Psachna, Dirfys-Messapia, Euboea,Central Greece
Castle of Psachna
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view of the north from the northeast
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view of the north from the south
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photo by P.Roumbis-May 2018
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photo by G Traveller-2023
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photo by G Traveller-2023
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photo by P.Roumbis-May 2018
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detail of south wall
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detail of south wall
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photo by P.Roumbis-May 2018
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photo by P.Roumbis-May 2018
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photo by P.Roumbis-May 2018
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photo by P.Roumbis-May 2018
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photo by P.Roumbis-May 2018
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photo by G Traveller-2023
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photo by G Traveller-2023
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photo by G Traveller-2023
THE END
| Location: |
| On a hill 2 km north of the town Psachna of Evia island |
| Region > Prefecture: |  |
| Central Greece Euboea | |
| Municipality > Town: | |
| City of Dirfys-Messapia • Psachna | |
| Altitude: | |
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Elevation ≈ 273 m (Relative Height≈220 m) |
| Time of Construction | Origin | |
| 9th century | BYZANTINE  |
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| Castle Type | Condition | |
| Castle Ruins |
In Ruins
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Few remains of a castle on a hill 2 km north of the town Psachna of Evia, in a location with strategic advantages and good natural protection.
The castle was created probably by the Byzantines in the 9th century. A settlement, “Palia Psacha” (old Psachan) was developed around it, as population moved there from the coast (it was the era of piracy).
During Frankokratia (Frankish occupation in the 13th and 14th century) the fortification was reinforced. When the Venetians became the rulers of the region (late 14th to 15th century) the settlement thrived and expanded.
The castle was captured by the Turks in 1470 and was destroyed. According to the legend, an old gypsy lady showed to the enemy the secret passages under the hill to the castle.
| First entry in Kastrologos: | July 2014 | Last update of info and text: | May 2018 | Last addition of photo/video: | August 2023 |
Sources
- Θεόδωρος Σκούρας, «Οχυρώσεις στην Εύβοια (Μερικές λύσεις στα τοπογραφικά τους προβλήματα)»- ΑΕΜ – Τόμος Κ’ – 1975, σελ. 394
- Website ΨΑΧΝΑ ΕΥΒΟΙΑΣ - παραδόσεις, ήθη, έθιμα της Μεσσαπίας - ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑ ΨΑΧΝΩΝ (3) ΚΑΣΤΡΙ (Greek only)
- Website Square - To Μεσαιωνικό κάστρο των Ψαχνών
- Photographs 6, 9, 12-16 by Panayiotis Roumbis (May 2018)
- Photos 7, 8, 17, 18, 19 and video by G Traveller Καστρί Ψαχνών | Castle of Psachna (August 2023)
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| Access |
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| Approach to the monument: |
| Halfway on the country road Psahna-Kontodespoti turn right to a dirt road. After 850m, at the end of it, turn left and fet to the path after 65m. After walking up 280m you reach the 'gate' of the castle. |
| Entrance: |
| Free access |