Castle of Arta (Greece)

AIRVŪZ STAFF NOTE : Check out this drone video of a well-known castle in Northern Greece, compliments of contributor ActionGreece. It's called the Castle of Arta, and it's located in its namesake town in the Epirus region, which covers the northwestern part of the country. Built in the 13th century, the castle played an important role in the political struggles of the region during the Middle Ages, which involved a series of oftentimes bloody conflicts between Byzantine, Ottoman, Serbian, and Venetian interests.

about 6 years ago

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Typical of the Byzantine Architecture, it was built in the 13th century under the initiative of the ruling family of Epirus, Komnenos. On the north-east side, Arta’s Castle was built on the ruins of the walls that protected ancient Amvrakia. These walls were extended in terms of height and reinforced with two towers, according to the medieval guidelines. During the occupation by the Ottoman Empire, the castle lost its significance, along with any interest for reconstructing, or enhancing it. For a long period of time it was used as a prison, in which General Makriyannis –amongst the heroes of the Greek Revolution in 1821- was imprisoned. The internal of the Castle was partially modified into a Xenia Hotel that was eventually left to decay. Today it is an important cultural venue in the prefecture of Arta, hosting many events during the summer.