Castle of Parga: An Epirus gem with Venetian grace

Monument

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Parga, GR Get Directions

The Castle of Parga looms on the top of a rocky peninsula, whose western slope has been claimed by the town of the same name, surrounded by a landscape of exceptional natural beauty.

The Castle was mainly constructed during the Venetian rule (15th century – 1797), although Ali Pasha certainly left his mark by strengthening the defensive character of the existing fortress. It’s quite possible the rocky outcrop was inhabited as early as the Hellenistic period, as evidenced by the remains of a polygonal wall on the western side.

Access to the interior of the castle is through a gate on the southwest, protected by a semi-cylindrical bastion and connected to the town of Parga by a carefully paved stone path. At the highest point of the castle stands the acropolis of Ali Pasha. The barracks building, located near the entrance, has been reconstructed and today operates as a refreshment café.

Directions

Parga, 48060

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On foot

8 minutes from the port of Parga, via an uphill cobbled path

Last admission: 20 minutes before closing time  

The site remains closed on the following dates and public holidays: January 1, March 25, May 1, Easter Sunday, December 25 & 26.

Opening hours

Summer hours

April 1 – October 31

Free access

Winter hours

November 1 – March 31

Closed

Admission is free on March 6, April 18, May 18, the last weekend of September, on October 28, as well as on the first and third Sunday of each month between November 1 and March 31.