Castle of Astypalea (Querini Castle)

Astipalea, Greece, Greece

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The Castle of Astypalea, also known as the Querini Castle, is a striking Venetian fortress that crowns the hilltop of Chora, the main town of Astypalea.

Built in 1413 by Giovanni Querini on the site of the island’s ancient acropolis, it was constructed to protect the population from frequent pirate raids and to revive the island after a period of abandonment. The castle was designed as a fortified settlement, with houses built into the defensive walls and a single main entrance for security.

Over the centuries, it served as the heart of island life, sheltering most of Astypalea’s residents within its walls. Although many of its buildings were damaged by a major earthquake in 1956, the castle remains one of the island’s most iconic landmarks. Visitors can still admire its stone walls, the surviving Saray tower, and the picturesque churches of Agios Georgios and Panagia Castriani while enjoying panoramic views over the whitewashed town and the Aegean Sea.