVE ARCHITECTURE IN THE PELOPONNESE (5th-15th CENTURY), Alexandreio Conference Centre of Loutraki, Corinth Canal, September 30-October 2, 2011
  • Antoine Bon, 1969, La Morée franque. Recherches historiques, topographiques et archéologiques sur la principauté d'Achaïe (1205-1430), Ed. de Boccard, pp.661
  • Pictures from Panoramio by the user Burgenfuzzi