Chlemoutsi medieval Castle

40 km, at Kyllini, 50' by car

Chlemoutsi is a medieval castle a fortress, was built to protect the invaders from other parts of Europe. Today it is abandoned, and has been turned into a tourist attraction. It sits atop a hill 135 m above sea level and surrounded by pine trees and houses. 

The castle was built between 1220 and 1223 during the rule of Geoffrey I of Villehardouin, with the use of confiscated Church property. After World War II and the Greek Civil War, it became a preserved landmark. 

Press on to the top for one of the great Greek panoramas. Out to sea, Cephalonia, Ithaki and Zakynthos look near enough to touch on a clear, summer's day. North, across the Gulf, you'll see the sierras of the Sterea Ellada. South and east, ridge after ridge of misty blue summits rise towards the Erymanthos range.