Castle of Emporio

The castles were fortified settlements with houses built stuck to each other so as to form a single wall. There was usually a major entrance on their internal side. Construction began on the Venetian castle of Emporio around 1450 AD. Later, it also expanded outside the fortified enclosure. It is one of five castles on the island and the best preserved today, as it is inhabited. An important ecclesiastical monument in the village is the church of the Virgin Mary Mesani (Panagia Mesani) with its ornate 16th century bell tower. Entering the fortified settlement through its impressive "door," it is worth getting lost in the labyrinth formed by the narrow alleys where houses mingle with small stairways and terraces, arcades and little bridges. The castle is inhabited, so our tour of it should respect the privacy of its residents. If we climb onto a terrace, we will enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding area, including Gavrilos Hill across from us, with its series of windmills.