Mytilene Castle

About the museum

The castle of Mytilene dominates the highest point of a peninsula that was once an island, between the sea and a pine grove, and is one of the largest castles in Greece. Its earliest phase is probably dated to the 6th century, but its present form is due mainly to the era of the Genoese Gattilusi (1355–1462), who carried out repairs and additions with elements of Western fortification architecture.

In 1462, after a short siege, the town and the castle were conquered by the Ottomans, who also made additions to adapt the fortification to new weapons. The castle is divided into three parts, the Upper, the Middle and the Lower, and for centuries was the heart of the town. The coats of arms of the Palaiologoi and the Gattilusi can still be seen on the walls. Within the site visitors follow the life of the castle through the centuries: from the Byzantine cistern and the Tower of the Princess to the Ottoman buildings (mosques, a tekke, a medrese, a hammam, a powder magazine) and the houses of refugees from Asia Minor.

Highlights

• One of the largest castles in Greece
• Coats of arms of the Palaiologoi and the Gattilusi
• Ottoman buildings: mosques, tekke, medrese, hammam
• Sunset from the summit

Operated by

Υπουργείο Πολιτισμού – Εφορεία Αρχαιοτήτων Λέσβου

Admission & discounts

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

From Sappho Square the castle is about 15 minutes on foot or 3 minutes by car.

Amenities & dining

On site there are toilets and a car park.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.