The castle of Kassiopi in Corfu during Byzantine times
The remains of Kassiopi Castle stand on the northeastern coast of Corfu, overlooking the channel that separates the island from mainland Greece. This location gave the castle a significant strategic advantage. In late Byzantine times, along with Angelokastro on the eastern coast and Gardiki in the south, the castle formed a defensive triangle protecting Corfu.
The exact time of the establishment of a fortification on the site is unclear and may date back to the early Byzantine era. Indeed, excavations in the towers adjacent to the main gates and on its northern side revealed bronze coins from the reigns of Emperors Maurice (582-602) and Basil II (976-1025). Additionally, ceramic ostraca from the early Byzantine period (4th to 7th centuries) were unearthed. These hints suggest that a Byzantine castle could have existed in the area by the 6th century.
The remains of the castle of Kassiopi.
However, the current structures of the castle are not that old. The perimeter of the castle spans 1,073 meters. It has a quadrilateral shape with 19 strong towers, alternating between circular and rectangular cross sections. The rectangular towers are older than the circular ones.
The walls enclose an area of 35,177 m², devoid of any structures. The main gates and their two flanking towers, along with a few other towers and parts of the walls, have survived. However, most of the eastern part of the castle, as well as its central tower, have disappeared.
Kassiopi in the Venitian times.
After the island came into the possession of Venice, Kassiopi Castle was neglected for most of the period to the benefit of the other Corfiote forteresses. This left the inhabitants vulnerable and unprotected, and many were killed or enslaved when the Ottomans attempted to conquer the island.
The Venetians even transferred some materials from Kassiopi to strengthen the fortifications of Corfu town. However, when Corfu remained the only part of their former dominion, they decided to restore the castle, but it was soon after definitively abandoned.
Much of its material was subsequently reused to build houses in the adjacent village of Kassiopi, leading to the disappearance of many remains.
