Angelokastro Castle is a Byzantine fortress on the east coast of Corfu, in the village of Krini near Paleokastritsa. The castle stands at the highest point of the surrounding shoreline, a rocky cliff with a height of over 300 meters. Angelokastro Castle is a popular tourist attraction with a rich history and stunning views in all directions.
History of Angelokastro Castle
The rock on which Angelokast Castle is located had already been inhabited before the castle was built. Archaeological excavations have revealed Early Christian closure slabs dating back to the period between the 5th and 7th centuries as well as other remains suggesting that the site might have already been fortified at that time.
Although it’s not exactly known when the current castle was built, historic sources suggest that it was either built around the 12th century by the Byzantine Emperor Manuel I Komnenon or by Michael I Angelos, Despot of Epirus. The fortress was probably named after Michael I Angelos, or his son Michael II Angelos, who further fortified the castle.
Angelokastro Castle was one of the most important fortifications of Corfu and together with Gardiki Castle and Kassiopi Castle, it formed a defensive triangle to defend the island from the south, west, and north. Due to its high location, it was also a strategic lookout post from where one could signal to Corfu Town if an enemy was approaching.
Since Corfu came under Venetian rule in 1386, the castle has been able to withstand many attacks and as such it played a crucial role in defending the island. In 1403, a fleet with 10,000 Genovan mercenaries came to land at Paleokastritsa and tried to conquer the castle for a year but were ultimately repulsed by the Corfiote garrison.
Angelokastro Castle also turned out to be impregnable during Ottoman sieges of 1537, 1571, and 1716 and provided safekeeping for the nearby villagers who fled to the castle. After the last unsuccessful siege of the castle, the Ottoman army retreated and tried to cross through the mountains towards Corfu Town. In order to prevent this, the garrison of Angelokastro left the castle and ambushed the Ottomans by rolling boulders down the mountains when they were passing by. After this defeat the Ottomans finally retreated and left the island.
The castle ultimately lost its defensive functions and fell into disrepair after being neclected for a long time. In recent years, archaeological excavations have been carried out and the castle has been reconstructed and reopened as a tourist attraction.
Visiting Angelokastro Castle
Angelokastro Castle is now a popular tourist attraction and to visit the castle you need to buy a ticket and walk up a few flights of stairs to get up the hill. This is absolutely worth the effort, because the castle offers the most stunning views over the Ionian Sea, the coastline including Paleokastritsa, and the mountenous landscape. Inside the castle there are also a few noteworthy things to see.
Chapel Of Saint Kyriaki
On the eastern side of the castle a chapel has been carved out into the rock formation to create a cave-like structure. The chapel is dedicated to Saint Kyriaki and served as a hermitage. Mural paintings inside the chapel date back to the 18th century.
Church Of Archangels Michael And Gabriel
At the highest point of the acropolis, you can’t miss the Church of the Archangel Michael.and Gabriel. The small church was built on the site of an Early-Christian three-aisled basilica.
Anthropomorphic Graves
On the western side of the castle you can see a small cemetery consisting of seven graves which have been carved out of the rock. Each grave has the shape of a sarcophagus for a human body, but it’s unknown when the anthropomorphic graves have been created.
How To Get To Angelokastro Castle
Angelokastro Castle is located about 500 meters south of the historic village of Krini, near Paleokastritsa on the west coast of Corfu. The easiest way to get there is by renting a car, which gives you the freedom to discover Corfu at your own pace and stop wherever you want. You can park for free at the foot of the castle, but the parking lot is only small. If there’s no space, you can best park in or near Krini as it’s only a short walk to the castle entrance.
The get to Angelokastro Castle by public transport you can take Green Bus line A18 to Makrades and walk from there through Krini to the entrance in about 15-20 minutes.
