Kelefa Castle

All the land and sea passages into the Mani were once controlled by three castles - Passava to the northeast, Zarnata to the northwest, and Kelefa which is at the southernmost end of the Taygetus mountain range.

Photos

+ 4

Most people who visit Oitylo Bay probably don’t realise that what remains of a huge pirate castle is watching over them from the hill above the bay. Even if you notice the signpost for the walk, the castle is hidden up in the hills and its grey stones blend so well with the mountain that it is difficult to make out.  But if you decide to follow the path (or to drive round the road to the back of the castle) you’ll find yourself exploring the huge walls of an abandoned 17th century fortification that once helped to control all the entrances and exits from the Mani. And while the views are beautiful at any time of day, the sunset can be particularly stunning. 

All together the castle covers 13 acres. It is completely enclosed by strong stone walls which are still in a good condition, as are 2 of the 4 bastions. You can go into the castle through an opening in the southwest walls to explore inside the castle, but take care and make sure you’ve got suitable footwear as the site is not supervised and there are no organised pathways etc. You’ll find some ruined buildings and one cannon (of the 58 that were used to defend the castle in its heyday).

Kelefa castle was built in 1670, to protect the commercial port in Oitylo. Although the pirate chief and first bey (ruler) of Mani, Lymberakis Gerakaris had agreed this with the Vizier Ahmet Kiuprouli, the Vizier sent 6,000 men from Roumeli to occupy the castle, taking advantage of a feud that had broken out between the families in Vathia and Oitylo.

The Ottomans held the castle for 15 years until 1685 when it was returned to the Maniots and their Venetian allies who strengthened the fortifications and appointed a garrison. They remained there until 1715, but the castle had lost its strategic importance and was finally abandoned.

Did you know that

The castle of Kelefa is to the west of Kelefa and south of Oitylos. There is a country road that starts 4.5 km before Areopolis on the main Gythio to Areopolis road and which leads to the castle.

If you’d rather walk, there is an old cobbled path, the "salitzada" as the locals call it, which connects the Kelefa Castle with Tsipas beach.

Location

Find the destination on the interactive map below.