A castle on a rocky hill between the beaches of Agia Agathi and Charaki of the east coast of Rhodes opposite the coast of Asia Minor.

History

The castle existed since the middle Byzantine period and maybe earlier. In the beginning of the 14th century, it was used as a stronghold by Arab pirates. The Knights of the Order of St John captured it in September 1306. It was the first castle they took in Rhodes. The castle was not in use in the 14th century and in 1408 it is reported to be in ruins.

The castle was repaired later -under grand masters Orsini (1467-1476) and Pierre d’Aubusson (1476-1503)- for the protection of the fertile territory around and the nearby anchorages. It became one the 3 major castles of the Ioannites in Rhodes.

The castle was captured by the Turks in 1523 after a long siege and several months later than the fall of the city of Rhodes.

After that the castle was abandoned and never used again.

Structure, Fortification & Buildings

The plan is polygonal, covering an area of 1,700 square metres with a perimeter of 680 metres and contained a substantial settlement. The north, northwest and west walls are Byzantine in date. The crenelation is of a plain , with square merlons.One gate and two 15th c. round towers still survive to the south and southeast. The arms of the Order of St. John and of grand master G. B. degli Orsini are incorporated in the masonry facing the sea. A water cistern still survives inside the castle.

Sources