Kalamata Castle

A medieval castle in a picturesque, lively neighbourhood with great views -what’s not to like? The castle is in the northwest of Kalamata, on a rocky hill above the river Nedontas.

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The castle was founded during the Byzantine period, but the ruins we see today date from the 13th century when major reconstruction work was undertaken during the reign of Godefroid I Villeardouin, the Frankish prince who founded the principality of Achaia. It remained in the Villeardouin family from 1205 until 1322.  It is in the northwest of Kalamata, on a rocky hill above the river Nedontas. This is a lively part of city life thanks to the small park, the theatre that was built in 1950 and the cultural events held here.

The monument is typical of Byzantine castles. At the top of the hill there is a tower-shelter with a domed water tank, where remains of a temple have been found. An inner fortified precinct surrounds the top of the hill. Another enclosure protects the more vulnerable eastern side. The castle walls are vertical and follow the natural contours of the ground.

The Venetians also occupied the city from 1685 to 1715 (2nd Venetian Reign) and during this period they rebuilt the gate on the eastern side. You can see the Lion of Saint Mark above the entrance.

In the 18th century the castle lost its strategic importance, and at the beginning of the 19th century was abandoned. Ibrahim Pasha of Egypt’s army largely destroyed it in 1825.

Location

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