Ruins of an arched medieval building, which probably was a tower, at the eastern slopes of mount Kissavos overlooking the beach Platia Ammos and the settlement Kokkiνo Nero (meaning: Red water).

History

This was probably the tower of a small monastery. Very close to it, at a distance of 20m, there is another ruined medieval building which was a Byzantine church dated in the 12th century or the beginning of the 13th century. It is reasonable to assume that the tower belongs to the same period. However we are not sure. It might be a newer construction (not later than the 16th century).

The Byzantines called this territory Oros ton Kellion meaning Mountain of the Cells. It was a Monastic community which was developed here from the 9th until the 13th century. Its organisation and importance was on par with the Holy Mountain but this one did not survive after the Ottoman conquest.

Structure, Fortification & Buildings

The tower has a rectangular shape measuring 4.70✖5.10 m. The walls are 0.80cm thick. The roof was arched and must have been collapsed some decades ago. Next to the tower there is an addition, also in ruins, measuring 3.50✖4.70 m

Sources