Venetian Castle of Akrotiri

The Kasteli, or castle, in Akrotiri is one of the five castles on the island. Built in the 13th century, during the Venetian period in the Middle Ages, it was called Kasteli Punta or La Ponta, which means “the peak.” In the middle of the settlement was the “Goulas” (tower) of Akrotiri, which was in very good condition until the earthquake of 1956, when it was severely damaged. The castle passed into the hands of the Turks in 1617, although the rest of the island had been occupied by 1566.