Astypalea Venetian Castle

Location: Town

Built on the highest point of Astypalea Town, the Venetian Querini Castle towers over the quaint settlement, contrasting with the whitewashed houses that sprawl around it. Its name derives from the noble Venetian Querini family, who ruled the island since the early 1200s, and over the centuries, it evolved into a castle town that played a key role in local history.

Though Astypalea was granted to Count Giovanni Querini in 1207, the following years were tumultuous, as the island was a site of contest among the Venetians, the Byzantines and the Turks. During the 14th century, in particular, it was laid waste by pirate raids and remained completely deserted till Giovanni Querini IV brought in settlers from Mykonos and Tinos in 1413. It was then that the fortress was reconstructed, taking its current form.

Between 1540 and the 19th century, Astypalea formed part of the Ottoman Empire, but piracy remained a serious threat for the locals. Thus, the Venetian Castle housed within its walls the greatest part of the island’s only settlement for hundreds of years. Any buildings erected outside the enceinte further reinforced the castle’s defenses. It was only in the early 20th century that the residents began to settle in the surrounding areas. The houses of the castle town had three floors and could accommodate up to three families. Besides private residences, there were also smithies, sawmills and pottery workshops, while the arched passage near the main gate was a hub for commercial transactions. However, most of these edifices were destroyed as a result of a tremendous earthquake that shook the island in 1956.

Today, visitors can still see the arched passage, as well as a square corner tower known as the serai. Moreover, two whitewashed chapels were erected between the late 18th century and the 19th century, one of which is dedicated to Saint George and the other to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. Protruding above the walls, their blue domes give the castle a unique charm!