Ruins of a medieval fortification, probably from the Genoese period of the island, on a coastal hill on the north coast of Chios.

It is north of the village Agrelopo and north of the Castle of Oria or of Kambia.

History

We know nothing about the origin and history of this fortification. The hill has not been investigated.
The area has been inhabited since ancient times as buildings and architectural elements in second use can be observed on the hill, but mainly on the beach. This phenomenon is observed in almost all the chapels of northern Chios, without the origin of these members being known.

The location provides natural fortification but also very good visibility, better than the nearby castle of Oria, since one controls from this point to the east as far as Cape Oura in Amades and to the west as far as the area of ​​Melaniou. Thus, the existence of a fort used even just as an observation post-refectory would be quite important.

The name as well as its mention as “kastelli” by historians of Chios such as Zolotas reveal its use. The toponym of the area west of the hill is “fragospita”, indicating the habitation in the area during the Genoese period. The area belonged to Apanomerea, in the administrative region with its headquarters in Viki.

Structure, Fortification & Buildings

A section of a thick wall of the fortification made of stones and strong lime mortar is visible. In some other places, only a few traces of the wall foundations are visible.
The low vegetation makes the remaining traces indistinct.

The top of the hill has been leveled for the construction of the chapel and the landscaping of the surrounding area, while the opening of the road to the top certainly caused damage.

Sources