Overview:

The Venetian Castle of Nafpaktos, also known as “Rocca al Mare”, is a Venetian fortification located in the city of Nafpaktos in Greece. It was built by the Venetians in the 15th century to protect the city from Ottoman invasion. The castle consists of two round towers connected by a wall. The inner courtyard contains several buildings, including a palace. The castle has served as a defense against many enemies throughout its history, from the Ottoman Empire to the Macedonians and the Nazis. The castle has been restored several times and is currently open to visitors. It offers stunning views of the harbor and the city of Nafpaktos. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Greece
Prominent Features:

The Venetian Castle of Nafpaktos is one of the most prominent features of Nafpaktos, a historic port town located in eastern Greece. The castle is situated on a rocky islet known as “Bourtzi” in the Gulf of Corinth, just off the city’s main port. The castle was built during the 14th century and served as an important defensive fortification for Nafpaktos against Ottoman rule. The castle features a diverse range of architectural styles, with both Byzantine and Venetian influences. The tower walls remain largely intact, and other notable elements of the castle include its main gate and the surviving structures of an old bow-shaped bridge that used to connect the islet to the mainland. In 1826, the castle was partially destroyed by a fire caused by the explosions of gunpowder stores located inside the castle walls. Today, the Venetian Castle of Nafpaktos remains an important cultural and historic landmark in the region, with numerous guided tours on offer for visitors. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Greece.

History:

The Venetian Castle of Nafpaktos is located in western Greece, and was constructed by the Venetians in the 13th century. It was built as a fortification to protect the city and its harbor from pirates and invading forces. During the Ottoman period, the castle was a major element in the defense system of the Ottoman Empire allowing them to control the passageway through the Corinthian Gulf. During the Greek War of Independence, the Venetian Castle held a strategic importance for the Greek rebels, and it is said that it was the place where Greek revolutionary Theodoros Kolokotronis made his headquarters during this period. In 1881, it was restored by the Greek state, including the raising of its walls and the rebuilding of the damaged parts. Today, the castle is a popular tourist destination and is open to visitors daily, offering magnificent views of the city and nearby mountains. Visit one of the famous monuments of Greece with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Venetian Castle of Nafpaktos in Greece was built in the 15th century by the Venetians, after they seized control of the city from the Byzantines. 2. Originally it was meant to be a stronghold against the Turks, but was eventually destroyed during a siege in 1687. 3. The castle was restored 1998 and it is now open to the public. It boasts a castle keep, fortifications, dungeons, courtyard, and casemate. 4. There is also a great view from the battlements with a stunning view of the nearby Argolic Gulf. 5. The Venetian Castle of Nafpaktos is a protected monument by the Greek Ministry of Culture. 6. In the 18th century, Italian liberators used the castle as a base for their naval station. 7. During the Greek War of Independence in the 19th century, the castle's Greek defenders managed to keep the Ottomans at bay for over a year. 8. Inside the castle's keep is a museum, which contains a rich collection of artifacts from the city's history, including weapons and coins. One of the historical monuments of Greece, it tells the story of a bygone era