Kefalonia Castle of Saint George

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• General info • Map • Members Photos (40) • Greeka Photos (18) • Reviews (3)

Location: Peratata

A 320-meter-high peak towering above the villages of Travliata and Peratata, the Venetian Castle of Saint George is deeply tied to the history of Kefalonia! Showcasing a polygonal shape and covering an area of about 16,000 square meters, the castle’s origins date back to the 12th century during the Byzantine era before falling into the hands of the Turks and finally blossoming into what it is today under the Venetian rule during the early 16th century.

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After its total completion, this fortress used to be the capital of Kefalonia up until 1757. However, two earthquakes in the 17th century, plus the catastrophic earthquake of 1953, left the Castle of Saint George heavily destroyed, with its fortifications having suffered a lot of damage.

The site features a small cost in order to enter and explore the ruins, where you will also find various coats of arms from Venetian families! Visitors will enjoy the castle’s fantastic landscape views over Argostoli and the neighboring villages, though it is also a great chance to visit the ruins of the Evangelistria medieval-era church and the church of Agios Theodoros! Otherwise, you may relax in one of the nearby cafeterias and restaurants.

How to get there

The Castle of Saint George is located in Peratata Village.

Private transfers: We recommend using an online pre-booked Kefalonia transfer service, which provides transfer by taxi, minibus, or private VIP car and arranging a pickup directly from the airport, port, or your hotel. Alternatively, there's the option of arranging a pickup by a local driver directly at the following numbers: 0030 694 511 8866, 0030 694 530 6145, 0030 699 561 9605, or booking your taxi online.

Car rental: There's the option of renting a car in Kefalonia and picking it up directly from the airport, port, or your hotel. Using a rental car allows visitors to discover the Castle of Saint George and many other places of interest in Kefalonia at their own pace.

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Reviews

Charles Lane 26 Aug 2023

Always worth a trip

Be sure to check the opening times before you go - usually closes 15:30.
I've been a regular in Kefalonia for many years and often make trips to the castle - 3 euros per person isn't bad... although I remember not so long ago it was free to get in and was open on to the evening. Progress, I guess.

Do be sure to stop off at Kastro's as part of your trip - very pleasant people, great food at very good prices, either local favorites or stuff for the less adventurous.
St 27 Jun 2022

Frustrating

They don’t admit anybody from 15.30. They didn’t even let me look inside, despite begging them as I drove very long to be able to see the castle from inside.
cicipu 02 Aug 2010

Almost entirely ruined

There is not much of a castle remaining. It is located just above the village Peratata. It is polygonal in shape and covers quite an extensive area. Unfortunately, the castle is ruined today and only few buildings survive. But as the history goes that when the castle was in full bloom and during time of glory, it served as a protection for people in times of war. It is quite unbelievable that this ruined place could earlier had residences, public building, churches, hospitals, prisons and storehouses filled with food and weapons. It was like an entire city inside the castle! Unfortunately none of that remains now however you can go there for royal ruins and some amazing panoramic views. There is also a cafeteria in the castle where you can sip and munch. Overall it is a nice place but nothing extravagant.

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