Saint George Castle, Cephalonia
The medieval castle and former capital of Cephalonia on a hill 320 metres high, with Venetian walls and the church of the Evangelistria in Proastio.
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About the museum
The Castle of Agios Georgios was for centuries the capital of the whole of Cephalonia. The original fortification dates back to Byzantine times and was mainly confined to the summit of a hill 320 metres high, where the church of Agios Georgios stood, from which the castle takes its name. The Western rulers who dominated the island from 1185 to 1485 strengthened the fortification and used it as an administrative and military centre.
In 1500 Venetian and Spanish forces recaptured the island and the castle from the Ottomans, but the three-month siege caused considerable destruction. Rebuilding began in 1504 and was completed in 1594: the walls were reinforced with three bastions, reached 600 metres in length and enclosed an area of 16 stremmata (a Greek unit of area), within which a settlement developed with the houses of nobles, administrative buildings, Orthodox and Catholic churches and food stores.
When the Venetians moved the seat of administration to Argostoli in 1757, the castle was abandoned. Despite time and earthquakes it survives to this day and is one of the most charming sights of Cephalonia. In Proastio (Borgo) the church of the Evangelistria stands out, an example of Ionian Baroque in excellent condition, which houses notable post-Byzantine icons from the ruined churches of the castle.
Highlights
- Former capital of Cephalonia on a hill 320 metres high
- Venetian walls with three bastions
- Church of the Evangelistria in Proastio, an example of Ionian Baroque
- Post-Byzantine icons from the churches of the castle
- Operated by
- Υπουργείο Πολιτισμού – Εφορεία Αρχαιοτήτων Κεφαλληνίας και Ιθάκης
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3 |
Free admission: 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, the last weekend of September, 28 October and the first and third Sunday of each month from 1 November to 31 March.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car the castle is 13 minutes from Argostoli, 14 minutes from Cephalonia International Airport, 38 minutes from the port of Sami and 48 minutes from the port of Poros.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The site has toilets.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
