Mytilene Castle: In a position of prominence

Perched on the highest point of a peninsula that used to be an island, between the sea and a lush pine forest, it stands as one of the largest castles in Greece.

Although its initial construction probably dates back to the 6th century, its current form was achieved during the rule of the Genoese Gatillousi (1355-1462), who reigned supreme in Mytilene until 1462. The Gatillousi made additions and repairs, which bear elements of Western fortification architecture. In 1462, after laying a brief siege, both the town and the castle were captured by the Ottomans, who, in turn, carried out quite a few repairs and made their own additions to accommodate the use of new weaponry.

Divided in three sections (Upper, Middle and Lower), the castle was the heart of the town for centuries, with the coat of arms of the Palaeologoi and the Gatillousi still engraved on its walls. From the Byzantine cistern to the Princess Tower, and from Ottoman buildings (mosques, a teke/Ottoman monastery, a medrese/Islamic school, a hammam, a powder magazine, and more) to the houses of the Asia Minor refugees, visitors can witness the castle’s evolution through the centuries before their very eyes.