Katochi, Missolonghi, Aetolia-Akarnania,West Greece
Koulia of kyra-Vassiliki
or Tower of Katochi
| Location: |
| On a low hill at the center of Katochi, in Mesologi area, Western Greece |
| Region > Prefecture: |  |
| West Greece Aetolia-Akarnania | |
| Municipality > Town: | |
| City of Missolonghi • Katochi | |
| Altitude: | |
| Elevation ≈ 30 m |
| Time of Construction | Origin | |
| 14th century | Late-BYZANTINE  |
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| Castle Type | Condition | |
| Tower |
Average
|
The "koulia" (Turkish for "tower") of Kyra Vasiliki is a medieval tower on a hill at the center of the town of Katochi by Acheloos river and near Messologi.
Despite its name that implies a relatively recent origin, it is a Byzantine fort.
The tower was probably built by the Byzantines of the Despotate of Epirus in the 14th century, after the Franks were forced to leave the area. Its role was to control the passage of the river at this point.
In 1830, the young Greek State gave the tower to the legendary Kyra-Vassiliki, wife of Ali pasha. She lived there until her death in 1834.
| First entry in Kastrologos: | July 2013 |
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| Access |
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| Approach to the monument: |
| The tower is inside the town of Katochi, north of Mesologi. Head for the town’s church. The tower is next to it. |
| Entrance: |
| Free access to the perimeter |
| Other castles around |
|---|
| Aggelokastro |
| Dramagestos Castle |
| Tower of Kleisoura |
| Fort of Mesolonghi |
| Tower of Taxiarches Monastery |
| Tower of Aï-Giannis monastery |