A rural medieval building 5km south of Chora of Amorgos with a view to the entire south coast of the island which is described by local sources as a “fortress” or a “Venetian tower”.

A little lower is located the famous church of Agios Georgios Valsamitis.

We do not have more info about it. The theory that it was a fortress is supported by its robust construction while it was not a mansion. Probably it was not a regular military outpost but just a refuge with some fortification for protection of the people of the area during pirate raids. Also, because of its location, perhaps it was also used as a watchtower.

Probably it was constructed in the 14th or the 15th century.

Structure, Fortification & Buildings

The tower has a rectangular layout with dimensions 15✖13m and a total surface of 220 sq.m. Its basement and ground floor are preserved, while, initially, it had additional floors that are not preserved.
Its entrance is not preserved, while the only openings are arrow-loopholes.

The basement has a vaulted ceiling and reaches 4m in height, and should have functioned as a rainwater collection cistern. The ground floor is divided into three separate rooms, which are covered with transverse arches. From the middle space started a built staircase for access to the upper floor.
The walls of the tower reach a thickness of 1m and they are made of rubble masonry with stones in horizontal zones, without the intervention of bricks, while there is a wide use of lime mortar as a binding material.

Sources